clkwork

Can anyone give me some quick instructions on how to remove the center brake lamp assembly? I'm not sure how this happened but last night I noticed the top of the lens was broken and hanging off so I went ahead and snapped it off. At a distance you can't notice but it's enough to bug me so I ordered a new lamp from my dealer today. ($140 - you can't get just the lens, you have to buy the whole thing)

So anyways I'm pretty sure I have to remove the inside of the trunk lid but if you have any tips it would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance,

Jeff

clkwork

Here are the pieces that broke off. I'm thinking it snagged in the car wash

sdunham

I just fixed mine yesterday too as the inside pieces fell off and were bouncing around inside the trunk lid... Basically, the lights and bracket remove from the inside of the trunk lid... Remove most of the black plastic rivets from around the edge of the trunk lid liner and the black plastic bezel around the trunk handle and latching mechanism... Fold down the trunk liner enough to be able to see inside the trunk lid... You'll see a cutout for access to the third center mounted brake light... There are 2 10MM nuts holding a steel bracket to the back of the lense housing... Remove those 2 10 MM nuts and and seperate the lights from the bracket... The bracket will remove from inside the trunk lid, the lense and lights through the mounting hole in the trunk lid... If yours broke like you said it did, the lense and lights are already seperated... Don't forget to also remove the lights power harness before you pullit out...

clkwork

I just got it fixed - it wasn't hard at all. Thanks for the help!!

Jeff

sdunham

Yeah, it probably took me longer to write it up than actually fix it...

chixdiggit

Did you guys have to pay for your brake lights?

Apparently this was an issue with the W209s and some of the dealrerships out there has covered it under warranty. I've linked the stickied posting on the benzworld forum for future reference.

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w209...ake-light.html

clkwork

I actually paid for mine

Should I ask them to reimburse me for the part?

sdunham

Mine fell apart at home and I "DIY'd" it for now until I take my car in to MB to get several other issues dealt with... I fully expect it to be handled under warranty...

Eich

Yes ! THis is absolutely a warranty item and a known issue with this car. I just had mine replaced under warranty.

Unfortunately, they probably won't pay you for the part because they will argue that you should've taken the car in for service.

Sorry that no one responded in time to keep you from paying for the part yourself - that is.. assuming your car is still under warranty.