gaazmon

Hello, all. I wanted to get some people's opinions before I decided which one to do. Either I'm going to buy clear side markers or buy OEM orange ones and have them painted to match my car (want to keep original set just in case). Just wondering what you guys prefer and your experiences with either. Oh also, is the light bulb in the side marker orange or clear?

j_belll

painted.

W211 Ryda

I got the clear side markers for a couple of months but wasn't completely happy with it because I wanted a cleaner look, so I got a set of Euro impact strips.

Stock bulbs are clear. When you purchase the clear side markers, they'll come with orange bulbs.

dreamcatchr23

Personally, I think that clears would look better on your color MB... Post pics when you have it done for comparison...

mbuskuhl

+ 1

scottster77

clear... and i think it came with optional bulbs orange or yellow clear....

MARK CUMMINS

Most of the Clear side markers do NOT fit well...

Either go with painted OE Side markers or the clean look of EURO Bumper impact inserts...

gaazmon

If I get the clear ones, I was just gonna use the clear bulbs. I know that since the clear ones are all aftermarket they don't fit as well and the quality is not as good (Porsche makes clear side markers for the 911, why doesn't Mercedes?). I wanna go get quoted on how much a pair of OEM side markers would be and how much it's going to be to have them painted. How much was it for you guys?

My question about the euro bumper strips is that, in California is there a law that you have to have the orange side markers, can you get ticketed for having clear or painted ones? I heard something about having it for smog checks.

1stBenz4me

I put a set of clear side markers on my black E -- I think it looks WAY better than the stock orange ones.

MARK CUMMINS

Its Not only a Law in California its a FEDERAL low from the DOT
That requires all vehicles to have a front side marker in AMBER

I Have the EURO Front bumper inserts on the 203/210/211
and a Euro Front bumper on the 209 without any problems from the police

Smog Inspections in California do NOT require any other Test/Inspections other than a smog...Unlike Some States that have a Complete vehicle Inspection

TheRealG

Can I assume when painted that the lights do not glow/turn on...?
Or, even painted, you'll see some light?

Finally, do the Euro Impact Strips simply cover the side marker altogether?

Thanks!
G.

W211 BEAST

Painted.

And instead of leaving the clear bulbs in just take them out and leave them out. Looks much nicer IMO.

jagata

painted

BRABUS_E500

Get the EURO pieces and be done with side markers period

Untertürkheim

The only option I strongly dislike is the painted look, it looks very strange having two etched blank pieces in your bumper. I would go clear with orange bulbs or Euro-strips.

gaazmon

Just wondering how much did the euro strips run you guys or how much did it cost to buy the OEM ones and have them painted? I found clear ones on Stealthauto's site for $62.50. They even have them for the 07+ bumpers but for $87.50.

Long Islander

I bought clear side marker lenses from Ebay seller GoodStuffs4U0904 for $69 with amber bulbs inside. They fit perfectly. Getting the old ones out is a bit of a chore. I like the clear markers vs. the painted ones because with the painted ones, you have to do something with the bulbs that will no longer be used. If you just remove the bulbs and leave the bulb sockets dangling, I think you'll get a burned out bulb notification in your dash.

California has a law about installing non-DOT approved parts. However, since many cars have clear side markers from the factory (even on US models), no one will be able to tell that the clear markers are not DOT approved. There is no law that says side markers or front or rear blinkers have to be amber. Just look around at all the European cars that have clear side markers from the factory.

Neoii

+1. Clear or Euro. The Euro strips should be about $300 so it is the option with the highest cost.

duc&tlrsammy

I would go painted or euro impact strips.

gaazmon

Ya, Euro strips = too much money right now. I'm gonna see how much it is to buy a pair of OEM ones and have them painted, then I'll decide between that or the clear ones, but still leaning towards the clear ones w/ clear bulbs.

K-A

I Just Tinted mine. Looks great, at least with Tinted Windows. Just hides them, I couldn't justify spending over $50 on any way to get rid of that ugly Orange, so just Tinted them black