Fog Lights
I'm now at the last step. I ordered a rotary switch for my '06 R 350 (which came with the standard switch). The new rotary switch they ordered for me was for an '06 and has the round button for the headlight washers - which I do NOT have. However, it ofcourse has the two detents on the pull out - which can be activated over two rotary positions. Switch cost $323.00.
So at my next service... I will ask them to please activate it for me. We'll see if they charge me for that. I also need them to diagnose a "visit workshop grey battery picture" which probably means a battery swap for one of the two under the seat.
Rotary switch part number is: 251 545 34 04 9116. (Black).
THe switch installs after you access a side of the dash when the driver's door is open. The plastic dash cap with door defrost vent hole at top pops off - and you undo a screw in the side of the switch. Careful when bending it out and away - as it puts force on the middle 90" bend of the cover. You then access the snap clips holding the switch in place and manouvre it out the front. One cable harness and fancy clip to attach. Easy job. Also careful not to cut the soft cloth headliner along pillar with the cap.
So at my next service... I will ask them to please activate it for me. We'll see if they charge me for that. I also need them to diagnose a "visit workshop grey battery picture" which probably means a battery swap for one of the two under the seat.
Rotary switch part number is: 251 545 34 04 9116. (Black).
THe switch installs after you access a side of the dash when the driver's door is open. The plastic dash cap with door defrost vent hole at top pops off - and you undo a screw in the side of the switch. Careful when bending it out and away - as it puts force on the middle 90" bend of the cover. You then access the snap clips holding the switch in place and manouvre it out the front. One cable harness and fancy clip to attach. Easy job. Also careful not to cut the soft cloth headliner along pillar with the cap.
Last edited by rosswell; Jun 11, 2009 at 01:11 AM.
If the front fogs are installed on the same circuit as the rears is there still any need to have then "activated"?
Aslo, I never use my rear fogs anyway - why not just disable them (by removing the bulb or something) so that only the fronts come on?
I installed the fog lights myself. You need the hardware nuts and bolts form the dealer. Wiring is all there it is pretty much plug and play. You need to go to the dealer or a shop with STAR gizmo and activate them. If you do not replace the switch you will have the front fog lights together with the bright red in back. If you want to remove the rear bulb I guess that is an option but I am not sure if you will get a warning of some kind in the instrument cluster.
I would suggest in not blacking out or even disabling the rear-fog/sub brake light bulb. They are the secondary/redundant (thank you German engineers) brake light system. If you brake light fails (bulb or wire) the back-up which is the rear fog on drivers side and back up on passanger side then activate and act as your brake lights until you can fix the problem.
Would anyone know if headlight/foglight switches from other MB models, such as ML or CLS would work on the R? If so that would open up more possible supply for the retrofit.
Or the newer switch from 08 for 06 or 07 model years?
Its hard to do cross-reference check w/ MB part, as I am not sure if the A## 545 ## 04 is a good fit...
Or the newer switch from 08 for 06 or 07 model years?
Its hard to do cross-reference check w/ MB part, as I am not sure if the A## 545 ## 04 is a good fit...
Last edited by samnt650; Mar 4, 2010 at 06:34 PM.
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From: Alabama
2023 X296 EQS 580 SUV / 2018 991.2 Cabriolet
SIMPLE FOG LIGHT HOOK-UP
I installed my fog lights on my 2006. Simply connect to the side marker lights (gray is + red is -) The side marker light wiring is right there look up 3". I installed the LED Driving Lights just like the 2011's. No error message at all. It's that easy keep lights on AUTO and you don't have to change or program anything.
I installed my fog lights on my 2006. Simply connect to the side marker lights (gray is + red is -) The side marker light wiring is right there look up 3". I installed the LED Driving Lights just like the 2011's. No error message at all. It's that easy keep lights on AUTO and you don't have to change or program anything. 
Sorry I used the term fog lights. I brought the LED Driving Lights on ebay they are very similar to the ones on the 2011. They look great, I had a friend of mine who is a machinist slot out the black plastic so the lights fit from behind.
That is also my other option and actually I have the already cut the louver for my DRL. See pic. Did you use the foglight harness as your DRL power or you tap it thru the side marker wire.
I used the side marker lights to power. If you went the other way and used the exisiting harness the light switch would have to be changed and then the lights would have to be programed into the computer. The wiring for the Side lights are right there it's the easiest way to go. If I want them on during the day I just set the switch to Parking Lights and their on. On Auto when the lights come on their on. 

Last edited by shobbs666; Jan 27, 2011 at 10:26 AM.
I check these fog lights on ebay, all of them were described as following:
Specs: W/ BI-XENON HEADLIGHTS, W/O AMG STYLING, W/O SPORTS PACKAGE, W/ OVAL SHAPE LENS
But I believe my 06 R350 only has regular headlights without fog lights. Can I buy those bi-xenon and plug into the switch? Will it burn the fuse or something?
Any input will be greatly appreciated!
Specs: W/ BI-XENON HEADLIGHTS, W/O AMG STYLING, W/O SPORTS PACKAGE, W/ OVAL SHAPE LENS
But I believe my 06 R350 only has regular headlights without fog lights. Can I buy those bi-xenon and plug into the switch? Will it burn the fuse or something?
Any input will be greatly appreciated!
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2011 C300 4matic, 2015 Porsche Macan S, 2006 R500 (sold)
Mind to share more information (URL) about your aftermarket DRL. Looks nice.
Ths one from Germany. the link is TM Tuning and then just click any Audi and you will see "lightning" option" click that. You will find some universal DRL which awesome in quality. Or go to you tube type TM Tuning.
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 556
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2011 C300 4matic, 2015 Porsche Macan S, 2006 R500 (sold)
Is this the listing?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2-PCS...Q5fAccessories
The reason I ask because there are different length and this one is 6" long instead of 4.5".
Also, do you have a more close up picture of your LED on your R for my reference?
Thanks!
Last edited by supernsx; Jan 27, 2011 at 10:23 PM.
I went to dealer today and the technician used "Star diagnose" to activate fog lights in the electronic system. I did not change switch. Front light are turned on with rear ones. He charged me $120 for labor only, nuts and bolts are free.
Last edited by messageliu; Jun 11, 2011 at 02:32 PM. Reason: picture
Part Numbers: A 251 885 05 23; A 251 885 06 23 - Oval Black Template
A 003 994 86 45: Speed Nuts
N000000 000529: Screws (6)
(Fog Lights) A 169 820 16 56 (see previous post for other fog part #)
I have an involved MB partsman so he deserves some credit for the above info.
I bought fog lights from Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0031HZZOU
It fits R-class very well even its name is "C-Class Passenger Side Replacement Fog Light".
Does anyone know where can I buy those "Part Numbers: A 251 885 05 23; A 251 885 06 23 - Oval Black Template"? I searched on google, but no luck. Does it fit the fog lights I bought from Amazon? Dealer told me $40 a piece if I order from them.
Not to bring a thread back from the dead... I am a new owner of an 06 R-500. So far I love the rig, however there are a few things on it that I am changing. The factory Command unit was bricked on it when I got it, so I had to find someone with the STAR and Xentry system to put the clock controls back into the gauge cluster. I was able to find a local shop that would do that.
The next thing I am wanting to change is the fact that it has no factory fog lights. I got the switch with the extra detent for the front fog lights, and fog lights themselves, as well as the bezels so that it will all appear factory. I have 2 questions:
1) for those of you who used the factory programming software to tell the car that it now has fog lights, where in the system did you find the option? my shop charges me an hourly rate to recode the car, and while it is still cheaper than buying the diagnostic equipment/software myself, if I have a roadmap to tell him where to go in the system to make the needed changes, it will save me some labor time because he isnt having to go menu by menu trying to find it.
2) for those of you who were able to get it programmed, did you have any error messages for the headlamp washer system that doesnt exist?
Thank you in advance, and again, sorry for bringing up an old thread. I have searched high and low on the internet trying to answer these questions, and this thread is the closest I have come to finding them
The next thing I am wanting to change is the fact that it has no factory fog lights. I got the switch with the extra detent for the front fog lights, and fog lights themselves, as well as the bezels so that it will all appear factory. I have 2 questions:
1) for those of you who used the factory programming software to tell the car that it now has fog lights, where in the system did you find the option? my shop charges me an hourly rate to recode the car, and while it is still cheaper than buying the diagnostic equipment/software myself, if I have a roadmap to tell him where to go in the system to make the needed changes, it will save me some labor time because he isnt having to go menu by menu trying to find it.
2) for those of you who were able to get it programmed, did you have any error messages for the headlamp washer system that doesnt exist?
Thank you in advance, and again, sorry for bringing up an old thread. I have searched high and low on the internet trying to answer these questions, and this thread is the closest I have come to finding them
1698201556, 1698201656, 2001, activating, entertainment, fog, front, install, lamps, lights, merceds, ml, prewired, rear, seat, switch
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