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I need to replace the 3rd brake light on my 2003 sl500. I have the new light, but cant find a 'how to' video or a complete set of instructions on how to do this. Can anyone help?
I am concerned about removing the trunk lid carpet/liner to access the brake light area as I don't want to damage the flaps that fold back against the trunk.
Any help/advice appreciated.
Thanks
Have you searched youtube ?
Just did a quick search "r230 third brake light replacement" and many DIY videos appeared.
I have replaced mine on both of my R230's with the smoked lamp, and I do remember having to remove the upper trunk carpet.
A set of interior trim removal tools would be very beneficial.
You can put the top down, the flaps will be out of the way at this point, open the trunk and remove the carpet.
Once the carpet is removed, then put the top back up (do not want the folded top in the way to be possibly damaged) so that you will have full access to the trunk lid.
When I replaced mine, I begin putting the roof into the trunk and stop as soon as the trunk lid is upwards before the roof itself lifts off. You have to get under the molding molded carpet material on the trunk lid, and that stuff is very stiff! It was not easy and not fun but prying it back, etc., not complete removal but just enough to gain access, it will still try to be in your way buy if you had a helper to pull it and hold it outta your way that could help... then getting your hands in there, Looking back I think I saw a video or two on Youtube, I think there's a WIS for the job somewhere maybe someone will put it up on here. . You gotta be careful not to break the old light getting it out or the pieces will rattle in there forever, and don't break the new light getting it in as well. It's a part that is easy to break... I recall using quarter inch drive sockets, ratchet, extensions, small tools, various sized to get in there... That I got that job done , was a miracle it was a real B****. But, once done, you'll fell a sense of accomplishment. Buy an box of Band-Aids first! You'll be wearing them for a few days. I heard that slamming the trunk lid shut hard is a prime way to crack that light. (The trunk lid is supposed to gently click when shutting then a motor pulls it shut the last inch, so in a perfect world you'd never have to slam it shut. But on some R230s the trunk shutting mechanism, etc, can quit working the way it was designed to... I was getting messages once in a while, saying that it wasn't closed while I was driving but I never slammed it hard, mine was slightly cracked from the Arizona sunshine I think, when I got the car.. Good Luck
Last edited by tonylinc; Apr 28, 2021 at 12:17 PM.
@bigbluecheese Sorry to Hijack, did you buy the whole 3rd light assembly? or just a bulb. my light is cracked and I want to replace the whole unit. Not sure if I trust the LED one from ebay for $90 or if I should just buy the OE MB Part.
@bigbluecheese Sorry to Hijack, did you buy the whole 3rd light assembly? or just a bulb. my light is cracked and I want to replace the whole unit. Not sure if I trust the LED one from ebay for $90 or if I should just buy the OE MB Part.
FYI, I bought a complete unit ($30) from EBay (China) a year ago for friend of mine. Installed it and it's still working. It's a complete sealed LED unit, Not bulbs.
I replaced mine with the AMG version that is grey in color yet lights up bright red when you step on the brakes.
Cost around $140 but looks awesome and yes it is a complete unit, it would be insane to try to replace a single LED in that unit.
For the work involved replacing it, just buy a new third brake light and replace. Get original genuine Mercedes part.
Hi & thanks. I had checked Youtube but none of the vids were not specific to the sl500 or the vids were incomplete.
I did recently find this which seems to give the answer.... this weekends project!
Thanks,
My old light is completely shattered & in pieces, but i have fished most of it out. Now I just need to get access to remove all that remains so I can install the replacement. I have bandaids @ the ready!
I'll be replacing my 3rd brake light soon. I have a new one,light and metal bracket. My plan is to remove the 2 nuts holding the light and bracket together. Then I'll remove the light and disconnect it and leave the metal braket in place. I'll install the new light into the old metal bracket ;hoping doing this will make it a bit easier. I'll see.
A1EK, my friend that is a lot easier said than done...these couple of nuts are an absolute pain to remove since there is not too much room to turn them....Other than that the procedure is right on the money!
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