Rear (Third) Brake Light Bulb Replacement

EEBreh said:

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!

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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!

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.

LWB250 said:

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

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I had no idea. That's great news.