Updating front side lights

[Geoff Formstone]

New member but have been lucky enough to drive various Mercedes models since 1985. I would like to purchase white LED side lights for my E320 CLK Conv.(2000 model) and would very much appreciate some guidance or any suggestions as to where to go or who to ask. Thanks Geoff

 

[Paul1948]

Use ebay there are plenty of replacement bulbs, did my S class and fitted drls as well

 

[Geoff Formstone]

OK thanks but worry about issues on compatibility using eBay sellers, as heard problems if the most suitable replacement is not purchased

 

[LostKiwi]

One issue you will have is the bulb failure warning will no longer work correctly.

 

[Simon Barry]

New member but have been lucky enough to drive various Mercedes models since 1985. I would like to purchase white LED side lights for my E320 CLK Conv.(2000 model) and would very much appreciate some guidance or any suggestions as to where to go or who to ask. Thanks Geoff

I have these on both my cars & am totally satisfied:-
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ultra-LED-Canbus-Error-Free-501-T10-White-Sidelight-Bulbs-/322120185485

 

[Geoff Formstone]

I have these on both my cars & am totally satisfied:-
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ultra-LED-Canbus-Error-Free-501-T10-White-Sidelight-Bulbs-/322120185485

Many thanks Simon, will take your advice and place order. Much appreciated Geoff

 

[Chrishazle]

Simon, just be very careful next time you have to pull the bulb holders, the square edges on those LED's catch easily, pull the LED out of the bulb holder and the LED drops inside the headlight - in my case irretrievably (on the S203)! I moved from that type to https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/T10-501-...var=450904577514&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649 for that reason (on the S204), but they were overheating fairly quickly and melting the plastic front of the LED, plus I have one now inside the headlight and again can't get it back - so in the end I gave up and went back to normal bulbs!

 

[Hardaker]

I have these on both my cars & am totally satisfied:-
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ultra-LED-Canbus-Error-Free-501-T10-White-Sidelight-Bulbs-/322120185485

Did this not bring up a failed lamp warning message due to the low current consumption?

 

[Craiglxviii]

One issue you will have is the bulb failure warning will no longer work correctly.

The other issue is that they’ll either flash or not work at all. The 211 sidelight wiring harness has a built in resistor to deliver enough current drop on failure to activate the failure warning. I found this out on the 215 (it was this that caused the washer pump to stop working too Alastair, that day at Malcolm’s).

So you have to check whether or not your lamp has an inbuilt failure resistor first... the MB sidelight system on 211 and 220 platforms is er comprehensive shall we say.

 

[Simon Barry]

Simon, just be very careful next time you have to pull the bulb holders, the square edges on those LED's catch easily, pull the LED out of the bulb holder and the LED drops inside the headlight - in my case irretrievably (on the S203)! I moved from that type to https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/T10-501-W5W-CAR-SIDE-LIGHT-BULBS-ERROR-FREE-CANBUS-6-10SMD-LED-XENON-HID-WHITE/151702370542?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&var=450904577514&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649 for that reason (on the S204), but they were overheating fairly quickly and melting the plastic front of the LED, plus I have one now inside the headlight and again can't get it back - so in the end I gave up and went back to normal bulbs!

Thank you, will take care if removal becomes necessary.

 

[Simon Barry]

Did this not bring up a failed lamp warning message due to the low current consumption?

No warnings at all on either car.

 

[alexanderfoti]

I find it very hit and miss with LED sidelight bulbs.

They have to dissipate approximately 4.5watts in a resistor if they are not to put the bulb out warning on. That is A LOT of heat in a very small space. Ultimately, this ends up with mine lasting 4-5 months before the actual led's fail and start flashing away. I have another set to put on my 221, but it involves taking the wheel off and pulling the arch liner out, so I have been putting it off.

 

[Craiglxviii]

I find it very hit and miss with LED sidelight bulbs.

They have to dissipate approximately 4.5watts in a resistor if they are not to put the bulb out warning on. That is A LOT of heat in a very small space. Ultimately, this ends up with mine lasting 4-5 months before the actual led's fail and start flashing away. I have another set to put on my 221, but it involves taking the wheel off and pulling the arch liner out, so I have been putting it off.

Alternative is splicing a number of inline resistors into the wiring subharness, so you're not packaging that into the lamp unit itself...