Rear light assembly problem
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 69
Likes: 5
2002 Mercedes Benz E320 W210
Rear light assembly problem
Hey gang, I was wondering if any of you have had any problems with the rear light assemblies? My e320 had a check lamps warning after I bought her off of someone and I noticed a rear parking light socket missing. I replaced it and still the same problem switched sockets from driver side to passenger side and still the same issue. I was told to clean the connections with some scotch brite and take apart the sockets and clean the connections with scotch brite also. Any help or direction would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,939
Likes: 178
From: Seattle WA
99 E320
definitely read what others have experienced first as it may save you $140. given the design flaw
of the MB 210 taillight, it is possible that the ones you're buying may display similar traits. so if
you have the time and inclination, it may be good to see if you can isolate the problem to the bulb
holder or the taillight bare metal back which functions as a circuit. this problem seems to highlight
the poor contact between the bulb holder's winged contacts and the bare metal plate.
you can try sanding the contact areas of the wings and the back plate and test the circuit for function.
if the light works, apply a little dielectric paste to the contact area which should also slow oxidation
of the MB 210 taillight, it is possible that the ones you're buying may display similar traits. so if
you have the time and inclination, it may be good to see if you can isolate the problem to the bulb
holder or the taillight bare metal back which functions as a circuit. this problem seems to highlight
the poor contact between the bulb holder's winged contacts and the bare metal plate.
you can try sanding the contact areas of the wings and the back plate and test the circuit for function.
if the light works, apply a little dielectric paste to the contact area which should also slow oxidation
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,249
Likes: 257
From: Richmond, CA
2001 E320 Wagon, 2006 LBZ Silverado, 2007 E63 (sold), 2001 E55 (sold)
Have the same problem with one of the rear lights on my wagon. It's either clean the corrosion all the time, buy a new housing, buy an aftermarket housing, buy a used housing or live with it. I've chosen to live with it on mine.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 69
Likes: 5
2002 Mercedes Benz E320 W210
UPDATE: I cleaned off the inner tail light connection with some Emery cloth. The reverse light is working but the rear fog light is not. So... As long as the reverse light is working I'm good with that for now. Until I replace the headlight assemblies and front fog light assemblies this summer. I'm just going to replace all the light assemblies. Thanks for the input and suggestions!
