W205 Illuminated Star DIY
 

Provide a DIY guid for installing illuminated star in your W205. This guide is for car without the Driver Assistance Package (Distronic Plus) Code 997 option.

Let me know if you have any questions.

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...dd4d1c0a90.jpg

LED illuminated star


https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...6c1cbd7231.jpg


wire harness assembly


https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...071c02adf5.jpg


Remove the star counter clockwise from the grill


https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...c31e5d2b41.jpg


https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...9fc72f211a.jpg


Locate your engine fuse box in you driver side


https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...81e3f676f7.jpg


Remove the plastic cover and expose the fusebox


https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...de953c4e66.jpg


Use a Torx screwdriver and remove the 2 screws and remove the top cover. Use a pry tool to carefully pry back side of the fuse/relay module


https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...20c96d0fcf.jpg


Life up the edge of the fuse/relay module. There is sufficient wire underneath so you can pull the entire module out and set it aside.


https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...33f181a8a2.jpg


-Mark center of the top side edge and place another marker 1 inch down. Drill a 3/4" hole<br/><br/>-Route your red wire that comes with the kit through hole in grommet


https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...30d99a968f.jpg


In the back of the fuse/relay module, locate the S8 connector and connect the red wire to position 8 of the connector


https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...0c53ca79ea.jpg


Reinstall the fuse/relay module back to the box and install a 5A fuse into position F123 (B)


https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...ed0fbef574.jpg


Remove plastic rivets (1) that secure the radiator support panel


https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...9c3b07bb15.jpg


Remove plastic rivets (2)


https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...4de2972039.jpg


Remove plastic rivets (3)


https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...4e274719e6.jpg


-Route the cable towards to the center of the radiator<br/><br/>-Route the ground cable towards to the passenger side


https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...ff0a141400.jpg


Connect ground wire to ground terminal (passenger side)


https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...172cffb3d9.jpg


Connect the star wiring harness

Reassemble in reverse order.

And this connection will lit the star when?

That's correct, will post the result picture when it's dark....

Is it always on, or only upon approach and/or unlocking? Or does it come on and stay on while driving when the headlights come on (at night)?

I think Vic is asking when the star actually turns on. Is it on all the time? with headlights? etc. If its just to the fuse box, its probably always on...

Thanks for the detailed pics. Funny, its so easy to remove the front star just by turning it counter clockwise. Hope there isn't too much theft. lol

First of all very good instructions... My understanding is that it'll illuminate as long as the headlights are on. Although MBUSA showed it as an accessory that's available to be ordered...it wasn't listed during the ordering/build of my car at the dealership...so I'll also have to add it afterwards as well...

Looks like lots of people will come back to their cars and say :wtf:, where is my star :wall:

:naughty:now.....what colours does it come in with?

Has anyone been able to order it during their build?

Im pretty sure the illuminate star is dealer installed, not from factory

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...2a81236052.jpg

Welcome lights (engine off), star does not illuminated. (as long as engine is off, no matter what light setting you do, star will not illuminated


https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...5a58c5c5c7.jpg

Engine on, star lights up!!


https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...d1963ee9f0.jpg

Light switch in "Auto" position, star on...

Would be nicer if the star followed the DRL.s, this way it would lit up as soon as the car is unlocked in dark conditions.

looks good, could you confirm if the star stays on when you take off?

we should sticky this thread.

like +1

Drove around and see the reflection from the front and definitely stays on.

You're probably right...although with the CLA you could order and it came delivered with the illuminated star. MBUSA should put a footnote which indicates that it's dealer installed...or the salesman should know that. He did say it could be installed at the dealer...but didn't know why he couldn't order it into the build.:nix:

Dealer is charging arm and leg like $500-600 to install....

If a dealer is going to install they most likely will also install the control unit included in the retrofit set.
There are two different control units, one with the traditional lighting pattern an one with "always on", the latter is only available for the US market.

We will see this on hondas and toyotas soon.

How is the traditional lighting pattern different than the always on? What features do you have?

The initial light patten and the only one available over here, is that the star lights up when the car is unlocked during dark ambient conditons, but when driving the star is dark.


The "always on" control unit only works in a non ECE spec vehicle.

Is there a reason the star is not on when driving? European law?

After doing so googling, interesting to find out there are 2 kits from Mercedes. One as "vic viper" said it will:

- After unlocking with the key; the Star will be illuminated for 40 seconds
- If any door is opened, the Star will stay illuminated for total of 5 minutes
- If doors are closed, the Star turns off
- If vehicle is started, the Star turns off
- After driving and parking, the Star will be illuminated for 60 seconds after the engine is switched off

The other kit will only turn on following the eye brow LED and low/high beam when engine is on.

Not sure if W205 even has the 1st kit available (seems like the 1st kit is considered as 1st generation in the CLA classes etc), I have yet to seen ppl mentioned the 1st kit installed in the W205.

vic viper, do you have experience on the 1st kit only in the W205? I saw yours in W204

Does anyone know where can i buy the illuminated star? w205
Not the "always on".

This one:
- After unlocking with the key; the Star will be illuminated for 40 seconds
- If any door is opened, the Star will stay illuminated for total of 5 minutes
- If doors are closed, the Star turns off
- If vehicle is started, the Star turns off
- After driving and parking, the Star will be illuminated for 60 seconds after the engine is switched off.


thanks!

Can this mod be done with a distribution plus option?

On the MBUSA website, the disclaimer for the illuminated start states "not available with driver assistance package or luxury package"

I meant distronic plus!

where did you order it from?

saw this the other day in person and sorry to say but... tacky :o

So this is not available for the distronic plus. I assume this is because the "radar detector" (not sure what the correct phrase is) for distronic is behind the star?

None-the-less how much does it cost for both versions of the kit?

"starting from $350" in Canada plus labor for the kit if added after the original purchase.

Is there a part number for the entire kit that is not always on?


I saw the pictures of bags with part numbers for the wiring harness and the star itself but that doesn't explain which module is the correct one.

Which of the kits is that? Is that the always on one or the one that is on when you unlock the car?

A1668170316 Star unit


A2058204300 Wiring harness


A2059001614 Control unit EU
A2059001914 Control unit US (Always on?, not confirmed with W205)

Vic, what are the approximate costs for the each of the components?

(to Mr. Enigma as well)
Sorry...dunno...just something that was advertised at the parts desk (along with a lit star on a stand) when I went to pick up a lightbulb for my car

When I go in for the MB-Tex seat fix, I'll ask if they know for sure if "A2059001914 Control unit US" does not always stay on and if it does I'll ask if they can they can install the Euro version without any complications.

The EU version is definately not always on, its just lit when opening and closing the doors.


The W204 US version of the control unit was always on, but I cannot confirm that the W205 does the same.


Also the different units are not compatible, I tried to program a US control unit to my W204 as I wanted always on, but I couldnt get it to work.

Thanks Vic so it looks like swapping units is not an option if the US unit is always on.

FWIW...the star is not "always" on...it will only illuminate when the headlights come on...DRL does not cause the star to illuminate. Just thought I would clarify...good luck!!

I have to do this on my c400 as soon as I find some time

I did this and it took :30 minutes to complete I was asked by the dealer which Star I wanted, always on or part time. I chose always on and love it. The photo directions are very complete and clear. The only difference is the radiator grill area is different on my C400 than the pictures show but this didn't present any problems.
The dealer charges a fortune to install this and it is easy to do. Used the money saved to buy a $150.00 carbon spoiler for the trunk from China that came in 10 days and fits perfect!:)

I have purchased an official illuminated star and it comes with a whole host of wires, a control box and, of course, the star. I'm happy to have a go at fitting it myself but can't find any instructions at all - does any one know where i could get them for this type of installation. My car is a C class W205

Illuminated star
 

Do a search on this site for Illuminated Star installation. Very clear and simple directions.

Cheers

Dan

How much does the part cost?

ghetto fabulous...

Oh wow everyone LOOK at me!! I drive a Mercedes! I wasn't sure if you noticed or not.

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...7001aff46c.jpg

That's what I thought at first too...scared that people would start throwing rocks at me as I drove by for being so pretentious.

But it's grown on me, and to tell you the truth...all my friends & family thinks it looks cool.

connect to DRL direct for it to stay on

Details please.

Hi Jayband,

I'm having trouble understanding what you mean by your quote "Route the cable towards the center of the radiator" and "Route the ground cable towards the passenger side".. I understand everything up to that point but the direction and wording of those instructions confuse me. Could you be so kind as to clarify for me?

Thanks,
Alliar

I found this post on the CLA forum but they were able to tap into the DRLs and have their illuminated star light up on locking/unlocking and when the engine is on.

http://www.mercedescla.org/forum/62-...tml#post149560

Any techkies here want to see if we can do something similar for our vehicle?

Possible but youll need to open the head light assembly, not recommended.

Well if anybody can figure it out for the w205, it will probably be you :boink:

Illuminated Star 2013 C300 Sport
 

Got mine installed today connected to parking lights and installed toggle switch so I could turn on when I want too. check my post for pic.

Well a W204 is a whole different ballgame no problem there,
the W205 requires a lot more work.

I found a technician who does electrical fitting such as this and headlights who agreed to do it for with oem parts. But he said he will wire it such a way that it comes only at night and also when the door it locked and unlocked. That means he might connect it to headlights rather than drl. What do you guys think is better?

The light is so subtle that I seriously doubt it would even be noticeable if it were connected to the DRL. As far as the star illuminating on lock/unlock...IMO not a big deal since lock/unlock takes a split second. Hope that helps...good luck!

Hi all,

I am new to this forum so hopefully I am not violating any rules with this post... I recently tried these DIY steps on my 2016 C300 (without Distronic) with the OEM illuminated star but I can't get the light to turn on for some reason. Headlights are on auto and I've followed these instructions to the T.

Are there any unlisted steps that I should be aware about? If not, would it be safe me for me to try to plug the red wire at a positions neighboring the slots listed in these instructions (ie: the red wire to S9 instead of S8, the 5A into F124?

Thanks in advance,

F.L

Have you tried swithing the leads from the star unit?. being a LED it is pole sensitive and will only work one way.

Also try hooking it up to a different reliable 12V source so that you can determine that the ligting unit works.

Hi Vic,

Thank you for the quick reply!

I will go to the dealership tomorrow and have them verify that my lighting unit is functional.

"Have you tried swithing the leads from the star unit?. being a LED it is pole sensitive and will only work one way."

I haven't tried this yet. Could you elaborate more on what I should try?

Thanks,
F.L

will installing this void warranty
?

If you have an electrical issue post modification I'd bet $5 MB says the warranty is void.

Thanks for your help!

I'm planning to install the illuminating Star on my 2016 W205. However the driver side engine cover in my car doesn't have an access door above the fuze box. The cover appears to be a single piece hinged under the windshield and trapped under the driver side windshield wiper (see pics). Is there a way to access the fuse box w/o taking off the wiper arm and prying from under the windshield?
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...2fce133b6.jpeg

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...124f73bfa.jpeg

Hello all, I'm going to attempt this install myself but I have purchased a non oem version of the star. I've been doing some testing and am confused by how the gen 1 units make the star light up when the headlights come on. I've tested fuse F123B and it only gets 12v when the ignition is powered on. How does the gen1 star get power when the car is unlocked? I want my star to come on when the car is locked and unlocked, any ideas would be appreciated!

Anybody!?!?

Anyone? Can I just tap into one of the wires in the back of the headlight connector?

You need to find ignition power, lift the panel pictured above and youll find the front fuse box, there are several points in there from where you can find ignition triggered 12V

Hey Vic. I've done that, F123B in the fuse box gives me 12v when the ignition is on but I was hoping to get the star to illuminate when the car unlocks and locks. On the CLA, people were able to achieve this by tapping into the grey wire in the headlight connector, this is apparently the wire for the parking light. Would you happen to know which wire I could tap into on my W205?

I tested the wires with a multi meter but couldn't find any that changed voltage when the car was unlocked, there seemed to be 2 wires which had permanent 12v

Not possible, as explained in this thread the headlights on the 205 are only controlled by CAN, the headlight has constant Power and the CAN signals control the lights

You would need to open a headlight to use power fed directly from the internal light control unit to the parking light module.

Another way would be to install the system as intended by Benz with the CAN control module and then add ignition power to the star feed line using a diode.

Fantastic reply, thanks Vic! Absolutely invaluable having people like you on this forum.

Just one final question, are you aware if the genuine star with the CAN control module wires up in the exact same way as described in this thread? From the looks of things, the chap who installed the star in this thread has a star without a control module so therefore is on permanently

It is a bit confusing, but there is actually two different control units available,
The US market can coose from "always on" or just having it light up when locking or unlocking the vehicle.

In Europe it is not possible to install the US control module and get it working, I know this because I have tried.

Ahh i see. Thanks again. Looks like i'll have to go with having it come on with ignition only. Damn, really wanted it to activate on unlock!

Hey MM, how did you access the fuse box? Did you have to remove the driver side plastic panel above the fuse box?

Hello there. Yes, the panel is just held into place with a couple of tabs, press them in to release and then just pull upwards.

Hmm, does your panel look like my picture up above in post #64?

No mine looks different to that, you don't seem to have a little access door which I have. I may be wrong here but i seem to recall seeing something on here a few days ago about somebody having some service work done and the dealer added a fuse box door? Might be wrong

Here it is

https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...6090004-a.html

Wow Great tip - thank you! Calling the dealer tomorrow.

I wonder why some cars don't have the removable door on them? Bit of a strange one!

I would bet a cost optimization effort, by someone who didn't consider the "replace a fuse on the side of the road" use case.

I really like the illuminated star on my 2017 C300 sport sedan.

Looks really nice.

Did you get that installed from the factory? If not, it is OEM or aftermarket?

yes. My car came with it. But it's really nice.

Cool. I'd be interested to find out how yours has been wired up from factory

I"m having a huge issue with the wiring for the star. I was given the wire package A205 820 43 00

which has this damn extra wire that I know I'm supposed to connect to the computer somewhere?


Anyone can help me locate the position?
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...8b61945e08.jpg

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...70088e8019.jpg

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...261e4461b4.jpg

Interior CAN, connect it to the CAN hub in the lower footwell, under the carpet, connecto to any position in the hub.

Is the CAN in the driver's side or the passenger side foot well? Or in the centre?

Drivers side

Is the same stir the only part number basically for any US vehicle that this fits on by Mercedes?

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...3e866bd9d1.jpg

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...9df35b8bf5.jpg

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...e78216ad11.jpg

So these are the parts i bought...
Manage to connect them but the star only comes on with engine..
I wanted it to come on when i open the car with remote as well.. any tips?

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...5890545f75.jpg

I connected up to 24 but if you guys have any tips please let me know!!

And sorry just to let you know i am from london and i have an e class c207 2013 pre face lift

Would this work with C COupe?
 

Hi all,

Can anyone advise whether this wiring method would work with C 200 2door coupe 2016?


Thank you

Would this work qith 2 door C coupe?
 

hi all,

would anyone be able to advise whether this method will work with my C200 2 door coupe 2016?

Thank you

Need the URL to buy the item
 

Can someone provide the URL of this item? Was it from Ebay? Which seller?

Does anyone have the actual Mercedes install instructions pdf file?

I got the Star fitted on the dealearship with the following past numbers:

A 205 820 15 01 small wire for fuse box
A 2005 900 16 14 Control Unit
A 205 820 43 00 Harness
A 166 817 75 00 Illuminated star

The control module is not always on and we get our cars Eurospecd (no side markers).
Anyone knows if there is a way to get the controlles to be Always on? Or fit the US controller? Or maybe mod to Gen 2 specs?

$812 is still a lot when you can easily diy for under $100. Order the illuminated star from amazon or ebay for $50-$80. Order a fuse tap and 5amp fuses for $10. Load the fuse tap with two 5amp fuses and insert into slot f123b in the engine compartment fuse box. You will need to drill a small hole for the wire. Install the star and wire it up. It comes on when the headlights are illuminated. Use the following diy as a guide but use a fuse tap instead of the methed shown...it's so much easier. https://mbworld.org/how-tos/a/merced...ed-star-384223

Fuse tap...

Illuminated star...

I have a 2017 sedan C300 with a big piece of engine cover. Anyone have information or instruction how to remover it to expose the fusebox?

Thanks

Hi there,

I own a Mercedes-Benz C300 2015 and I ordered the star from ebay and could not make it work. I followed the guide step by step on https://mbworld.org/how-tos/a/merced...ed-star-384223. do you think by fuse tapping it will work? can you advise?

Thanks

I don't see that your illuminated star package includes a control unit. Can you share a DIY for an illuminated star with a control unit. I understand that if my package has a control unit the star will go on only when i lock unclock the car and will turn off when i start the engine? https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...176c77ce1f.jpg

So here is a picture of the instructions that came with my after market LED star that I bought from eBay. Can anyone help me identify where does the positive wire and negative wire connect to and where does the black line/signal wire connect to? The picture is not clear and very telling in the diagram.

My thought is that the positive electrode connects to the positive end of the battery and the negative to the negative end of the battery and then the signal wire taps into the fuse 108 or 110 for the headlights so that the star comes on only when the headlights are on and not as DRL's, but again this is just my inference and conclusion from this diagram. Any good electrical engineers out there who can help out, would be highly appreciated :) https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...0e09ad2dbb.jpg

it appears this setup is similar to a dash camera hard wire install.

+ Electrode = goes to battery + positive
- Electrode = goes to battery - negative OR any properly grounded screw in engine bay.

ACC = tap a fuse that only has power when the cars accessories have power OR when the engine is running. Your choice. (this is only to switch your star on/off)

You may need this.

As a test (before installing) you could connect the - and + wires to the battery, and then touch the ACC wire to + positive battery terminal to see if star turns on/off.

https://www.blackboxmycar.com/pages/...ire-a-dash-cam

Disclaimer (I am making these assumptions based on the information you provided)

YOU COULD ALSO ASK THE SELLER TO BE SURE. :D

Thanks brother for the info. I did assume this but I wanted to also know how to make the star come on with the headlights at night on auto or when I turn them on manually. I assume that to do that, I just connect the acc wire to the headlight fuse instead of the accessory or ignition fuse, correct? Yes i have already ordered the fuse tap a few days back.

Also, i think the main battery on a 2015 c300 is in the rear i think and only the aux battery is in the front so is it ok to connect it to the front battery?

Just waiting for someone to confirm that I am in the right direction and I will go to town with this diy. The seller, unfortunately retains from giving any instructions 😔

Mercedes C Class W205
 

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...2194cc97ef.jpg
Worked perfectly on my C Class. Just follow the instructions and you're all set.

is that your garage or a shipping container? :D :rolf:

hahahhahaha very funny............. Looser :smash:

Did you install a oem or after market star? If after market then how did you connect the wires to have the star on only once the headlights come on and off when the lights are off?

Thanks for these directions man. I followed these and was able to get it working and i used fuse 113. Another member listed that this fuse activated only when the car is operational and he said it is controlled by the sensors that control the headlights so this doesn't turn on during the day. Just installed it at night so I'll check it out tomorrow during the day and report back. I had the star lying around since the last 1 year and shops were quoting me $100/hr to install it and figure it out. I refused to give $100 for a $80 product lol.

This YouTube video is for the OEM star which is much straight forward to install and comes with instructions. The eBay seller that i bought it from didn't send instructions and wasn't willing to help out either. I pulled the instructions from another similar product that had it pictured on their eBay page.

Finally got around to installing the Star after having it sit in my garage for 1 year and contemplating if I can do it without any instructions provided or should i get a shop to do it for $100 or so. Glad i used some common logic and some help from a member on the forum and i was able to do it in 15 minutes!

Great post , very helpful.
 

Newbie question so not sure if I am breaking any rules...
I have a query regarding how to connect the wire to pin 8 of the S8 connector. When I stick it in it keeps falling off.

Thanks in advance ...

So I had boughten my illuminating star from Amazon. It came only with Red and Black wire. I spliced the Red wire to the grey/yellow wire of the headlight on the driver's side and the black wire to the body of the car. I saw these instructions on a W205 post but it is not working for me... anyone have any ideas? https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...iring-yet.html

question about 166817031664
 

hi there
is that include wire harness A 205 820 44 00 if i purchase A 166817031664 ?

thank you.

Why would you splice it? Just connect the red to positive and black to negative and the 3rd one to a fuse and you should be good to go.

Hello i have glc 43 amg 2018
 

Hello! I have a glc benz mercedes 43 amg 2018. Where do I connect the 16-pin sheet of the luminous star?
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...c5e53ed1e.jpeg

To the control unit.

Somenone knows if you have to do any coding or ir you can connect to ECU with Xentry?

Thanks in advance.

It can. He's using the wrong fuse location.

Hi, attached instruction but in italian (i'm italian :)) directly from mercedes ASRA