vic viper

Yes, I have wired it that way.

vic viper

Parts list for DIY:


A207 817 04 16 star assembly, supply voltage, 12V


A210 540 47 81 connector housing for illuminated star


A000 540 24 05 crimp connectors with seal for connector housing, two required.




Connect to 12V supply of choice with 2 lead cable.

JaredP

I read about someone who wired the star to their LED DRLs on an ML and used a remote dimmer switch to turn the star on/off, what parts would be necessary for this kind of install?

vic viper

I was about to do the same but as the voltage to the DRL.s vary with light sensor input I discarded that idea.


With the current wiring I have the very same functions as if I would have installed the kit by the book, but with the exeption that it is permanetly lit when it is dark.

Doa

looks good but in most countries its not allowed to light up while driving, only when opening/closing your car

5280CLS55

I like!

Khan28

I like it since your car is styled appropriately sporty. Had that been the only touch given to the car and the rest of it was totally stock then it might look weird but keeping in tune with a restrained and sporty look that looks quite nice.

adanmtxt1

I saw a lighted star on a CLA a couple weeks back and thought it actually looked great in person. Hope you enjoy! Did you personally conduct the installation?

vic viper

If I get in trouble with the law Ill just play dumb and say that I bought the car this way, also I have fitted a connector in the engine bay so I can unplug it if I want.

shotgun_banjo

I dont see why it it illegal? What is the difference of a LED, fogs or whatever light in front of a car? I bet the reason it is illegal on most countries is that they dont want to see people who have our cars rub it too much to the general public and make the rest of the population go up in arms and start a civil war because their car logos cant light up like our beautiful star. Just a thought.

JaredP

From what I've read, there is two generations of the wiring harness available for the star available in the US, the first only lit the star when the car was parked and engine off for several seconds. Apparently, the second generation allowed the star to run permanently while driving, sounds like Mercedes made some deal with the department of transportation. The option to have it permanently lit is not available in Canada, as it is not in compliance with the Highway Traffic Act. You could always wire it to your parking lights and use one of :

vic viper

Yes, there is a control unit for the US market for permanent illumination, but then you must do the entire install by the book.

acr2001

I hope you're being sarcastic about the last part.
I can only speak for the US, but here it's illegal to have any additional lights on the car during driving because it is "a distraction to other drivers". You are limited to 4 beams of light on the front of the car, max. This same rule is why things like underlights are illegal while driving. That's why when installed using the CAN controller per MB's instructions, it will never light up while driving.

shotgun_banjo

Yes I was! LOL! But isn't the star logo not considered "a beam of light"? It should be just the same as the LED setup that all MBs has that turns on while headlamps are operational and from my understanding those don't turn off when you flip the high beams on.

Also you need to think of why the park lights, eyelids and side markers are always on during headlamp operation and those are not considered beam of light.

But again we don't know what those lawyers in the US who created that law were thinking.

I just saw one this morning here in Vancouver with the star lit-up while in motion I can't recall what car it was as it's 5:00am but it does look cool with the led strip on the bumper and xenons.

Josh.A.Hussey

I want this so bad... I am going to attempt this DIY.. Vic, would you be willing to answer any questions I might have during install if I need your help?? I would REALLY appreciate that. Seeing as you're much well versed than me with the cars I cannot offer anything in return besides an opinion on your car/mods, haha!
... Your wagon is badass.. Jealous.

trif_romeo

So what is the part number or right harness to have the star on all the time? Does the star has a number of hours? Will it burn since its on all the time?

JaredP

The illumination is done via a fiber optic cable outlining the star. At the end of the cable there is an LED, which will generally last a long time.

boom132

Does it look like the LED is replaceable? Say, with a different color?

vic viper

There is only a single LED in the center of the star and it is completely enclosed in silicone rubber.
Please dont change the color that would definitely destroy a good looking benz.


@Josh.A.Hussey it really isnt that hard, I am sure you can do it if you have the proper Tools.

trif_romeo

Vic, do you know what parts do I need to have the "always on" star? Mercedes has kit special for it right?

vic viper

Yes, but I cant confirm if it works as it didnt work on my EU spec vehicle


A207 817 04 16, star assembly
A207 820 00 13 wiring harness
A166 900 48 10 CAN Control unit for permanent illumination US-market only

trif_romeo

Ok, I will order it and try it out.




A207 817 04 16, star assembly - $295
A207 820 00 13 wiring harness - $60
A166 900 48 10 CAN Control unit for permanent illumination US-market only - not valid part #


I'm wondering if I am better off just buying the Illuminated star kit from eBay. Around $400.


I want it to be illuminated all the time. Any other suggestion without splitting wires?

scottijones

I am going to wire this off of my side light (non LED) will I need a current limiting resistor or is there one built into the unit and I just connect straight in??

vic viper

Just plug it straight in to any 12V source

scottijones

Thanks