thomasshawn

So looking to replace side markers on my w212.
Lots of styles.
Considered clear on arctic white car and clear vs smoked on black.

Saw somewhere could be an issue for inspection here in texas.
I saw some are availible that despite being clear illuminate orange.
I have a 65 Mustang that has turn signals like this too, (it has is exempt from inspection so never an issue)

Does anybody have experience with inspections or tickets with swapped side markers?
Experience with the different side markers some have L shaped LEDs that look nice when lit.

Pros/cons to either?

Thanks

petee1997

I replaced the side markers on my Porsche with clear ones. However the bulb inside is orange. This solves the problem.

thomasshawn

I was thinking something like this.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/170767427082
looks clear but lights orange.

CEB

Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards 108 (FMVSS108) require both an amber lamp AND an amber reflector on the front side of a passenger car built since 1968 (some cars may be exempt from testing once they become "antiques" but the law still applies to them.)

Accordingly, a clear lens with an orange bulb (even assuming that the orange bulb meets the technical color requirements for "amber" as defined by the standard) does not meet the requirement.

Since it is a Federal requirement it cannot be changed by state law but the states have the option to decide on enforcement.

For sidemarkers, some (most?) states don't care, but some (like PA and, apparently, TX) check for operational sidemarkers and will fail cars without the reflectors.

If your state enforces this, then there is also a higher likelyhood that it will be enforced by police. As it is technically "operating a motor vehicle with missing/inoperative safety equipment" this makes it a primary offense in all states and could lead to the car being impounded. An unlikely scenario but possible.

Nobody outside of your jurisdiction can give you practical advice. How a local cop or testing station operates in Hoboken NJ means nothing in Dallas TX and may be different in Austin or Waco. If they check it can vary from testing station to testing station.

Bottom line: If your state cares about enforcing this particular section, then you need to decide if the benefits outweigh the possible risks.

DC cops tend to enforce this law to pull people over and check for DUI and drugs. If a car is impounded it needs to be searched first (with or without your permission) so you need to ask yourself if you want to give the cops another reason to pull you over - probably less of a concern for E owners than it is for sports car owners.

BTW - all those clear lenses for sale are technically illegal and may not be sold in the US.

hyperion667

had mine overlooked at my last inspection, and have not had any issues thus far....
have them on both cars with LED's....but I won't have the 63 long enough ro need an inspection....
then I'll have a few extra w212 mods.....
but it's always possible to catch some heat for them....

Jake94526

I did the clear with the silver / orange bulb. When on its orange otherwise you dont see the orange. I think it looks great

hyperion667

I know what you mean, but on a black car it didn't look that swift....had to go to the LED you know?
I really wish the ambient led's inside could change color like in some of the higher end models.....the orange on black kind of bugs me, but I've gotten used to it..(have black ash inside)

Paxfobiscum

Do you realize that only another MB owner (with the same model car) will ever notice the difference? Aside from you of course. Beauty is indeed only in the eyes of the beholder. Been driving multiple mercedes cars for more than 20 years and I have yet, ever, to notice the color of a changed mercedes side marker. I know they are orange but I never notice those that change them to another color unless pointed out to me. And I consider myself a fairly decent and up-to-date MB enthusiast who appreciates many MB related matters.

Reminds me of a woman who underwent expensive plastic surgery on both her ears. Nothing was wrong with them really but she just wanted them pulled-in a little bit. After the surgery she was waiting for our friends to notice (she confessed to me later on) and not one single friend noticed the change. Not one.

EmE247

Wonder if mine would pass inspection...

Anyways... I just painted my fugly orange sidemarkers to match body color. Still shines fugly orange when lit.

dbtk

Did the same thing on my Porsche CTT. Looks much cleaner than clear lenses with orange bulbs. However, I am told that I could get cited for not having orange bulbs in CA.

K-A

Put black vinyl over mine. Looks good and only some light glows through the edges, which actually looks kinda cool on its own. Problem solved for me, and I don't have to rip any pieces of the car off or install possibly ill-fit aftermarket lights (I've seen Members here state that some don't fit flush).

I've never had a problem with side marker laws, however, I got another front license plate Ticket recently (whilst parked). That's a whole other issue.

thomasshawn

yes completely but it has bugged me since day 1.
so yes the change is purely for me I realize that.
same as the AMG pedal swap. who sees your pedals?
most non-owners would not appreciate the difference. they would just assume it was stock on the car. but many people do it anyway

PHML

In hawaii...we have annual safety inspections. if the sidemarkers are clear (even with an amber bulb), you won't pass....assuming the inspector has a good eye to catch it...lol.

thomasshawn

I finished my conversion today. the inserts arrived and looked great,
they did require a very SLIGHT modification. the tabs on the front portion of the lenses were about 2 mm too think and they prevented the lens from sliding into place. a quick slice with a hack-saw blade to essentially shave a thin layer off (basically a spot where it held onto the mold a little too much) then they slid right in place.

I tried the Orange bulbs and they really looked like fried eggs. so I went with the chromed bulbs that shine orange.
I wish they were as bright as the solid orange ones though, they are kind of dim. anyone know of some LEDs that are clear until they come on? ( I have some on another car and they are awesome.)

before


AFTER



LIGHTS ON



Thanks for all the info.
I like them a lot. glad I had the guts to mod them b/c otherwise I would have sent them back when they didn't quite fit. otherwise they are excellent.

Shawn

oh and it was a less than 10 mins/side total.

joseph1980

Interesting. Suppose the side-marker is a requirement in the US cause the mine (Hong Kong version) doesn't have side-marker.

Nice job on the new markers. Looks much better than the stock ones which looks more like a band-aid on the bumper! Hope you won't get caught during inspections!

CEB

Correct - US only. Funny thing is that while we are wanting to get rid of them (even though the law requires them,) Euro forums are full of people wanting to add side markers (even though they are illegal there.)

thomasshawn

any experience with these?
http://aznoptics.com/index.php?main_...products_id=53

kinda pricey but seems to fit the bill.