cmy_bimmer

Well, story goes like this.... A few lights on the benz arent turning on when we push the brake pedal. We think, fair enough, nothing some new bulbs wont fix . Buy some bulbs and as we try to insert the bulbs... we see that the sockets are missing for the bulb. We go WTF? After some researching and failing, my dad took the car to the dealership. They said that the problem is with the tail lights themselves . Quoted us for about 500 to fix the problem. So here I am wondering how in the hell a few sockets for the tail lights, would turn into a 500 dollar tail light investment? I dont buy it... Sound about right?

raymond g-

sounds like a dealer scam to me

cmy_bimmer

Sounds like that to me also, which is why I told my dad to back the hell off. haha

Well, being that there are no sockets for the main tail light bulbs... im assuming getting those would solve the problem lol. Wheres a good place to get these sockets?

i need some good sites to order goodies from.

raymond g-

which side of the car were the missing socket(s)? if it as the right side, that is
by design. fog light indicator on rear is only for left side, North American models

cmy_bimmer

Yes, we noticed that and dont have a problem with it (although, that is freakin weird haha). When we push the brake, both tail lights do NOT turn on.

raymond g-

hmm, are you seeing #15, 40?

what year/model?

cmy_bimmer

Yea, number 15 is the one that is missing all together for both sides.

its a 97 e420.

Thx btw

raymond g-

phhht....$7 retail each. PM the mod Mister Brenton for discount if you
want. here is link to older price list so it may be a dollar or two more now.

just be sure you have the proper dual filament bulb. has to have exact pin orientation match

cmy_bimmer

You're awesome!

I shall check/pm. We already got pulled over for the missing tails. uh oh

Appreciate it man

BigBoss

Speaking of taillights, if I wanted some E55 taillights, would it be easier to make them myself and tint it or get some online?

raymond g-

easier - buy them

cheaper - make them yourself

i had 99 and wanted facelifted design. if E55, they are smoked. if non-AMG
they are clear. note that OEM models have the inherent flaw in the design.
if you buy aftermarket, they have quality control problems. if you buy LED
design, they're not as bright as incandescent tails. in the end, you decide.

BigBoss

What do you mean flaw in the design?

raymond g-

the 210 tails seem to have an inherent weak spot in which high resistance
occurs in the lighting circuit when it is operating. this causes the contacts
to overheat in the bulb socket and tail light chassis....creating an open
circuit. the 'bulb malfunction' light comes on.

you can read up on this by searching for keywords such as tail lights, brake
light malfunction, brake light out, etc on this forum. happens frequently
enough for models 97-02

Air Marshall Eldritch

I have a full set of OEM tails that came off my '98 if anyone wants them.

And they do have all of the correct sockets, but I re-used the bulbs in my E55 upgraded set.