fkong777

Just installed a set of updated taillights 2003 style.
Got it on ebay. $180 shipped.

Simple to install. but you will need a phillips screw driver, 8mm socket, and Torx bit to remove the LED array.

Here is a simple write up.
1. Pull trunk liner panel to gain access to the tail light.
2. unplug the black rectangular harness.
3. remove the 4 x 8mm nut.
4. carefully pop out the OEM taillight.
5. Transplant all the bulb & socket to new taillight.
6. Transplant the LED array panel.

a. remove OEM light LED array cover Torx screw
b. pop out array from the 2 electrical contact.
c. reinstall in new taillight in reverse order.

7. reinstall new taillight on car.
8. tighten the 4 bolts. DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN.
9. Plug in black harness
10. reinstall trunk liner.

Repeat to on the other side.

Should take about 10min a side.

Incendiary

Pics of before and after?

fkong777

Let me try to get some pics this weekend.
Didn't think I needed pics since the updated taillight is OEM looking.

BTW my take on the new taillight compare to old aesthetically.
Given that the four stripe light looks newer, I noticed...
It made the W220 looked wider and longer. In a good way of course.
I suppose the 4 horizontal stripes do something to the eyes.

Rlo

When I see an 2002 or earlier on the road or in a parking lot, compared to my updates '02, I say everytime my back end looks so much longer and wider, plus with the AMG apperance rear bumper, also more aggressive looking

Now for a quad exhaust, for a real mean look

newton22

I once tried taking off the tailight, not to replace or upgrade, but just clean out some debris inside.

I had the 3 nuts and bolts removed and the wire harness unplugged, but no matter how hard I budged, the tailight wouldn't come off. Any harder, and I was afraid I was gonna snap the assembly.

fkong777

there are 4 bolts to undo.

newton22

LOL, I'm an idiot. But where's the fourth one?

koreanpers

thank god u did not keep pushing, u could have broken something If u look at the side of the tailight from the outside... the bolt connects on the side of it from the inside. You have to pull the carpet back a little bit further...u will see it.

I also updated my tails..and WOW, it makes a huge difference

Mark_K

I just recieved my tail lights.

I notice that the original poster said that you have to take the LEDs out of the old tail lights and but them in the new ones.

Mine come with LEDs already in them. the people that already did this, did your come with the LEDs already in them?

Vader55

Yes, mine did and if someone got them without they got jacked. Mark, there are 4 post screws on your new tail lights. you need to remove/unscrew 1 of them to install them ...there are 4 nuts on your your existing lights to be removed. .. when you yank the old ones out you will see what I mean.. you also with have to remove the bulb twist holders from your old lights and install them in the new ones..

Mark_K

Thanks for the reply.

What about the LED part? My new one comes with the LED lights in it I think or does it just look that way? I only looked at them real fast.

ironcheflam

i got some pics of it if you cant wait for fkong

Skylaw

I bought OE Mercedes from Performance Auto Parts several years ago; they had the LEDs in already. They also cost around $350. I have read that some (but not all) Asian products require transfer of the LED panels from the OE lights, but don't know which. Leaving the LEDs out probably helps get the price to the $180 mentioned. If you install taillights that don't have any LEDs, you'll get a warning of a burned out LED cluster (or bulb) on the instrument panel.

02S430

are ur guys oem or aftermarket? i got mine on ebay oem in a mercedes box, for $302 shipped. you can tell if there real or not cause they have the mercedes symbol in the corner bottom by the trunk lid

newton22

Am I the only one who likes the pre-facelift tails better? They have that dated subtle look I like.

Mark_K

I paid 142.50 for mine. Here is the link

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...m=110073246838

These are not OEM but should work out ok. I am installing them later today or tomorrow.

02S430

looks good, good luck! it look much better!

Mark_K

OK all done!

I had to first supper glue the black plastic strip that you can see from the trunk to the light on one of the lights!!!!!!

And also had to trim some plastic in order to get one of the bulbs in.

Mine came with the LED lights in already and with the main bulb.

However, for $142.50 it looks nice.

So my mods to-date:

Tail lights, side mirrors and wood **** knob.

02S430

get some pics up! lol

Mark_K

I will do some pics tomorrow.

What type of head lights did you upgrade to? Halogen or HID?

Aleksandar

Dang, I happen to like the fatties better I'm a fatty lover, I know. But, everyone who's done the mod, your cars look great. I guess I'm just not that cool.

02S430

halogen

Mark_K

Great!
Now for some details.....

1. Where did you buy them?
2. Are they OEM?
3. Do you have a link?
4. How much did you pay?
5. Are you happy with the way the shine at night?