Painted Or Clear Side Markers
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Los Angeles
2009 SL550 Roadster Diamond White, 2008 CLK550 Coupe Obsidian Black
Painted Or Clear Side Markers
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?
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From: San Diego
2004 E320
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.
Stock bulbs are clear. When you purchase the clear side markers, they'll come with orange bulbs.
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From: Dallas, TX
sold - w211 e320, f250, rx7 race car
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From: Jacksonville Florida
209/W210 Estate /W211 modded by MBENZNL
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...
Either go with painted OE Side markers or the clean look of EURO Bumper impact inserts...
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Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Los Angeles
2009 SL550 Roadster Diamond White, 2008 CLK550 Coupe Obsidian Black
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.
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.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,861
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From: Jacksonville Florida
209/W210 Estate /W211 modded by MBENZNL
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
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Joined: Jul 2008
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From: Toronto, Canada
a car
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.
Or, even painted, you'll see some light?
Finally, do the Euro Impact Strips simply cover the side marker altogether?
Thanks!
G.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Los Angeles
2009 SL550 Roadster Diamond White, 2008 CLK550 Coupe Obsidian Black
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.
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Joined: May 2003
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From: Long Island, New York
2018 E400 4matic Wagon
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.
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.
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.
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e500
+1. Clear or Euro. The Euro strips should be about $300 so it is the option with the highest cost.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Los Angeles
2009 SL550 Roadster Diamond White, 2008 CLK550 Coupe Obsidian Black
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.
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From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
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 
