headlight switch illumination
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2010
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2008 CLK550 Cab
I think it's really just two. Older vs. newer. Some people turn on their fogs for their pics some don't. But I think the only real difference is the icons around the big switch. You can get older switches on ebay.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,109
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2008 CLK550 Cab
Yeah, I'm positive. Look at the years of the cars that have posted with full illumination. Plus, as I said, this not the first thread on the subject. What year? Not 100% sure. Probably with the face lift, so in 2005.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 576
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From: chicago
Firemist O5 CLK55 Cab Silver 05 CLK55 Coupe Tanzanite 06 CLK500 Coupe
My 05 came with halogens and the switch did not illuminate.
I picked up a switch on ebay for $18 from either an 04 or 05 with xenons and it lights up
I picked up a switch on ebay for $18 from either an 04 or 05 with xenons and it lights up
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,489
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From: WNY
2005 w203 C230
If this is like the w203s, then it was with the facelift. In our case with MY05. There are threads in the w203 forum (sorry if here too with a good search) and there are instructions on how to illuminate. If I recall, you need another switch, or switch row to use as well as a (side clamp/tweezer works best)soldering iron to add LEDs and resistors. Not sure if pre and post facelifts swap 100%. The above post may confirm that they can be swapped. My OEM unit, MY05 with bi-xenon did NOT fully illuminate.
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Super Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 576
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From: chicago
Firemist O5 CLK55 Cab Silver 05 CLK55 Coupe Tanzanite 06 CLK500 Coupe
I took the old switch apart before tossing it and it was clear by design that it was never meant for that portion to be illuminated.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,489
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From: WNY
2005 w203 C230
I don't want to miss-represent with w203 information...but here is what we have done to our headlight switches...perhaps the w209 is incapable of this modification...
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...tch-row-6.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...tch-row-6.html
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 917
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From: NOVA/DC
20' RCF, 18' NX, 09' E350, 07' Solara, 05' STi, 01' Ranger
Just drove the clk tonight dropping my wife off. I thought for sure they didn't light up but they infact do.
2005 CLK with halogens from the factory. I installed OEM bi-xenon projectors a year ago.
Headlight switch fully illuminates as pictured attached.
Didn't snap another picture but both fog and rear fog leds work as well... they are just too bright and would have washed out the other illuminating for picture sake.
-Nigel
2005 CLK with halogens from the factory. I installed OEM bi-xenon projectors a year ago.
Headlight switch fully illuminates as pictured attached.
Didn't snap another picture but both fog and rear fog leds work as well... they are just too bright and would have washed out the other illuminating for picture sake.
-Nigel
Last edited by NewShockerGuy; Mar 24, 2016 at 10:50 PM.
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Klein Leeukoppie, Hout Bay, Cape Town
AMG C55, BMW 330e Hybrid saloon, BMW 123d coupe
I have a W203 C55 2005 sedan, The main light switch only part illuminates and one can't tell what level of lighting is selected at night except by feel or turning on the overhead courtesy light to check. I took out the switch unit and took it apart. The printed board inside DOES have corresponding LED's to each of the light icons not working. So I presume the system control for this function is not enabled. Strange as it is a safety issue really. Why would MB do this and not consistently accross the model range and years of manufacture?
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Klein Leeukoppie, Hout Bay, Cape Town
AMG C55, BMW 330e Hybrid saloon, BMW 123d coupe
headlight switch illumination
Previous comments allude to MB disabling the switch icon lights. I don't know if this is true or not. But upon taking apart the switch unit I noted that tiny LEDs were built into the switch PCB. There are no light bulbs as such. So it may be that the SAM controlling the lights has this function disabled/faulty.
