So since I was at the back of the car changing bulbs, I thought about doing the license plate lights too. I undid the screws in the black trim, however I couldn't remove it. The connector to the rear hatch latch has retainers on it, so you need to access it through that panel on the inside of the hatch door.I don't want to do that so, it kinda undo-able. I don't know if you can pry the clear cover on the lights off, but I don't want to try and break it. ?? Anyone with a service manual that can help? George I'm looking at you.
Pop off that hatch in the boot it's easy, use a thin blade (rather than a screwdriver as a screwdriver might leave gouge marks) & it will come out. Had mine out several times on my last B due to rear washer pipe leakage.
Anthony,
Even though the dealer told me not to touch the small panel in the interior of the hatch door, from what I've just read it's meant to be removed by pushing a small blade up and in and prying it off.
Too bad that the seemingly easiest jobs can become such a PITA.
Good luck, Derek
So I removed the panel from the inside, you guys were right it's not hard. Reinstalling it, the fit seems tight so I don't see it coming off. I was nice to see that everything was clean in there, with no crusty blue stuff. (from a leaky window washer) It does seem like a round about way to change the lights since almost every other one is very easy.
How easy are the rear light bulbs to change?? When I put my connections in for my rear carrier lights in it looked a bit cramped & difficult to work in that area (the cupboard in the boot)
The 3 rear tail lights (brake light, signal light, parking light) are very easy to change on either side. All three sockets are joined by one connector and you just pinch the tabs to remove it. The bulbs just turn and release. The license plate lights though you must carefully pry open the panel on the inside of the hatch door, undo the torque head screws on the black trim on the outside (They don't seem to come free from the trim, I just undid them 'till they stopped) and while slightly pulling the chrome/black handle trim push the tabs in on the sides of the connector that runs to the release handle "in" the hatch door through the panel. (I could only do one side at a time and could squeeze my hand in so my finger could release it, and while keeping a little tension on the trim switch hands and do the other side) The thing comes out and their's a small wiring harness that come off and you can work on it. The bulbs come out from the inside, just release the sockets from the rest of the trim and pull the bulbs out. To reinstall; re-do the connection, "click" the trim back in the hole, tighten screws and pop panel back in. The End. It's really not that bad.
It does seem like a lot of steps to change a little bulb.
Most cars would have 2 little screws holding a small clear lens. Pop in the new bulb and that's it.
Off Topic: When the time comes to change the spark plugs, I'll post pics so others can follow the many tricky steps involved...... Bill feels it's a nightmare to do and he might be right.
Derek
It may seem like a lot of steps, but from A.N.'s description, that setup prevents moisture from coming into the license plate light housing. However, it does seem like another classic case of MB 'over-engineering' a simple light housing setup. It does also make it more complicated for DIYers as well.
Derek, do remember to post pics when you change your spark plugs. I am known to tinker around my cars quite a bit.
I promise to picture and explain the spark plugs with accurate details. I will firstly have to fabricate the necessary tool to reach and remove the spark plug wiring caps.
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