mis3

I am looking for clear side markers (finally). I noticed many in eBay came with chrome bulbs. I am curious, why new bulbs? Is there anything wrong with the stock bulb to go with the clear side marker?

Rudeney

With the chrome coating you won't see the "yellow egg yolk" in the clear lens.

mis3

Not sure if this matters much. I believe that these side marker lamps are off most of the time.

BTW. When do these side markers be turned on?

Rudeney

They only come on with the "park" lights or headlights. I put amber/yellow LEDs in mine. You can see some color in them when off, but when on, they look very normal.

mis3

By normal, do you mean white or amber colour (as seen by the outside)?
I read that LED might trigger a malfunction, does this have to do with the brand or kind of LED?

Rudeney

Yes, normal meanign an amber/yellow light as opposed to white/bluish LED color. And yes, the LEDs need to be "error free/CANBUS" style so they mimic the load of a normal bulb.

My problem with LEDs is that they are all cheap Chinese crap and the little LED "chips" start failing. I noticed the LED in my city lights and my side markers both had a few of the little square that flicker and eventually go out. I've tried several eBay sellers, even some claiming better quality, but they all seem the same - cheap crap.

mis3

I checked today and the side marker lights come on constantly at night driving.
I plan to use stock clear bulbs but I am sure if the local law (Ontario) allows this. I would not mind to pay a few bucks to get these LED but as usual,it is not easy to buy special auto parts in Canada.

Gary C

I have the clear with the silver bulbs and they work great. You cant see them when they are off and are amber when on. They are not as bright as regular amber bulbs.

mis3

Are these silver bulbs the same as chrome bulbs?
Some clear side markers in eBay come with chrome bulbs.

Gary C

Yes that's what I meant. I did buy them on e-bay. The clear markers and the chrome bulbs. I had used chrome bulbs before, when I put smoked turn signals on my Harley. When they are off really stealthy. When on, they are amber, so no worries with cops. Cheaper than led's. And no worries with codes.

AMG_Adon

i tried various leds in my side marker and they all burn out or start flickering even the 20 dollar ones in my parking lamp im starting to believe the clk does not like aftermarket leds even my canbus license plate led go out occasionally

Rudeney

The flickering I get are the individual LEDs - not "CANBUS" error flickering. I think these Chinese LED bulbs are just pure crap.

mis3

Looks like LED is not the way to go with these side markers. I can guess the chrome bulbs may not be bright enough for smoked side markers, how about for clear side markers?

I am still looking for these clear side markers locally in Canada. EBay US sell them for $35-$50 a set but then additionally, $11 for shipping and $11 for custom/brokeage. Good thing is they come with the chrome bulbs.

DangermouseCLK

FWIW, I have had good success with superbrightleds.com for other cars. Usually a bit more expensive than generic ebay stuff.

I have not tried them for the MB, but this looks like the most suitable for this application?

http://www.superbrightleds.com/morei...se-tower/1127/

Rudeney

Those look identical to what I've bought on eBay. I believe the problem is cheap solder jobs where the SMD chip LEDs are attached. Heat, cold, and vibration just destroys them.

mis3

Guess I will stick with the chrome bulbs. Many sellers at eBay sell the clear side markers with the chrome bulbs. I am probably getting the Depo brand.

COOPERDB

`


I just ordered from the link above

We shall see...

Thank-You
D.B.

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bheng

A little late for the replies, but theres a member in the w204 forums that sells LEDs. I believe his store name is azn optics. I've been running his LEDs for sidemarkers for well over 3 years without any problems.

Although, just last night I had an error for a sidemarker out but its on. I'm sure its just my car having a electrical brain fart