W211 Brake lights

[Poesgesig]

Hi guys – 2008 E220CDI (WDB2110082B252433). At 240,000km (150,000mi) we get a white message “LH Brake Light on backup Bulb”. I don’t have a MB dealership in the area, but we do have some competent workshops. None the three workshops with MB skills can deal with it – bottom line is that the bulbs (lamps) are not replaceable, they are hard soldered to the PC board within the light unit. I eventually found a YouTube video that that dealt with this in detail, showing how to go about getting the failed unit out and replacing it with a new PC board, complete with all of the bulbs incl. brake, park, indicator etc. To my surprise, replacement parts are almost impossible to find in SA. I did however manage to locate the spare parts at a remote dealership but I am uncertain that they are the correct ones. I have searched the web hi and lo for this video so I can send them pics of the unit I need, I can’t find it. There is plenty of info on the web about replacing lights but most cars appear to have replaceable bulbs - very little on this. I am hoping that the MB fraternity can cast some light on this. Greetings, Steve - Mossel Bay, SA.

 

[onefortheroad]

Can you source the whole light unit and change the whole thing .

 

[s5tuart]

Replacement electronics parts are hard to find anywhere.
Perhaps you have a RS components ( Radio Spares) or a Farnell Electronic Components where you are?
Failing that Mouser in USA ship anywhere.
You'll obviously need the replacement part numbers and be able to solder them. If you're not able to solder try to find a TV repair or other electronics repair shop.

 

[Poesgesig]

Thank you for the input. I could find no spares at all, not even for the complete light fitting. One helpful spares guy eventually found what appears to be the right bits at an inland dealer, whom I contacted. He confirmed, but the part numbers do not tie up. My understanding is that the circuit functions on the specific resistance of each globe - any disparity is seen as a fault. As such, one needs to be careful with a substitute in order to preserve the Circuit "balance". Soldering in another globe will not be a problem for me. My surprise is the lack of web info on this particular style of lights - YouTube etc. I had the right YouTube clip, but like an idiot, did not save the link - now I can't find it for love nor money. The attached pic from another clip is similar, but the bulbs appear to be removable?

 

[s5tuart]

Thank you for the input. I could find no spares at all, not even for the complete light fitting. One helpful spares guy eventually found what appears to be the right bits at an inland dealer, whom I contacted. He confirmed, but the part numbers do not tie up. My understanding is that the circuit functions on the specific resistance of each globe - any disparity is seen as a fault. As such, one needs to be careful with a substitute in order to preserve the Circuit "balance". Soldering in another globe will not be a problem for me. My surprise is the lack of web info on this particular style of lights - YouTube etc. I had the right YouTube clip, but like an idiot, did not save the link - now I can't find it for love nor money. The attached pic from another clip is similar, but the bulbs appear to be removable?

Sorry. I assumed they were LEDs that were fitted.
Yes. Those bulbs do look removable to me.
It looks like the holders are surface mounted on to the PCB.