Muq

Hi All,
I took my 2008 E350 Sports through a 'contactless' car wash and all of a sudden get a message that Left Marker light and Right Marker light are out. I don't know much about this, but I am guessing this could be due to the high pressure water from the car wash that leaked into the markers. Not sure why else would both go out at once.
Although, I do get a car wash every other week, but have not had any issues like this before.

Any ideas on how much would does it cost to replace the markers? Should I replace the whole assembly or just the bulbs? (reason I ask is there might be water leakage)...

Thanks.

ozusa

https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...placement.html

I assume the 2008 is not utterly different to my 2004. I suggest you take the lamps out and dry things out. Maybe replace the bulbs after a voltage check to see you are getting current at the socket.

Mike_W

Please excuse this obvious question, but have you verified that both lights are actually not working?
Mike

dg0rczyca

I've had the very same issue. The dealer has replaced the bulbs three times. As I recall, all instances were within 24 hours of a car wash. Things have been fine until yesterday (hence my visit here).

No car wash...just the annoying error messages. I noticed last night that when I disarm the alarm, my marker lights came on, flickered for a few seconds and then went dark.

I have a service appointment next week, so I'll let you know what happens.

yongoh

What did you find from the service? How much did it cost to replace a bulb? Would anyone know how to replace it myself?

AMGAffalterbach

I get that issue with my car when I take it through car washes. It usually happens in the car wash or shortly after, I think it is a result of water and the electronics. To me, though, it hasn't been a really big issue at all. I just have to wait for 20 minutes for it to dry out and no more problems.

I did the white side-marker light conversion and I still sometimes get the error, honestly don't see much harm in it. Annoying? Yes. But replacing bulbs doesn't help.

@yongoh It's very easy to replace it yourself. Look for a white side-marker light conversion thread in the search and it's essentially the same process to changing the bulb. All you have to do is take two plastic pins out in the wheel well (one in front of the tire and one under the car where the bumper attaches to the well) to access behind the bumper. Then, reach in and just twist the light out of the housing, change the bulb, and put it back together. Having done it, it would take me 10 minutes. First time took me about a half hour.

My dealership replaces bulbs for free, the headlight bulbs cost me $20 to buy from them with free installation.

ozusa

How to replace the bulb is given in post #2 in this very thread! Follow the link to a PDF of instructions. It is very easy.

AMGAffalterbach

Takes a few minutes, maybe longer the first time you do it. I was just scared to break pins but it's sturdy.

Critter

Try using silicone grease on the bulbs, this will in effect waterproof the bulbs, try it. Also around the socket that goes into the back of the marker, silicone grease will not harden but will provide a more water resistant electrical circuit. Similar to dielectric grease for coil on plug applications, to ease coils off but also to provide a moisture barrier to prevent spark over. Hope this helps.

AMGAffalterbach

You put it within the actual socket / bulb base itself?

Critter

Yes, put a coating of the silicone grease on the bulb socket as well as the base, what is happening without the lube is that moisture is getting into the fixture and confusing the electronics of the car. Vaseline will also work! on the socket to marker assembly also apply a coating , this will stop the intrusion of water into the fixture itself. On the ouside of the socket where the wires go into the socket you should use regular permanent silicone to ensure that the water is not going into the assembly by this route. Hope this helps. My only caution is do not mix up silicone permanent with the silicone grease.

AMGAffalterbach

Super glue? Got it.

Hahah thanks for the tip, I am definitely doing this.