Has anyone installed LED reverse lights on their CLS?
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Has anyone installed LED reverse lights on their CLS?
I find it a bit odd how a car with full LED lighting and an "Advanced Lighting System" doesn't come with LED reverse lights. I found these:
Ebay LEDs
But has anyone done this? Will it be as easy as plug and play? It seems as if there is a catch 22 here haha.
Ebay LEDs
But has anyone done this? Will it be as easy as plug and play? It seems as if there is a catch 22 here haha.
#2
Senior Member
I find it a bit odd how a car with full LED lighting and an "Advanced Lighting System" doesn't come with LED reverse lights. I found these:
Ebay LEDs
But has anyone done this? Will it be as easy as plug and play? It seems as if there is a catch 22 here haha.
Ebay LEDs
But has anyone done this? Will it be as easy as plug and play? It seems as if there is a catch 22 here haha.
#3
Member
Thread Starter
I am sure mine aren't, and if they are, then they do not show well through the lighting's housing lol..
#5
Senior Member
#6
Member
Thread Starter
well does anyone know if i install them, that i will be okay? i feel that's one aesthetic touch this car is missing.. but i also dont want to trip an error code or mess up any wiring with a weird bulb that isnt stock..
#7
Member
Back when I wanted to swap out LEDs in my C5 Vette, I found an entire replacement unit for the backup lights, it really updated the look:
Original
Updated lights (sorry for the potato quality pic):
I wish we had something like this for our cars
Original
Updated lights (sorry for the potato quality pic):
I wish we had something like this for our cars
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#8
The facelift tailights 2015+ that have a darker tint are full led. Taillights prior have a regular reverse light otherwise everything else led. Also euro lights have amber turn signals and usa is red, just a note if someone decides to retrofit.
#9
Junior Member
Just swapped out the reverse lights on my 2014 CLS550, I can confirm that they come with standard halogen 921 bulbs. It took me about 15 minutes total to swap both bulbs out. I bought the bulbs from a seller on Amazon who I have bought from in the past. Keep in mind that when you remove the rear light assembly that the reverse lights mount from the bottom and are vertical when installed, not horizontal like so many other cars. So get a bulb that has multiple LED's on the sides as buying a bulb that just has one led focused out the end will work but will just shine up in the housing not straight back.
Also, mine were plug and play, no need for resistors. It's a major improvement over stock. I'll try and post some pics later.
Last edited by CLS SportMode; 08-17-2018 at 01:18 PM.
#10
Member
Thread Starter
Just swapped out the reverse lights on my 2014 CLS550, I can confirm that they come with standard halogen 921 bulbs. It took me about 15 minutes total to swap both bulbs out. I bought the bulbs from a seller on Amazon who I have bought from in the past. Keep in mind that when you remove the rear light assembly that the reverse lights mount from the bottom and are vertical when installed, not horizontal like so many other cars. So get a bulb that has multiple LED's on the sides as buying a bulb that just has one led focused out the end will work but will just shine up in the housing not straight back.
Also, mine were plug and play, no need for resistors. It's a major improvement over stock. I'll try and post some pics later.
#12
Junior Member
Process and Pictures
This should take you around 30 minutes. Novice level difficulty.
Remove the two plastic trim fasteners.
Remove both side cargo nets, unsnap and pull out. Remove this cargo tie down with T-40 Torx
Loosen 10 mm nut, remove the plastic trim fastener, pry up at these locations.
Loosen 10 mm nut, remove the plastic trim fastener.
Pry straight up, four fasteners so move wedge close to each fastener.
Showing the four trim fasteners that hold the back molded trim piece in place, pry straight up.
Bungee cords or similar to hold carpet trim panel back.
Drivers side, remove four 8 mm nuts.
Need socket extension.
Passenger side, remove four 8 mm nuts.
Bulb installs vertically.
Stock 921 halogen.
New LED
The picture does not do justice to the difference.
Less than 10 tools needed. (see picture)
Todd
This should take you around 30 minutes. Novice level difficulty.
Remove the two plastic trim fasteners.
Remove both side cargo nets, unsnap and pull out. Remove this cargo tie down with T-40 Torx
Loosen 10 mm nut, remove the plastic trim fastener, pry up at these locations.
Loosen 10 mm nut, remove the plastic trim fastener.
Pry straight up, four fasteners so move wedge close to each fastener.
Showing the four trim fasteners that hold the back molded trim piece in place, pry straight up.
Bungee cords or similar to hold carpet trim panel back.
Drivers side, remove four 8 mm nuts.
Need socket extension.
Passenger side, remove four 8 mm nuts.
Bulb installs vertically.
Stock 921 halogen.
New LED
The picture does not do justice to the difference.
Less than 10 tools needed. (see picture)
- Remove trunk carpet.
- Remove both side cargo net's (unsnap pull out)
- Remove (2) cargo tiedown on both sides (just the closest to the rear of the car) Remove with Torx T-40
- Remove black molded plastic trunk pane. Loosen (no need to remove) the two 10 mm plastic nuts, remove the twp plastic trim fasteners, pry straight up to pop the 4 fasteners that hold the trim piece from underneath.
- Carefully peel back carpeted side panels from rubber butyl and use a bungee cord to keep trim piece pulled back.
- Unplug trunk courtesy lights using a small flat bladed screwdriver.
- Remove the four 8 mm nuts on each side to slide rear light assembly housing out. The forwardmost nut on the driver's side you will need a socket extension to reach, I suggest using museum putty or similar to keep the nut seated in the 8 mm socket. Or good luck finding it when it drops out.
- Unclip rear light electrical connector using a small flat bladed screwdriver.
- Remove 921 halogen bulb and replace with LED bulb.
- Reverse steps to finish up.
Todd
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#13
Member
Thread Starter
Process and Pictures
This should take you around 30 minutes. Novice level difficulty.
Remove the two plastic trim fasteners.
Remove both side cargo nets, unsnap and pull out. Remove this cargo tie down with T-40 Torx
Loosen 10 mm nut, remove the plastic trim fastener, pry up at these locations.
Loosen 10 mm nut, remove the plastic trim fastener.
Pry straight up, four fasteners so move wedge close to each fastener.
Showing the four trim fasteners that hold the back molded trim piece in place, pry straight up.
Bungee cords or similar to hold carpet trim panel back.
Drivers side, remove four 8 mm nuts.
Need socket extension.
Passenger side, remove four 8 mm nuts.
Bulb installs vertically.
Stock 921 halogen.
New LED
The picture does not do justice to the difference.
Less than 10 tools needed. (see picture)
Todd
This should take you around 30 minutes. Novice level difficulty.
Remove the two plastic trim fasteners.
Remove both side cargo nets, unsnap and pull out. Remove this cargo tie down with T-40 Torx
Loosen 10 mm nut, remove the plastic trim fastener, pry up at these locations.
Loosen 10 mm nut, remove the plastic trim fastener.
Pry straight up, four fasteners so move wedge close to each fastener.
Showing the four trim fasteners that hold the back molded trim piece in place, pry straight up.
Bungee cords or similar to hold carpet trim panel back.
Drivers side, remove four 8 mm nuts.
Need socket extension.
Passenger side, remove four 8 mm nuts.
Bulb installs vertically.
Stock 921 halogen.
New LED
The picture does not do justice to the difference.
Less than 10 tools needed. (see picture)
- Remove trunk carpet.
- Remove both side cargo net's (unsnap pull out)
- Remove (2) cargo tiedown on both sides (just the closest to the rear of the car) Remove with Torx T-40
- Remove black molded plastic trunk pane. Loosen (no need to remove) the two 10 mm plastic nuts, remove the twp plastic trim fasteners, pry straight up to pop the 4 fasteners that hold the trim piece from underneath.
- Carefully peel back carpeted side panels from rubber butyl and use a bungee cord to keep trim piece pulled back.
- Unplug trunk courtesy lights using a small flat bladed screwdriver.
- Remove the four 8 mm nuts on each side to slide rear light assembly housing out. The forwardmost nut on the driver's side you will need a socket extension to reach, I suggest using museum putty or similar to keep the nut seated in the 8 mm socket. Or good luck finding it when it drops out.
- Unclip rear light electrical connector using a small flat bladed screwdriver.
- Remove 921 halogen bulb and replace with LED bulb.
- Reverse steps to finish up.
Todd
The following users liked this post:
Davestix (04-01-2023)
#14
Not so didficult
I just finished this and the process is not that difficult. Took me about 45 minutes following the great directions that were provided previously.
Pics below and as with OP, the picture doesn’t do it justice but the difference in person is dramatic.
Before (above) and after (below)
Pics below and as with OP, the picture doesn’t do it justice but the difference in person is dramatic.
Before (above) and after (below)
#16
Process and Pictures
This should take you around 30 minutes. Novice level difficulty.
Remove the two plastic trim fasteners.
Remove both side cargo nets, unsnap and pull out. Remove this cargo tie down with T-40 Torx
Loosen 10 mm nut, remove the plastic trim fastener, pry up at these locations.
Loosen 10 mm nut, remove the plastic trim fastener.
Pry straight up, four fasteners so move wedge close to each fastener.
Showing the four trim fasteners that hold the back molded trim piece in place, pry straight up.
Bungee cords or similar to hold carpet trim panel back.
Drivers side, remove four 8 mm nuts.
Need socket extension.
Passenger side, remove four 8 mm nuts.
Bulb installs vertically.
Stock 921 halogen.
New LED
The picture does not do justice to the difference.
Less than 10 tools needed. (see picture)
Todd
This should take you around 30 minutes. Novice level difficulty.
Remove the two plastic trim fasteners.
Remove both side cargo nets, unsnap and pull out. Remove this cargo tie down with T-40 Torx
Loosen 10 mm nut, remove the plastic trim fastener, pry up at these locations.
Loosen 10 mm nut, remove the plastic trim fastener.
Pry straight up, four fasteners so move wedge close to each fastener.
Showing the four trim fasteners that hold the back molded trim piece in place, pry straight up.
Bungee cords or similar to hold carpet trim panel back.
Drivers side, remove four 8 mm nuts.
Need socket extension.
Passenger side, remove four 8 mm nuts.
Bulb installs vertically.
Stock 921 halogen.
New LED
The picture does not do justice to the difference.
Less than 10 tools needed. (see picture)
- Remove trunk carpet.
- Remove both side cargo net's (unsnap pull out)
- Remove (2) cargo tiedown on both sides (just the closest to the rear of the car) Remove with Torx T-40
- Remove black molded plastic trunk pane. Loosen (no need to remove) the two 10 mm plastic nuts, remove the twp plastic trim fasteners, pry straight up to pop the 4 fasteners that hold the trim piece from underneath.
- Carefully peel back carpeted side panels from rubber butyl and use a bungee cord to keep trim piece pulled back.
- Unplug trunk courtesy lights using a small flat bladed screwdriver.
- Remove the four 8 mm nuts on each side to slide rear light assembly housing out. The forwardmost nut on the driver's side you will need a socket extension to reach, I suggest using museum putty or similar to keep the nut seated in the 8 mm socket. Or good luck finding it when it drops out.
- Unclip rear light electrical connector using a small flat bladed screwdriver.
- Remove 921 halogen bulb and replace with LED bulb.
- Reverse steps to finish up.
Todd
This too helpful man thanks
The following users liked this post:
McKussen (03-14-2022)
#17
Great how to guide, thanks. Would be good if others replying didn't include the entire guide when they quote and add comments. Saves scrolling through it three times.
#18
Just swapped out the reverse lights on my 2014 CLS550, I can confirm that they come with standard halogen 921 bulbs. It took me about 15 minutes total to swap both bulbs out. I bought the bulbs from a seller on Amazon who I have bought from in the past. Keep in mind that when you remove the rear light assembly that the reverse lights mount from the bottom and are vertical when installed, not horizontal like so many other cars. So get a bulb that has multiple LED's on the sides as buying a bulb that just has one led focused out the end will work but will just shine up in the housing not straight back.
Also, mine were plug and play, no need for resistors. It's a major improvement over stock. I'll try and post some pics later.
#19
It is absolutely error free. I installed them several months ago and have no issues whatsoever.
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Danoely (05-06-2020)
#20
Junior Member
#21
Junior Member
Hello all, one of mine was letting water in so I took the plunge and bought the newer model lights. Mine are 2013 the replacement (used) is 2016. The part numbers are different and the back (plastic inside) is red on old black on new. Both have standard reversing bulbs (I tried to upgrade and got an error message on the dash and was told I needed to buy resostors which I am not doing as i don't want to mess with wiring). The new ones are darker and look nicer in my opinion, see photos below. The one on the right is the new one. If you zoom in you will see it's darker on the red part. The clear part is not tinted in either as far as I can see.
New in hand
Left is old right is new in all photos
Old
New
New in hand
Left is old right is new in all photos
Old
New
Last edited by Danoely; 03-13-2019 at 06:58 PM.
#24
Member
Just swapped out the reverse lights on my 2014 CLS550, I can confirm that they come with standard halogen 921 bulbs. It took me about 15 minutes total to swap both bulbs out. I bought the bulbs from a seller on Amazon who I have bought from in the past. Keep in mind that when you remove the rear light assembly that the reverse lights mount from the bottom and are vertical when installed, not horizontal like so many other cars. So get a bulb that has multiple LED's on the sides as buying a bulb that just has one led focused out the end will work but will just shine up in the housing not straight back.
Also, mine were plug and play, no need for resistors. It's a major improvement over stock. I'll try and post some pics later.
Also, mine were plug and play, no need for resistors. It's a major improvement over stock. I'll try and post some pics later.
I couldn't find these lights on Amazon, can you send me a link?
#25
Junior Member
I bought mine off eBay, they were used. Just type in Mercedes CLS W218 tail lights. It is difficult to find a set. The ones with the red plastic back are the prefacelift model the ones with black are the newer type.