Pictorial of replacing foglight lens

[Kobus]

I recently had a fog light lend cracked on my E320. After looking through the forums, I found some descriptions but no pictures of doing it. So I've taken some pictures and did a writeup on the procedure. My car is a Special Edition and the fog light lens is a different shape of the other face lift models, so I hope the procedure applied to the other models.
As a matter of interest, the lens for my car has a 170 designation, that is the lens is the same as that used on some SLKs. However, where the dealer charges $36 for the standard lens, the bigger SLK lens is only $24. Now let me see: low volume lens = low price, high volume lens - high price?
Or maybe it is: Big car = big pocket, small car = small pocket.

At least the standard lens can be bought on-line for about $24.

Any case, here is a PDF attachment it is for what it's worth.

[E430SportMB]

Kobus,

Does it apply to roud ones too?

[Kobus]

Not sure, maybe somebody else will know.

[acarter53]

If you have an E55 or Sport. There is no lens replacement for the fog light. The entire unit will have to be replaced $$$.

[Kobus]

As fas as I know, on the SLK's, they just have different cut-outs on the bumper, so even if the fog light look round, it still the same lens behind. On the E55 it may be more of a driving light rather than just a pure fog light?

[gregs210]

Hey, Kobus, thanks for the post. Looks like a few fellas were busy this weekend.

I have to say I hate that little door for anything more than a bulb change. Otherwise I just yank the belly pan. Takes about 10 minutes to do that and it allows me to look around for drips and other things (and you'd be surprised how much crap accumulates in the pan). I also then argue with myself that since I've gone that far, I should remove the other lens and re-treat the gasket, definite thumbs up on that part of your DIY. That really helps reduce moisture accumulation for a much longer time.

Anyway, you have another DIY in the sticky, and thanks again.

Take care and enjoy the well-lit ride,
Greg

[double_diamond]

Thank you for the information on this thread.

I just replaced the driver's side lens on my MY97 E320.

In this model there is only one screw that needs to be removed. It is on the "inboard" side and easily visible from the trapdoor opening. Note that there are two plastic registration prongs (inboard and outboard sides) that seat the lamp fixture to the lower bumper.

In my case it was pressed in pretty tight (probably due to age). I pried it off with my hand and wound up snapping the "inboard side" prong. Luckily, it's in the general location of the mounting screw and looks like it won't impact the placement of the lamp.

I hope this helps.

[Franasia]

great write up, thanks!

That new lens looks great! You've got me curious to check what kind of lens I've got on my MY 2000 wagon. Yours appears definitely bigger than on mine but I have to check.

Cheers