Taillight mystery lamps
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 65
Likes: 1
2014 GLK 250
Taillight mystery lamps
Hi everyone,
Have you noticed that the taillights in our 2013 and 2014 cars seem to have sections that aren't actually used?
Take a look at this diagram.
I get that the white section I've labelled ??? is probably nothing, but what is the lower section for? It appears to have LEDs inside it like the upper section, but I have never seen it light up.
Any ideas?
Have you noticed that the taillights in our 2013 and 2014 cars seem to have sections that aren't actually used?
Take a look at this diagram.
I get that the white section I've labelled ??? is probably nothing, but what is the lower section for? It appears to have LEDs inside it like the upper section, but I have never seen it light up.
Any ideas?
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: BC Canada
2013 GLk 250
I wonder if it can be programmed so that the lower section functions as the brake light and the upper section as the turn signal. So separate lights instead of one light used for both brake and turn signal.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,030
Likes: 492
From: Louisville, KY
2023 EQE350 4MATIC, 2023 EQE 350 4MATIC SUV, 2015 E250 BlueTEC 4MATIC, 1995 E300 Diesel
There are actually no LEDs in that section. It is purely cosmetic, as only one lamp would look odd, visually. The second "lamp" therefore is added in, but if you look closely, there are no LEDs there, just plastic bumps that look like them.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 445
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From: Tucson AZ
2010 Mercedes GLK 350, 2001 BMW Z3 3.0 Roadster, 1997 Cherokee XJ
If the car has the optional bi-xenon headlight option, in 2013 & 2014, the rear lamps have LEDs. Possibly the same on earlier years or in the Euro market. Someone correct me if I am wrong. Looked into this for the earlier years & found that it is very difficult to swap out the lamps.
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2014 GLK 250
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From: Redding, CA
'85 190D , '12 E350 BlueTec, '13 GLK 250 BlueTec
Through the years Mercedes has done this on many models. I'm guessing it is to provide for the various legal requirements to the many countries where the cars are sold and for streamlining of their manufacturing process.
In many of the older models this has occurred and one popular upgrade by owners is to provide power and lights to vacant spots. This is common in the W201's where one entire bank of taillights is inoperable and incomplete yet has vacant spots readily filled for an upgrade in brake lights. Same thing occurs in W123's and W124's, and others. I've done that 'upgrade' for my 190D. Easy to do and the power is there and available to comply with the many regulations around the world. I'm certain there are countries requiring those extra lights.
In many of the older models this has occurred and one popular upgrade by owners is to provide power and lights to vacant spots. This is common in the W201's where one entire bank of taillights is inoperable and incomplete yet has vacant spots readily filled for an upgrade in brake lights. Same thing occurs in W123's and W124's, and others. I've done that 'upgrade' for my 190D. Easy to do and the power is there and available to comply with the many regulations around the world. I'm certain there are countries requiring those extra lights.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 861
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From: Philly area
350 GLK, C280
That lower section will be used in the future for messaging with a supper HD screen in each side. It will be hooked to the voice system so that you can tell the guy behind to get off you A-- or try to sweet talk the babe in the CLS to stop off at the next Starbucks.
Of course this is already a feature in Elbonia!
Of course this is already a feature in Elbonia!
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2013
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2014 GLK 250
http://www.avbrand.com/projects/carpc/ledsign/
It was fun, but nobody ever really paid attention to it.
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Joined: Jan 2014
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GL
In europe it is mandatory to have amber turn signals in the rear. You cannot use the brake light as the turn signal like we do in the USA. Audi and VW have been converting all their US cars to brake light turn signals and it cuts the cost of additional bulbs. Mercedes is now following. The new 14' E, CLA(with led tails), 15' C, 14' S, GLA(with led tails) are all using the brake lights as signals and it looks so tacky.
The ??? section is where the halogen amber turn signal bulb for euro tails goes. The bottom LED section is just for show so they could use two sets of glass led light tubes for the tail lights as that is their new design language (CLA, C, S, GLA, E, GLK)
The ??? section is where the halogen amber turn signal bulb for euro tails goes. The bottom LED section is just for show so they could use two sets of glass led light tubes for the tail lights as that is their new design language (CLA, C, S, GLA, E, GLK)
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2011
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From: Philly area
350 GLK, C280
The sign is neat but I see your point. If they are dumb enough to tail gate they probably can't read. So maybe those spots are for future gun ports or electronic engine disabling darts?
Member
Joined: Jun 2009
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GLK350
interesting observation. I know that in BMW's when you are on your brakes HARD, separate light comes on? (but that could just be the fogs). I know on MB, a really hard stop actually triggers the hazards.. so like others have said, that space may be just there to meet various global requirements
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Joined: Mar 2013
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Hi everyone,
Have you noticed that the taillights in our 2013 and 2014 cars seem to have sections that aren't actually used?
Take a look at this diagram.
I get that the white section I've labelled ??? is probably nothing, but what is the lower section for? It appears to have LEDs inside it like the upper section, but I have never seen it light up.
Any ideas?
Have you noticed that the taillights in our 2013 and 2014 cars seem to have sections that aren't actually used?
Take a look at this diagram.
I get that the white section I've labelled ??? is probably nothing, but what is the lower section for? It appears to have LEDs inside it like the upper section, but I have never seen it light up.
Any ideas?
Last edited by MBKLUE; Jan 31, 2014 at 11:22 AM.
