2000 ML320 fog lights

[Q]

Is there a trick to getting the computer option for the foglights turned on, or is this something that requires an MB tech to connect the thing to a computer?

You'll need the dealer's shop to do this. There are 2 parts. 1 is to turn on the lights themselves and the other is to trun on the inside indicator. The shops frequently forget to turn on the inside indicator. That's the AAM 11 switch, if I remember correctly.

...tracy

[Q]

So options 6 and 11 need to be activated, right?

What do I need to do in order to install aftermarket driving lights? I love the look of the PIAA 912. They are so small (2"x2.5") and the front lens is chrome.

There is an aux wiring harness in the front of the engine compartment. This connects to the AUX switch on the instrument panel. If you buy the PIAAs from a MB dealer they will pertty much plug into the harness. Otherwise you'll need to splice in to it or get an adapter.

...tracy

what do u mean, inside indicator? can u put the fog lights on withought the headlights?

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'89 420 SEL
'90 300 SEL
'68 Olds 88 Convertible
'84 300 SD (sold it)

inside indicator -- There's a green light on the dash that lights up when the aux lights are on. At least it's supposed to. The shops commonly forget to turn it on....

And no, you can't turn on the Aux lights without having the headlights on. At least not if you're using the factory wiring....

What's really cool is that once you get them to turn on the Aux lights, you don't really need to add additional lights as the ML has fog lights built into the headlight assembly. All you need to do is to add the bulbs!

Of course, I found this out after I had the brush guard and fog lights added. I was told that the dealer doesn't tell you about this as the built-in fog lights are illegal in many states as they are too high off the ground...


...tracy

Thanks Trac. Why do you think that is? There are some cloudy days that I would like to put on my fog lights, but leave my headlights off? What is the Physics behind MB's decision to have it work only with the headlights on?

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'89 420 SEL
'90 300 SEL
'68 Olds 88 Convertible
'84 300 SD (sold it)

I read somewhere that it was a law related issue. Though how any cop could be expected to remember that if a car is xx model year it can or can not have the fog lights on independent of the headlights is beyond comprehension.

I sure miss the ability of turning on the bright amber fog lights independently of the headlights - as was the case with my former 'TE and probably is the case with your SELs!

The new approach to lighting seems silly as in fog or heavy snow/rain it's far easier on the eyes to have a low beam that permits you both more peripheral illumination and less glare, than do headlights.

Sigh

…tracy

[Q]

I found the fog light sockets, installed the PIAA amber "Ion" bulbs, and now all I have to do is get the bit flipped in the computer. The switch in the dash does work in the fog light setting. The little light comes on and everything. It turns on the left rear fog light, but not the front bulbs. Seems to me that they could have just left the bulbs out and not done the silly computer thing.