I would appreciate some feedback / advice on what I hope is a simple question.

I own a year 2000 ML 320 and have noticed that the newly "updated" year 2002 and 2003 ML series, in addition to a whole range of other new features, have a tail light assembly that, besides new plastic, is different in the following way:

The "old" ML series had a single red tail light that lights up in the back of each light assembly (facing away from the rear of the car). However, the newer version has an additional red light that is located slightly lower than the other and instead shines away from the side of the car - it is located closer to the bottom and more forward in the tail light assembly.

So here is my question: can one easily upgrade from the old tail light assembly to the new one, or is there a major wiring change, or some other variable (such as wattage, or amperes) that will be changed and could create problems if I get this done ? If it is an easy upgrade, what is required to perform it ?

Sorry if my description appeared a tad pedantic - I just wanted to make sure everyone understood what I was describing, without the benefit of a picture.

Thank you very much for your assistance and feedback !

Hans

it fits, someone did the mod, dunno about the wiring harness,,, take pics =)

Thank you for the reply - I'd appreciate hearing from anyone who has actually performed such an upgrade, or someone who knows something about the potential electronics issues.

Many Thanks !
Hans

Hans:
I know I checked this out before and it seems to me it fit. I am almost certain that if you order the tail light assembly, it comes with the bulbs and bulb plate, and the side marker (the additional light on the side) has it's wiring attached to the bulb plate. It should be as easy as replacing the tail lights. I don't believe there is any problem with the extra bulb on each side, as the ML doesn't have a lamp failure monitoring system.
If you are desperate for confimation, I can find a newer one and look at it again.

Gilly

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Gilly,

Thank you very much for your informative and helpful reply - that sort of detail is exactly what I was hoping to get. Once again, thank you !

Hans

Hans - I finally checked my 2000ML tail light and I think that one little ol' bulb does a great job lighting up the side of the tail light lens as well as the back of the truck. Heck,I would spend the $ converting the head lights (if possible) to the 2003 type. Just a thought. Good luck.

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Paul 1987 300 SDL; 2000 ML; '69 MGB; '68 VW Fastback

Paul,

Thank you for the reply - I'm going to take the tail light lens off of my 2000 ML 320 some time in the next few weeks and have a look at what's there, since my tail light system currently only lights up the rear of the car (the back of the tail light) and the side marker part (athough there appears to be space for a bulb, from what I can tell by looking through the tail light lens) is currently not lit up.

Hans