My car is a 1997 E420, and it has a plastic covering surrounding the dole light. Tonight it slipped off for some reason and when I tried to snap it back into place, it broke into several pieces (maybe b/c of the cold). Does anyone know where I might buy a new one? I have tried searching online but I'm not sure what it's called really and didn't have any luck.
When you get a chance please complete your profile re: vehicle and location, that can be quite helpful.
In this case for example I'm wondering if there is a location translation issue. I've never heard vernacular related to a "dole" light, so if you can give us some more information that will probably help.
Take care and enjoy the ride,
Greg
__________________ If the only prayer you say in your life is thank you, that would suffice. Meister Eckhart
When you learn from your own mistakes, that's experience.
When you learn from the mistakes of others, that's wisdom.
When you fail to learn from any mistakes, that's government.
It's the light that is above the back seats and it lights up whenever the driver presses the brake. It's located within the cabin, but the light is only visible to people behind you...
I'm pretty sure it's called a dole light. Not sure what else to call it...
See, you do learn something new every day and mine for today is "Dole light".
According to Wikipedia Dole is used occasionally as a reference for the light as it came into law while Elizabeth Dole was secretary of transportation. At any rate, the technical name for it is the "Center High Mounted Stop Light" or CHMSL in the trade vernacular. Other than the bulbs, you have to get it at the dealer or a salvage yard. (I'd bet one of the tabs on it broke from age and that's why it fell off in the first place.)
If you want to get a new one go to duvalmotorcars.com and complete a parts quote request, they'll want your vin to guarantee fitment. They're a benz dealer but sell at a good discount, typically the best dealer prices you'll find.
Hey. I did some research, and the light I'm referring to is called a "Centre High Mount Stop Lamp (CHMSL)," and is sometimes referred to as a "Dole Light" because Elizabeth Dole was the Sec. of Transportation when this type of light became mandatory on passenger vehicles in 1986.
Dole Light Cover 
Linear Mode
