01 E320 - Potential SAM failure?
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2001 E320
01 E320 - Potential SAM failure?
Hi everyone- I searched the forms and couldn't seem to find any relevant stories so I'm taking a crapshoot here. Let me try to summarize: 1- When I purchased my 01 E320 my brake light was defective. Everytime I put a new one in, the warning lights came on the dash and cruise control didn't work but when I removed said bulb it went back to normal. So the sensor or whatever was working in reverse somehow. 2- in January I went to get a new brake light from the dealer. The service manager said it didn't work so he went behind and then sparks flew and since then my taillight and my brake light passenger side have been defective. My turn signal and reverse light however are working. 3- I was pulled over for speeding and the officer gave me an ultimatum to fix it by August first. I was assuming I needed a new assembly so I ordered one and set it up. Same issue. I don't know what to do. I've been told it's been everything from a bad fuse, a dirty socket or my indie Mercedes mechanic a good friend of mine outside of my area said it was my SAM that is dead. I left a message for my local mechanic but I have ADHD to the absolute max and I hate not knowing things so I hope someone is reading this late tonight and can potentially give me a diagnosis. I'd appreciate it thank you so much
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A gaggle of MB's
Frankly - the W210 rear tail light assemblies - including the electrical "sockets" - can be quite touchy.
From what you have said - for me it reads as one rear brake light out - from memory (and I could be foggy) - MB rear brake light bulbs have a "different" pin placement - like 12PM/4:30PM pins I believe - where auto parts store/general bulbs same size have a 12PM. When you jam in a generic 12/6 pin - some can get it to work - but ultimately it wacks out the socket.
Suggest you consider replacing that rear brake light on the bad side 1st - replace with correct bulb "both" sides - and start from there.
If it was me - while doing that - I would also choose a pre-emptive brake light switch replacement - genuine MB part only - under $20 - but that's me.
From there - I think it will be most likely a circuit/rear problem - you would be the 1st "blown SAM" I have seen.
Yes - W210's have wacked out rear brake lights...
From what you have said - for me it reads as one rear brake light out - from memory (and I could be foggy) - MB rear brake light bulbs have a "different" pin placement - like 12PM/4:30PM pins I believe - where auto parts store/general bulbs same size have a 12PM. When you jam in a generic 12/6 pin - some can get it to work - but ultimately it wacks out the socket.
Suggest you consider replacing that rear brake light on the bad side 1st - replace with correct bulb "both" sides - and start from there.
If it was me - while doing that - I would also choose a pre-emptive brake light switch replacement - genuine MB part only - under $20 - but that's me.
From there - I think it will be most likely a circuit/rear problem - you would be the 1st "blown SAM" I have seen.
Yes - W210's have wacked out rear brake lights...
