dspicher

We own the R320 CDI, and while generally we really enjoy the vehicle it has quality issues that we've never experienced in vehicles half the price of this one.

Case in point - the tail lights. Tail lights on both sides have failed repeatedly. This isn't a matter of the tail lights burning out. This appears to me to be a design flaw in the tail light assembly that relies on pressure point contact between the tail light casing and the bulb socket to conduct power to the light (as opposed to wiring that goes right into the bulb socket). Over time, it seems that the contacts on the bulb socket bend to a point that they no longer make contact with the metal on the tail light casing (which I believe is conducting the power). We've "fixed" these several times, only to have them fail again shortly after fixing. (Interestly, other lights in the assembly rely on this same design but have not failed.)

Has anyone else experienced this on their R-Class. I assume so given what our local Mercedes mechanic tells us (and the knowing shaking of his head when we present the problem to him).

Appreciate any feedback from other RClass owners.

lkchris

Yeah, they source parts for the Alabama cars from NAFTA sources.

JTReeves

I had a similar problem - I'd go in and remove and reinsert the bulb(s) and it would work for a while. I took it to the dealer and they replaced elements of the fiber optic harness that feed power to the taillights. This is a design flaw and I believed they repaired it under a service bulletin. Take it to the dealer and have them fix it.

JR

aggst1

I second that. Had mine done last spring under warranty as per the service bulletin mentioned above.

Gordinho80

My 2007 R320 has issues with tail lights.... I found this post and brought it to the dealer. They called me and told me that the Service Bulletin mentions replacing the bulbs... WHAT? Bulbs? A Technical Service Bulletin to replace BULBS??? Anyone can replace bulbs, matter of fact, I have... NUMEROUS times because of this. I'm going to speak to Service Manager tomorrow, they want to run a $200 diagnostic to find the problem...

shobbs666

Give this to the Dealer. it's the actual TSB from MB

Nature of Defect:
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS
Bulletin Number:
TB-82-10-632
Bulletin Date:
Aug 2008
Summary:
MERCEDES: STOP/TAIL LIGHT NOT ILLUMINATING WITH DTCS 9102, 9103, 9106, 9107, 9126, 9127 OR 9136. ( NHTSA ITEM NUMBER - 10028025 )

avlis

Our 06 failed inspection in November because of a tail light out. It wasn't the bulb because the light would turn on intermittently. I discovered that there was oxidation on the metal plate where the bulb makes contact. When I wiggled the bulb it would turn on/off. It was making intermittent contact and the arcing corroded a small spot making the contact even worse. I had this problem on my 02 c-class marker light too. To fix it, I sanded the area with a Dremel tool until the metal was shiny. Sandpaper will work too it'll just take a bit longer.

Gordinho80

Thanks... I had given this to the dealer already. They are trying to tell me that the bulletin directs them to change the light bulbs... which I know does not fix the issues... and that they saw as well. That is why they are trying to charge us the $200 diagnostic.

Gordinho80

Diagnostic done... they found the rear control module was bad. Also, the right rear tail lamp has some corrosion, which may have caused the module to go bad. $1000 to replace both items, parts & labor. Do I have any better options as vehicle is no longer under warranty?

avlis

You have a couple options:

1. Source the parts and replace/repair them yourself.
2. Go to a non-dealer shop and get a quote for the repair.

I seriously doubt the tail lamp assembly needs to be replaced. Simply scuff off the corrosion as I described above.

j21importer

they make repair kits for the brake lamp bulbs now that makes them hardwired with the taillamp connector. so no more problems with the contacts on the housing.

A164 826 00 07 Repair kit (x2 if doing both sides)

A002 997 24 90 Cable tie 2.8 x 100 mm 1 or 2 X

rosswell

Hey J21 Importer (or anyone else)...

DIY-er inquiry:

Anyone install the tail-light fix kit from Mercedes? I bought both sides but haven't yet. As most of you know, the bulbs fit into a black socket, which in turn rotate-fits into the appropriate hole in the metal plate behind the red lens. The kit has the same black plastic socket, the difference being a plastic washer and no metal to metal contact, with 2-wires soldered to each side of the black plastic socket, down to a plastic connector, which reduces the two wires to one wire only and a terminating "Ground" loop. I don't understand how the bulb is supposed to obtain power but I assume the ground is installed to the existing nearby ground, and the bulb socket installed, with the original black socket discarded (which has a metal flange that contacts the plate). Any adivce would be helpful. Perhaps I have to fool my computer after the install (which now routes power to the substitute bulbs at the lower inside location due to the regular tail lights very dim or just out/no contact).

jwratts

If you sand or otherwise use some type of abrasive tool or compound on any type of electrical connection I strongly recommend that you obtain and use the following product to keep the connectors from oxidizing or corroding. The product is named NoOxId (http://www.sanchem.com/aSpecialE.html)..It was originally developed for the AT&T telephone companies to be used on ALL power connections, specially the large lead acid battery connection. It is impervious to acid, etc., I have been using it for 48 year and swear by it. I also use it on lug nuts and bolts or any bolts/screws that are subject to corrosion.

coppet

Had same issue on 2009 R-350. Intermittent operation and finally failure of RR tail light. Service doc says "performed short test found code 9102, 9103, 9106, 9126. Performed L182.10-P-045622 Installed repair kit for rear brake lamps. Replaced rear brake and tail lamp bulbs. Road test vehicle." This has fixed the issue for now. Problem obviously dates to much earlier models, and a "kit" was designed to fix this issue.

To MB's credit, they installed two 164-826-00-07 A Repair Kits and 2 bulbs, repairing the left side which was not problematic. This was all under orig warranty.

Also had unrelated RF low beam failure at about same time. The two are apparently unrelated. The low beam lamp was burned out.

One should note that burned out bulbs are covered under original factory warranty but not under CPO warranty.

rodneyc77

Is there any way you can take a picture of how the wiring was done with the repair kit?

Thanks it will be highly appreciated.

rosswell

there were some procedure instructions for installing the kit including "de-pinning" the existing connector wires so the computer would twig to the new stuff...After visiting for service I was informed they are recommending a fix (that would cost about 600.00) that actually upgrades the tail lights to a newer design such that the problem wouldn't be repeated. I may do that if I get tired of this...but for now lazy and don't need my earlier repair kit, which was a cheaper fix but now not recommended for some reason.