BOLARVA

My 1996 E300d W210, reverse lights are not working, I have replaced the bulbs and checked the fuses and they are fine. I have heard it could be the Reverse Light Switch, but I am not sure where it is located. Research has given me different answers, some say its attached to transmission, others say its under the gear shift/center console and others say its on the side of the gear shift/center console. Anyone know the answer or have pictures of its location?

Also, the 3rd Brake Light doesn't work either, don't know if the problems are connected.

Car was Manufactured in Germany (WDBJ beginning title) dont know if that is different than the US manufactured ones.

raymond g-

before you continue to dig into the bowels of the car, have you checked for voltage to the bulb socket/
circuit board which is integral to the tail light assembly? they are notorious for their dissimilar metal
arcing and poor conductivity from board-to-socket-wings.

(i was unaware that they were made in the USA)

BOLARVA

How do you check the voltage? The sockets look good and seem to have no damage.

I dont know if they are manufactured in the USA, but I know some of the parts, like the center console auto window unit, don't have the same fittings as others. I purchased one and it had totally different hook ups than mine, once I gave the seller the VIN they said its because it wasn't manufactured for USA.

raymond g-

getting a voltage reading requires applying volt meter probes to the tail light panel and the bulb socket contacts.

kajtek1

The transmission switch on those models is typical failure
Once you confirmed there is no power going to the lamps. you have to go under the car nad pull the switch out. I would start with removal as MB did 2 designs of those and you want to make sure to get correct one.
3rd brake light typically burns the contacts on lamp itself. Pull the cover and clean it. Those covers age and like to shatter, so be carefull.

BOLARVA

Transmission type is : 722438 03 895811 [transmissionType = GA]