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Should I switch out my Side Markers? Legal?

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Old Sep 2, 2015 | 08:00 PM
  #1  
linroger's Avatar
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2013 C300 4matic
Should I switch out my Side Markers? Legal?

The fat amber side markers look awful on the c300 in my opinion.

I'm trying to decide between these 2 side markers:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2PC-MATTE-BLACK-3-FUNCTIONS-LED-SIDE-MARKER-LIGHTS-SIGNAL-COURTESY-PARKING-LAMPS-/201173695152?fits=Year%3A2013%7CModel%3AC300&hash=item2ed6e2fab0&vxp=mtr
OR

http://www.ebay.com/itm/DEPO-2012-14-MERCEDES-W204-COUPE-SEDAN-WHITE-LED-CLEAR-BUMPER-SIDE-MARKER-LIGHT-/121736952259?fits=Year%3A2013%7CModel%3AC300&hash=item1c581679c3&vxp=mtr
I'm only scared because I will get cited for having a white side marker. Which one should I get? I know that the second option has an amber option but does it look good? The first option is nice because the turn signals appear in amber but I would like to see some pictures of the whole vehicle with this marker on. Any help?
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Old Sep 3, 2015 | 10:14 AM
  #2  
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From: Central Kentucky
2014 CLS550-4M, 2013 C350-4M Coupe
For what it's worth, I've had clear (white) side markers (with amber or chromed amber bulbs) on at least one of my cars since 2005 and never had any traffic stops or tickets.
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Old Sep 3, 2015 | 10:23 AM
  #3  
Antique-Ace's Avatar
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From: Central Kentucky
2014 CLS550-4M, 2013 C350-4M Coupe
Also, I would go with Depo side markers in white or amber. The Depo's have known / proven quality and fitment for your MB.
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Old Sep 3, 2015 | 11:46 AM
  #4  
Dustindustrial's Avatar
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2016 GLC300 4MATIC
I went with the DEPO clear side markers, with chrome orange bulbs so there's no "egg yolk" look. They look much nicer than the orange side markers. Like Ace said, I've had clear and smoked side markers in several cars, without any issues with the cops or during inspections. As long as they light up orange, I think you'll be ok.
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Old Sep 3, 2015 | 12:30 PM
  #5  
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From: Albany NY
2012 C350 Sedan
Go with the DEPO ones, they are super easy to install and look great. I have the white ones - no issues.
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Old Sep 3, 2015 | 01:16 PM
  #6  
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2010 C350 Sport
Originally Posted by linroger
I'm only scared because I will get cited for having a white side marker. Which one should I get? I know that the second option has an amber option but does it look good? The first option is nice because the turn signals appear in amber but I would like to see some pictures of the whole vehicle with this marker on. Any help?
The first link you provided isn't even a side marker for the W204.

But to answer your question, no it's not legal. The front sidemarkers must reflect amber and must illuminate amber. This is the federal safety regulation for every state.

Whether or not you want to follow this is up to you. Most cops don't care but even if you get cited it will most likely be a "fix-it" ticket. The only problem is if someone is smart and they hit you, they can use it to their advantage with the insurance company and claim your vehicle was improperly equipped.
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Old Nov 11, 2015 | 10:16 AM
  #7  
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I'd have to agree with Shimee. I would check with my local state laws (just in passing ask a state trooper). They would not have a problem addressing your questions at all!
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Old Nov 11, 2015 | 11:41 AM
  #8  
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Just FYI it is illegal. In the US all cars have to have orange reflectors, hence why your car came with them from the factory but the European models don't always. If you live in a state with annual vehicle checks you will have to change them out to factory ones for the inspection (ask me how I know).
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Old Nov 11, 2015 | 09:45 PM
  #9  
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You are right they do look horrible, especially on white cars. I got clear ones with chrome amber bulbs for mine. Look much better. And you dont get the orange at all unless they are on.
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Old Nov 15, 2015 | 03:07 PM
  #10  
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From: Sunny ole' England
2010 C200 CDI Sport
Why is it that over there you guys have to have those markers like that? Only car here that has those regularly is a Volvo
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Old Nov 18, 2016 | 10:52 PM
  #11  
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E550
Same problem! Fixed! My pics show everything!! Thanks guys!

Enjoy!

Cost me less than $20. Electrical tape, zip ties, 14-16 gauge butt-connector, and wire strippers.

And 1 hour of my time! Which is PRICELESS!










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Old May 30, 2017 | 01:34 PM
  #12  
BMerc1's Avatar
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From: Toronto, Canada
2014 E300 Sedan 4matic
Trying to get clear side-markers for my W212 - 2014 E300 4matic. I keep seeing Ebay, Amazon for E350 and E400 but not E300. This is usually the case with most none OEM parts.

Any advice where I can look or would the E350 clear side-markers be compatible with E300? Thank you!
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Old Jan 29, 2018 | 03:39 PM
  #13  
wwccww's Avatar
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GLK350
Originally Posted by Caleb Benton
Enjoy!

Cost me less than $20. Electrical tape, zip ties, 14-16 gauge butt-connector, and wire strippers.

And 1 hour of my time! Which is PRICELESS!










Hi Caleb, could you please repost the photos..? The photos cannot display anymore..! Many thanks..!
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Old Nov 24, 2018 | 10:11 PM
  #14  
Harrison Reed's Avatar
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Ml350 2013 W166
.

Last edited by Harrison Reed; Nov 25, 2018 at 11:51 AM.
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Old Nov 25, 2018 | 10:59 AM
  #15  
Spider 2000's Avatar
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From: New Hope, PA
2014 C300 Sport 4Matic
I bought the clear side markers with amber bulbs off ebay when a retread came flying at me on the highway and busted one of my ugly orange ones. Just brought the car in for PA state inspection with them last week and no problemo!

On another note, these were $10 and I'd highly recommend...slip in pockets for your door handles. They fit perfectly and you'd never know they weren't stock. Friction fit, no gluing or screwing. Now i can keep my wallet, phone, keys or whatever in the door handle! https://www.ebay.com/itm/For-Mercede...72.m2749.l2649
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Old Nov 11, 2020 | 04:22 PM
  #16  
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The bulb size is a 168/194
available from any auto parts store for $1.50 to $4.00
the dealer will charge $15.00


-Brian A.
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Old Nov 11, 2020 | 04:33 PM
  #17  
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2010 C350 Sport
Originally Posted by BrianA.
The bulb size is a 168/194
available from any auto parts store for $1.50 to $4.00
the dealer will charge $15.00


-Brian A.
It is important to know that 168 and 194 bulbs are physically the same but they draw different amounts of current. The 168 bulb draws 4.9W @ 14V whereas the 194 bulb draws 3.8W @ 14V. The former will be slightly brighter and operate slightly hotter than the latter.
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Old Nov 11, 2020 | 05:59 PM
  #18  
GunDriver's Avatar
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From: Lower Alabama
2009 C300 4matic Sport
The pic you requested...

Originally Posted by linroger
The fat amber side markers look awful on the c300 in my opinion.

I'm trying to decide between these 2 side markers:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2PC-MATTE-BL...e2fab0&vxp=mtr

OR

http://www.ebay.com/itm/DEPO-2012-14...1679c3&vxp=mtr

I'm only scared because I will get cited for having a white side marker. Which one should I get? I know that the second option has an amber option but does it look good? The first option is nice because the turn signals appear in amber but I would like to see some pictures of the whole vehicle with this marker on. Any help?
here is the pic you requested, on and off. I am on the fence about looks. No inspection in my state and have no idea if its legal. To be honest I didn't even think about that..





Last edited by GunDriver; Nov 11, 2020 at 06:05 PM.
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Old Apr 10, 2021 | 03:13 AM
  #19  
Jordan Fleming's Avatar
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From: Tampa, Florida
C63 AMG
How mine look

I just recently bought black side markers for my black C63 and im absolutely in love with how it looks now. I'll post a before and after picture below (the after picture is worse quality than the before because I only just did this yesterday and haven't had another photoshoot yet)


This is when i first got the car. Still want to black out the grill and maybe leave the star. (Should i black out the eyelids too???) I also want a set of nice C63s rims really badly but i cant afford any at the moment (maybe trade my OEM's haha).

The process to install only took me about 20 minutes the fitment is absolutely snug and doesnt wiggle. Best $15 mod hands down.
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Old Jan 5, 2026 | 05:53 AM
  #20  
Ness63's Avatar
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2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG
Looks great imo
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Old Jan 5, 2026 | 05:54 AM
  #21  
Ness63's Avatar
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2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG
Did the same with my CLS63, except maintaining the LED light that the reflector emits. First and best little modification on any car from this generation.
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