rockyfeller

Hey guys! This is my 1st post on this forum. I had been a watcher on this forum for the last 3 months but I couldn't activate my membership for some reason. Aaanyways, you'll be hearing from me from time to time. I noticed many were searching for clear front markers. I was too. Just recently a supplier is making these available. I'm sure they're imported and they are available on Ebay and one other online retailer. I was wondering...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/04-05...QQcmdZViewItem



1) Does anyone have a set of these yet? How do they match with the mirror signal lenses and rear turn signal lenses? How is the quality? Comparable to OEM? I refuse to install tacky trash on such an elegant car.

2) Anybody know how to remove the front bumper markers? I attempted to go in with a covered screwdriver but was scared to crack the lens. Does the lens come off itself or does the whole bumper strip have to come off somehow?

CE750

If you want to be sure of quality lights try Steve from MBenzNL.. the price on there is about 1/3 of his, so that tells me that these can't be that good. I could be wrong though.. As for removal, he showed me.. it seems like you just pop them out.. but I would probably have my dealer do them for the 1/2 hour or so he's going to charge (If he's not smart enough to know they're not legal).

edit: This is totally incorrect.. I just found out these lights aren't available by themselves (as an MB part).

konigstiger

Correct me if I’m wrong, but I thought it was OK as long as amber bulbs are utilized.

rockyfeller

They are legal with amber bulbs....I hate when people use blue or white bulbs in clear lenses....makes no sense! (and very dangerous as well) You have to combine safety with style. The other issue is if a lens utilizes a reflector. That cannot be compromised either. I'm trying to picture off hand if the lens has a reflector built in or not. If it does the replacement needs that incorporated as well. When mods are done subtly like this a cop will never notice because it looks stock. It's only when things stand out or look gaudy or unsafe then they take notice and then you deserve a ticket.

rockyfeller

As for removal, if they are simple enough to pop out, I couldn't imagine paying double for the lens and getting the dealer to use his magic screwdriver. I have a screwdriver at home and it would take me 5 minutes! I think the dealer has made enough profit by selling me a $55k car. Whatever I can prevent more $$ going to his mouth I will try. MBenzNL seems to have unlimited potential for any E-class buff, but I dunno. I think his prices are inflated...I'm sure he puts effort to find good quality and he has good customer service. I think if you shop around enough you can save some major money. After searching for awhile. I can trace only 1 real supplier of these lenses. I have a good feeling they are Asian brand and that's why I questioned the quality. If there was a German supplier the quality would be better (TUV standards) but we would also see it more readily available. My friend has an acessory shop and he said that many items sold with different labels/companies often come from the same Asian supplier, but are priced differently. I'd hate to buy those lenses for $150 if the same ones are on Ebay for $50.

Vader55

Pop'em in and do not sweat it, Those sidemakers are fine.. Use the saved $ for filling up your gas tank !

HumblePie

Just a quick note. I can't speak for either of the ones you mention above. However, in my previous C320 I bought some off of eBay and while they worked, they were not a good fit (search the C forums on clear lenses and you can see others had this issue as well). The problem was that they seemed to fit but would let water in causing the bulb to burn our pre-maturely, etc. The solution was to use silicon gel around the lens to seal out any possibility of water getting in. This was a hack for cheap knock-off lenses in my opinion and I don't intend to get stuck like this again. Just be sure that whatever you replace with is an exact match or you could end up in the same situation I had...

MBenzNL

Sam, we quoted you the price for the euro bumper strips...without any sidemarkers...not for clear sidemarker lights.
We do not carry clear sidemarker lights as those are only available as (taiwanese made?) aftermarket parts...

greetingz,

CE750

which would explain the price better... and make it more of a good deal, since you get to have an extra set of strips. But then, you may have issues with the law.

May I recommend if anyone is going to do this, to do the German made parts though since adding Taiwan made stuff to a Benz is just no kosher .. JMHO.

JimPurdy

I have a set of clear markers that I bought from eBay. They seem about the same as the OEM ones. Check the pictures in the thread: https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w211/117220-silvered-bulbs.html