Fog Lights New C Class 2008

[Dendan]

Was disappointed to find that the New C Class (WDD204) only has one fog light. I contacted the dealer and asked if it was a matter of reprogramming to facilitate both rear light clusters with fog lights. The section of light cluster which has the fog light within, has only a single cable supplying the bulb which doubles as a rear side light and fog light. The bulb is only a single filament type and as such works as a side light on reduced voltage and brightens up (through increased voltage) when the fog light is switched on. I put the senario of travelling to France and wanting to use the rear fog light, but would be unable to as it would then be on the wrong side of the vehicle, to my dealer. I wanted to know if they could add some programming to the system which would enable both rear lights as fog lights. The responce I received was, NO, the fog lights are set at the point of manufacture. Anyone have any ideas? or maybe a direct contact within Mercedes Benz who might be able to help. Slightly put out, that for a high end vehicle, only one rear fog light. Other than this little irritation the car is superb. C220 CDi Sport, with lots of extras. Could not believe how good, all round, this car is. Sport agility pack changes the characteristics so much that it feels like driving a different car when it is engaged. Absolutely brilliant.

 

[rf065]

All of my cars for the last 20 years have only had one rear fog light.


Russ

 

[stumpy]

Only one fog light so as not to be confused with brake lights. Been like that for years.

 

[jberks]

Not sure if it's regulation but, yes, these days most cars only have the one. I don't think it's a money thing as it would probably be cheaper and easier for MB to set it up with both.
The continental driving thing is an interesting thought though....
I wonder what MBUK customer services would have to say on the subject.

 

[whitenemesis]

Not sure if it's the same with the 204 but on 203s the rear fog will go out at speeds above 60kph, in accordance with German regulations.

Does this still happen on UK cars?

Oh, yes there is only one rear lamp, no memtion of switching for European driving

 

[television]

Not sure if it's the same with the 204 but on 203s the rear fog will go out at speeds above 60kph, in accordance with German regulations.

Does this still happen on UK cars?

Oh, yes there is only one rear lamp, no memtion of switching for European driving

This is the first that I have heard on this,,see what I can find out

 

[Stu_CDX]

My W124 only has one bulb in the fog lights, but my Dad's 1990 300TE24 Sportline had two.

Can I just bang another bulb in the N/S cluster and motor away with two fog lights?

We're going to Germany in Febuary, so I'd like to be "Euro Safe".

As for cars only having one, the only cars I know of to only have one are those designed with one (Mk3, mk4, mk5 Fiesta's), Ford Ka, base model Metros and the Vauxhall Vectra.

Whenever it's foggy, I regularly see cars with two.

I would like two, as mentioned, for euro driving.

Sorry to thread hi-jack, I just find it weird to think that a W124 Wagon will have two and a W124 Saloon doesn't.

 

[RoddyJ]

The general rule seems to be, if it's a UK vehicle - 2 fog lights. European manufacture - 1 fog light.

 

[rf065]

The general rule seems to be, if it's a UK vehicle - 2 fog lights. European manufacture - 1 fog light.

I've had UK vehicles with only one rear fog light, so doubt that is true.

Most countries permit rear fog lamps to be installed either singly or in pairs. If a single rear fog is fitted, it is require it to be located at or to the driver's side of the vehicle's centreline — whichever side is the prevailing driver's side in the country in which the vehicle is registered.

Proponents of twin rear fog lamps say two lamps provide vehicle distance information not available from a single lamp. Proponents of the single rear fog lamp say dual rear fog lamps closely mimic the appearance of illuminated brake lamps (which are mandatorily installed in pairs), reducing the conspicuity of the brake lamps' message when the rear fogs are activated.

Russ

 

[Dendan]

Fog Lights New C Class 2008 Update

Have sent an email to Mercedes Benz Customer Services, just waiting for them to get back to me. Will update once I have received a reply from them. This issue does not prevent me from enjoying the experience of owning and driving a Mercedes it is however irritating. I have, in the past, owner Fords and Vauxhalls, all of which had 2 rear fog lights. So I find it difficult to understand why Mercedes only fit 1 to their vehicles. Nice to see this issue has provoked some interest.

 

[Dendan]

Fog Lights New C Class 2008 MBUK reply

Thank you for contacting the Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center Maastricht N.V. regarding the use of only one fog light.
I have been in contact with out Technical Department and they have confirmed that the wattage we use and other automotive manufactures use for the fog light bulb is the same as the break light bulbs and therefore we only switch on one side.
If both sides would work this would confuse other road users, they would think you are breaking but in fact the fog lights are on.

About as much use as a chocolate fire guard. I have responded and will post their reply.

 

[rf065]

I think their answer is quite clear, two fog lamps can be confused with two brake lamps, so they only fit one to avoid any confusion.

Russ

 

[Dendan]

Surely fog lights are used to let other road users know you are there, so that they can maintain a safe distance. If there is confusion over brake lights would this not have the same affect, keep your distance. Other manufacturers do not appear to have this problem as they fit 2 rear fog lights. MBUK have still not answered the question of driving in Europe (France, Germany etc). Fog light would be on the wrong side.

 

[rf065]

If you read post Number 9, the fog light has to be on the drivers side in the country of first registration, you are not braking any laws when driving abroad. Personally, I find too many people have them on when not required or forget to switch them off, so less there are works for me.

Russ

 

[PeterCLK]

Yes, there's nothing more annoying than following some idiot down the motorway who has left his rear fog on when it is not needed. If it's 2 it makes it worse as you're not sure whether he is braking.
IMO it is a good safety feature only to have one.

 

[sib]

Must agree there Peter.

I used to work with a guy who was most angry that people used their rear fog lights at all. I always argued that he'd complain more when his insurance company refused him insurance as a result of a big value claim after a high speed motorway shunt!

All for using rear foglights - where needed!

 

[whitenemesis]

I like the German system, when exceeding 60kph the rear fogs extinguish.. If you can drive that fast you don't need them!!