[EEBreh]

Is there any trick to removing the cover for the third brake light? I've tried pushing in on the two tabs and I pull back but the cover won't budge. Is there anything else I have to disassemble? I am trying to get rid of the stupid idiot light on the dash. The car is a 1986 420SEL - any tips would be appreciated!

 

[luckymike]

Is there any trick to removing the cover for the third brake light? I've tried pushing in on the two tabs and I pull back but the cover won't budge. Is there anything else I have to disassemble? I am trying to get rid of the stupid idiot light on the dash. The car is a 1986 420SEL - any tips would be appreciated!

STOP. Be very careful!

You need to pull out on the tabs pretty far. The problem is that with time, the tabs become very brittle and will snap off without warning.

You might consider heating the tabs slightly. Once you pull them out far enough, they'll release their grip on the body and the back will come off.

If you're successful, I strongly recommend you trim some plastic away from the two edges that lock on each other so that next time you don't have to pry so far. Good luck!

 

[luckymike]

Look at post #5933 here: http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w12...4-w126-related-items-sale-wanted-buy-594.html

If you look closely at pic four and five, you can see the tab you must clear. Ignore the white repair splint.

 

[mramay]

You do have the third brakelight assembly off the car? Grabbed the "head unit" with both hands and gently wiggled it off the pedestal??

I broke the tab on mine and replaced it with gray double-stick tape, just a 1" pieced from the removable cover to the "head unit" as a splice. With a gray interior and therefore gray 3rd light, the gray tape blends in nicely.

I replaced the bad bulb a couple days ago and with the tape let me release the clip on the left side, then with the tape still attached, rotated the cover back enough to replace the bulb. Snapped the cover back in place and pushed it back onto the pedestal under the rear window. Easy - peesy.

 

[LWB250]

Just so everyone is aware, the rear cover that contains the tabs is a service part still available from Mercedes in the appropriate color(s). If I recall correctly it's under $30, if that much.

If you go to order one, be sure to have the last eight characters of your VIN so the supplier can check for the proper interior color code.

Dan

 

[luckymike]

Just so everyone is aware, the rear cover that contains the tabs is a service part still available from Mercedes in the appropriate color(s). If I recall correctly it's under $30, if that much.

If you go to order one, be sure to have the last eight characters of your VIN so the supplier can check for the proper interior color code.

Dan

I had no idea. That's great news.

 

[LWB250]

The part number for the back cover on my 1990 350SDL is 000 820 10 49 ("cap") and it lists for $34.50. Sorry for being off on the price a little, as it's been about a year since I bought mine and I get wholesale pricing, too.

Dan

 

[wooky_chew_bacca]

I can't keep bulbs in mine :| I'm using the smaller globe bulb because the big ones melt the red lens, run a few days and the bulbs give out

 

[partnumber187]

I have an LED in mine both to prevent further melting and reduce the frequency of pulling on the increasingly brittle tabs. I use incandescents for the brake lights in the tails and CC functions as normal.

 

[wooky_chew_bacca]

I have an LED in mine both to prevent further melting and reduce the frequency of pulling on the increasingly brittle tabs. I use incandescents for the brake lights in the tails and CC functions as normal.

Would you happen to have the particular LED number available please

 

[partnumber187]

Would you happen to have the particular LED number available please

These are they:

4x Ba15s 1156 Super Bright Red Trailer RV Rear Turn Light Signal 64 SMD LED Bulb

Went with a cheap option from eBay in case they affected operation of the CC I wouldn't be out much. I can't attest to the longevity of these, but I've had eBay LEDs last years in other cars.

I also put the 50 SMD model in the running lights in the tails.

4 x Red Ba15s 1156 50-SMD LED Car Rear Turn Light Signal Super Bright Bulb 12V | eBay

 

[EEBreh]

I took two small flat blade screw drivers and carefully pried the tabs out. The cover came off without any issues! I think I am lucky - the previous owner (old grandpa) always garaged the car and put a cover on it, no UV damage. Thanks for the help guys!