W203 N/S Rear fog light not working - tried 4 working bulbs

drivencrazy

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Hi everyone

I have a 2002 (built) W203 (South African build). I was checking my rear lights today when I noticed that the N/S rear fog light was not working. I swapped over the bulbs and tried two spare 12v/21w bulbs - all worked in the O/S bulb holder but none in the N/S bulb holder.

Is there a fault with the N/S bulb holder?
or
is the N/S bulb a 'backup' which lights up if the O/S bulb fails?

All replies would be very welcome as I want to be safe in the foggy weather and I do not want to have a fault in the vehicle and collect 3 penalty points.

Thank you in advance.
 

Naraic

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LOL. The near side one doesn't work...in this country.
 

Cole@MBS

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You don't have one on that side, only on the o/s...........
 

television

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It is the law in the EU to only use one rear fog lamp in the offside of that car, you should not have 2
 

Naraic

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All MB have two...but they are coded for specific markets. So even the bulb is fitted...but never used.
 
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drivencrazy

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LOL indeed!!!!

I looked in the handbook but it didn't mention this, although it did show only the O/S light bulbs diagram, so perhaps there is a clue in that.

I don't feel too much of a schmuck, even if I did spend some time moving bulbs around!!!

Thank you everyone for the prompt replies - 3 in 3 minutes!:D
 

television

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LOL indeed!!!!

I looked in the handbook but it didn't mention this, although it did show only the O/S light bulbs diagram, so perhaps there is a clue in that.

I don't feel too much of a schmuck, even if I did spend some time moving bulbs around!!!

Thank you everyone for the prompt replies - 3 in 3 minutes!:D

Many think there should be 2,,,you are not alone :D:D
 

carlberry64

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hi
on the earlier models only one rear fog lamp comes on, which is the offside.
on facelift models it has 2 working fogs

hope this answers your question.
 

television

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hi
on the earlier models only one rear fog lamp comes on, which is the offside.
on facelift models it has 2 working fogs

hope this answers your question.

It is OK to have 2 rear fog lamps, but not a must
 
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Naraic

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It is unlawful to have 2 rear fog lamps

Oops, no Malcolm it's not. But if one is fitted it must be on the off side for the particular country. Most fit one so that it is clearly a fog lamp rather than be mistaken for brake lamps. It is a requirement to have at least one...but more than one (a matched pair) are allowed.
 

television

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OK I will edit that post and thank you :D
 

chris1200

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It is unlawful to have 2 rear fog lamps

Malcolm, would I be right in saying that the 1 foglight rule wasn't always the case? I seem to remember having cars in the past with 2 working foglights....or am I imagining that?? lol
 

Naraic

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Malcolm, would I be right in saying that the 1 foglight rule wasn't always the case? I seem to remember having cars in the past with 2 working foglights....or am I imagining that?? lol

See above.
 

television

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Malcolm, would I be right in saying that the 1 foglight rule wasn't always the case? I seem to remember having cars in the past with 2 working foglights....or am I imagining that?? lol

I was wrong and edited the post, sorry about that
 

chris1200

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A travesty! It's reassuring to know that I haven't lost my marbles. Yet!
 
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drivencrazy

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Thank you everyone who replied. I am going to print off a copy of this thread and keep it with the handbook in case I am asked about it while driving.
 

Alex Crow

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Thank you everyone who replied. I am going to print off a copy of this thread and keep it with the handbook in case I am asked about it while driving.

I really would not worry about that - why do you expect to be challenged about the legally binding and compliant rear fog lamp arrangement?
 
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drivencrazy

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I am just being cautious. I watch all the traffic programmes on television and want to have my answer ready. As one poster has pointed out, the facelift model has two working fog lights and this might lead to the finger being pointed at me in my pre-facelift model.

I have owned the vehicle since new and have had only one huge bill so far (touch wood) - the pre-heater staying on and flattening the battery (new pre-heater and battery). The paintwork has been a disaster (no joy with MB) and has cost a fortune to put right - but that's another story!

The replies have been much appreciated. Thanks everyone.:D
 

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