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While not an ideal situation, you may consider converting the taillights to the 2017 and up facelift version on both sides (pic below). Some say they look better. I do see the pre facelift versions come up on eBay. But that would mean waiting an unknown amount of time for another to pop up. There are several 2017+ versions on there.
Interesting that it’s already a discontinued part ☹️
edit: Theres one in Germany, many times you can contact sellers and pay an additional shipping cost. They have pretty good feedback so hopefully it works and arrives undamaged. Always a gamble with used parts shipped from overseas ☹️
☹️ + Covid seems to have accelerated the pace at which older parts have been discontinued.
in an age in which manufacturers are having a tough time making parts for their current production vehicles, parts for older vehicles are becoming less of a priority.
Last edited by crconsulting; Jul 13, 2022 at 01:39 PM.
While not an ideal situation, you may consider converting the taillights to the 2017 and up facelift version on both sides (pic below). Some say they look better. I do see the pre facelift versions come up on eBay. But that would mean waiting an unknown amount of time for another to pop up. There are several 2017+ versions on there.
Interesting that it’s already a discontinued part ☹️
edit: Theres one in Germany, many times you can contact sellers and pay an additional shipping cost. They have pretty good feedback so hopefully it works and arrives undamaged. Always a gamble with used parts shipped from overseas ☹️
is the difference just the lack of the clear part of the lens, or is the light patter different as well? Just curious…
They lack the clear turn signal part (which are red LED’s anyways). The form factor is identical, nor do they require coding either. Straight bolt on.
There is also an older EU/UK part number that may still be more readily available in Europe. Voltage appears identical, but there’s a chance LED’s have different brightness since non-DOT. 231-820-01-64 left & 231-820-02-64 right.
Originally Posted by rmorin49
I guess we should all be driving Kias or Hyundais. LOL
Both L&R R230 taillights are still available. ☹️
Last edited by crconsulting; Jul 14, 2022 at 03:58 PM.
OP, did you find a replacement lens? I assume your are going to replace both sides so they match. I'm still amazed that MB does not offer OEM replacements.
German taillights will be plug-n-play fit but may have an amber turn signal instead of red.
I don’t recall if this is the case of the R231 but if so it will be considered a step-up.
Definitely prefer the facelift lights
You'll want to look at their feedback.
These guys have a habit of selling items that are not in stock and unavailable. Only to either refund you days later with no explanation, or send you a box with the wrong part : ( forcing you to open a case with ebay to get your money back. 97% is pretty horrible
I would definitely go with the set in Germany at rahme-mb over those guys or the link from ebay I posted above (from Germany also)
Last edited by crconsulting; Jul 22, 2022 at 04:46 PM.
You'll want to look at their feedback.
These guys have a habit of selling items that are not in stock and unavailable. Only to either refund you days later with no explanation, or send you a box with the wrong part : ( forcing you to open a case with ebay to get your money back. 97% is pretty horrible
I would definitely go with the set in Germany at rahme-mb over those guys or the link from ebay I posted above (from Germany also)
Price-wise the German tail lights are a no-brainer and a fraction of the 2017's. That's the one I'd pick. Shipping from Germany is super simple but not everyone is comfortable dealing with international vendors.
In regards to the Ebay auction, I personally wouldn't worry too much about the feedback of high-volume sellers.These are multi-channel sellers that just throw SKU's on the list. It shows as New which is good and it's the latest revision part number.
There can be a bit of hassle but there is zero risk for the user (use PayPal). The buyer is fully covered, including easy return shipping. Unfortunately its not perfect but its one or so I see in the US.
German taillights will be plug-n-play fit but may have an amber turn signal instead of red.
I don’t recall if this is the case of the R231 but if so it will be considered a step-up.
Definitely prefer the facelift lights
Cars in the USA have a DOT small light requirement in the tail lights to make the lights/car more visible from the sides at the rear. . Euro cars do not have that law and don't have the extra light on the corners/sides.Although 85% of people don't know about this requirement and would not notice the lights where missing the extra required part you, one could have a very big problem should they be involved in a side collision and the insurance company inspects the car and catches that. One could be found at fault for any accident where it could be said that the car wasn't visible enough because of the non DOT light. USA lights have a tiny DOT stamp, etc. on the lights as well to show they are street legal.
In the past I have purchased Euro lights for other cars because they were cooler, blacked out, or just a different light bulb set up. I never had an issue and I had the car for years. A friend did similar, and years after he had been riding around with his non DOT lights he got t-boned at an intersection. Totally not his fault. He lost the case and the insurance company challenged his lights by saying they were not street legal and contributed to him being hit. Total BS, but they didn't cover his total loss car that he still owed money on. He had to file bankruptcy.
Last edited by ThatsMyDawg; Jul 23, 2022 at 05:49 PM.
Cars in the USA have a DOT small light requirement in the tail lights to make the lights/car more visible from the sides. Euro cars to not have that law and don't have the extra light on the corners/sides.Although 85% of people don't know about this requirement and would not notice the lights where missing the extra required part you, one could have a very big problem should they be involved in a side collision and the insurance company inspects the car and catches that. One could be found at fault for any accident where it could be said that the car wasn't visible enough because of the non DOT light. USA lights have a tiny DOT stamp, etc. on the lights as well to show they are street legal.
In the past I have purchased Euro lights for other cars because they were cooler, blacked out, or just a different light bulb set up. I never had an issue and I had the car for years. A friend did similar, and years after he had been riding around with his non DOT lights he got t-boned at an intersection. Totally not his fault. He lost the case and the insurance company challenged his lights by saying they were not street legal and contributed to him being hit. Total BS, but they didn't cover his total loss car that he still owed money on. He had to file bankruptcy.
That’s crazy! I think that the case could be challenged in court though as reflective markers are a weak case for not seeing a car. In daylight you can see the car and at night you see the head and tail lights.
Germany has much tougher regulations than the US and don’t consider them needed.
The DOT just recently removed their outdated regulations on lighting that finally more advanced intelligent lighting can be imported/enabled.
Unknown to many, the German headlights had to be dumbed down over the last 10 years or so to comply with ancient DOT regulations.
Removing the side markers is literally the first mod for BMW owners. Re-programming the headlights to Euro standards comes next (anti dazzle).
He should have hired a lawyer, but the family was kinda on the low side of income and they just didn’t have proper representation. Once the vehicle was framed as not street legal the entire defense was gone. He was actually crying when he told us about it. This was in the 80s, or 90s. The car was not legal for street use and the DOT has deemed proper tail lights to consist of X Y and Z for public safety and when people decide to take public safety in their own hands this is what happens, etc. Because they argued the car a VW Shrerrocko(spelling) didn’t have illegal lights it should not have been on the road and because so it was he is to blame, blah, blah. A good lawyer would have chewed the playoff a new one.
Like I mentioned before I have swapped out lights for all kinds and sometimes it says right on the box not for street use, even though they know that’s why people buy them.
They just try to cover their behinds.
Originally Posted by Wolfman
That’s crazy! I think that the case could be challenged in court though as reflective markers are a weak case for not seeing a car. In daylight you can see the car and at night you see the head and tail lights.
Germany has much tougher regulations than the US and don’t consider them needed.
The DOT just recently removed their outdated regulations on lighting that finally more advanced intelligent lighting can be imported/enabled.
Unknown to many, the German headlights had to be dumbed down over the last 10 years or so to comply with ancient DOT regulations.
Removing the side markers is literally the first mod for BMW owners. Re-programming the headlights to Euro standards comes next (anti dazzle).
I have a pair of tail lights from my 2013 SL550
I am about to start a facelift and will be willing to part with them and many other parts.
If anyone can use headlights, hood, fenders, both complete bumpers and side skirts let me know.
I can provide photos if needed
thank you
He should have hired a lawyer, but the family was kinda on the low side of income and they just didn’t have proper representation. Once the vehicle was framed as not street legal the entire defense was gone. He was actually crying when he told us about it. This was in the 80s, or 90s. The car was not legal for street use and the DOT has deemed proper tail lights to consist of X Y and Z for public safety and when people decide to take public safety in their own hands this is what happens, etc. Because they argued the car a VW Shrerrocko(spelling) didn’t have illegal lights it should not have been on the road and because so it was he is to blame, blah, blah. A good lawyer would have chewed the playoff a new one.
Like I mentioned before I have swapped out lights for all kinds and sometimes it says right on the box not for street use, even though they know that’s why people buy them.
They just try to cover their behinds.
That absolutely sucks, and I have done all sorts of light mods (except putting HIDs in halogen lights...that's a big no-no) and never had any problems...
And, it's spelled Scirocco- I had to look it up myself-, and it is a SWEET old VW. My cousin had a mid-80's silver/black MK2 that I lusted after in high school...I hardly ever see them anymore as I think most have returned to the earth as iron dust...
How are the condition of the headlights and taillights? What are you thinking for cost?
hi Sean
The tail lights and headlights are perfect, the vehicle only has 6k on it
the tail lights are probably worth $350 each
head lights in thinking $650 each
Im doing a facelift so I have the whole nose th get rid of rear bumper side skirts and rims
let me know what you think
Frank
Thanks, mine has been in the sun have some spots on the headlight I will try to polish. The left rear taillight has condensation, trying to fix. If I am unsuccessful I'll let you know.
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