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Should I switch out my Side Markers? Legal?

Old 09-02-2015, 08:00 PM
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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?
Old 09-03-2015, 10:14 AM
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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 09-03-2015, 10:23 AM
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Also, I would go with Depo side markers in white or amber. The Depo's have known / proven quality and fitment for your MB.
Old 09-03-2015, 11:46 AM
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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.
Old 09-03-2015, 12:30 PM
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Go with the DEPO ones, they are super easy to install and look great. I have the white ones - no issues.
Old 09-03-2015, 01:16 PM
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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.
Old 11-11-2015, 10:16 AM
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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!
Old 11-11-2015, 11:41 AM
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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).
Old 11-11-2015, 09:45 PM
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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.
Old 11-15-2015, 03:07 PM
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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
Old 11-18-2016, 10:52 PM
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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!










Old 05-30-2017, 01:34 PM
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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!
Old 01-29-2018, 03:39 PM
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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..!
Old 11-24-2018, 10:11 PM
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.

Last edited by Harrison Reed; 11-25-2018 at 11:51 AM.
Old 11-25-2018, 10:59 AM
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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
Old 11-11-2020, 04:22 PM
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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.
Old 11-11-2020, 04:33 PM
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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.
Old 11-11-2020, 05:59 PM
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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; 11-11-2020 at 06:05 PM.
Old 04-10-2021, 03:13 AM
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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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