Ambient lighting options for 2015 ML350?
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Super Member
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 699
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2015 SL550, 2017 GLS 550, 2010 G550, 1995 E320 Cabriolet
Ambient lighting options for 2015 ML350?
I have a 2015 ML without the optional ambient lighting option. This means I have one overhead light, four door pull lights, and two front footwell lights that are so dim, they might as well not be there. The problem is made worse by my all black interior.
I've toyed around with the idea of getting some aftermarket kit, but they all look quite cheap. My guess is that it would be extremely difficult and costly to retrofit the stock ambient light package into the car. Do there exist good aftermarket kits? At the very least, could I install brighter footwell bulbs?
I've toyed around with the idea of getting some aftermarket kit, but they all look quite cheap. My guess is that it would be extremely difficult and costly to retrofit the stock ambient light package into the car. Do there exist good aftermarket kits? At the very least, could I install brighter footwell bulbs?
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Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 706
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From: Los Angeles, CA
'22 GLE 350 | '15 ML250 | '87 560SL | '19 GLC 300 | '12 C250 (sold) | '02 ML500 | '98 C230
I have a 2015 ML without the optional ambient lighting option. This means I have one overhead light, four door pull lights, and two front footwell lights that are so dim, they might as well not be there. The problem is made worse by my all black interior.
I've toyed around with the idea of getting some aftermarket kit, but they all look quite cheap. My guess is that it would be extremely difficult and costly to retrofit the stock ambient light package into the car. Do there exist good aftermarket kits? At the very least, could I install brighter footwell bulbs?
I've toyed around with the idea of getting some aftermarket kit, but they all look quite cheap. My guess is that it would be extremely difficult and costly to retrofit the stock ambient light package into the car. Do there exist good aftermarket kits? At the very least, could I install brighter footwell bulbs?
Yes, there is no way to retrofit the ambient lighting package into a car without it. You have to buy all new wood trim pieces, replace all the wiring harnesses, and then reprogram the system with STAR to enable the option. The retrofit options I've seen look cheap, but like you, still keep my eye open as I am in the same boat.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2016
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From: at the mercedes dealer next to you
2020 GLE350 2020 Toyota Rav4H AWD XLE
Door pull lights? What are those specifically?
Yes, there is no way to retrofit the ambient lighting package into a car without it. You have to buy all new wood trim pieces, replace all the wiring harnesses, and then reprogram the system with STAR to enable the option. The retrofit options I've seen look cheap, but like you, still keep my eye open as I am in the same boat.
Yes, there is no way to retrofit the ambient lighting package into a car without it. You have to buy all new wood trim pieces, replace all the wiring harnesses, and then reprogram the system with STAR to enable the option. The retrofit options I've seen look cheap, but like you, still keep my eye open as I am in the same boat.
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Joined: Sep 2014
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From: LaLaLand
2015 GLK350 & 2020 C300
I tried to do something similar to my GLK, made new wire harnesses and discovered it is difficult to code in without Vedoc (vehicle documentation program). I ended up just buying another car with the option and changing out the foot well lights to factory LED.
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Joined: Dec 2016
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From: at the mercedes dealer next to you
2020 GLE350 2020 Toyota Rav4H AWD XLE
Lack of Lighting package and Ambients are the one of the biggest complaints here so most people attempt to retrofit it. People dont realize that the option 876 is the hardest to retrofit and they should know prior to getting the car they should know what they need to search for before getting it. Thats how i got the logic 7 system in my car and i see people in these forums trying to retrofit that as well
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 62
Likes: 13
Mercedes cls 250 W218
I have a 2015 ML without the optional ambient lighting option. This means I have one overhead light, four door pull lights, and two front footwell lights that are so dim, they might as well not be there. The problem is made worse by my all black interior.
I've toyed around with the idea of getting some aftermarket kit, but they all look quite cheap. My guess is that it would be extremely difficult and costly to retrofit the stock ambient light package into the car. Do there exist good aftermarket kits? At the very least, could I install brighter footwell bulbs?
I've toyed around with the idea of getting some aftermarket kit, but they all look quite cheap. My guess is that it would be extremely difficult and costly to retrofit the stock ambient light package into the car. Do there exist good aftermarket kits? At the very least, could I install brighter footwell bulbs?
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 897
Likes: 94
From: at the mercedes dealer next to you
2020 GLE350 2020 Toyota Rav4H AWD XLE
I have a cls 218 without ambient lighting, bought an aftermarket kit but it looked cheap(a fin you push in between the panel gaps). However I did discover that the ambient light tube is under the dash and in the doors, so there is just no led to light them up. It will be next summer by the time I get around to it but plan is to use the aftermarket kit to light up the factory light tubes. Easy way to check is just to take the driver's side dash (above the key) out, was only 2 nuts and see if the plastic tube is there. Won't be able to code it but hope to solder to the back of the cigarette lighter
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Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 62
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Mercedes cls 250 W218
https://mbworld.org/forums/cls-coupe...ml#post7887328
Above is my preliminary investigation. Could be a while but will deffo update when done
Above is my preliminary investigation. Could be a while but will deffo update when done
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 62
Likes: 13
Mercedes cls 250 W218
