Only European Cars have "Side Blinkers"?
 

Something that I've ALWAYS wanted to ask:

Here is something that I've always noticed when I've traveled in Europe. ALL of the European cars (Mercedes included) that I've seen have side blinkers. Just to the right of the passenger and driver's side doors you will find them. I think they're GREAT. It's so much easier for drivers to see you when you change lanes on the expressway.

Does anyone know why we don't have these in the states? The only models in the states that I've seen that have them are Volvo and Subaru. There are quite a few "side-swipe" accidents that happen out there. This would definitely help solve the situation! :o) Maybe Europe has some regulation that has to have them or something?

Does anyone know about this?

US Regulation...
 

FMV55108safety standards:You must install bulbs
that emits amber colored light in clear turn signals as well as ckear tail lights.You also must
have an amber reflector visible to each side near
the front of the vehicle.Bekkers catalogue
Import 2002 pp.15.

Re: US Regulation...
 

Exactly right for the US. European cars have both of these.

side markers
 

mradowic

it's me again!

i have a pair, i'm trying to find someone with experience to install for me.

they are a neat safety idea, intersections and lane changes.

you can buy a pair to go with your new euro lights!

i have part numbers if you can't read box.

peter

Re: side markers
 

Good for you! :) I have always been a firm believer in those
side blinkers. Volvo and Saab certainly had the right idea in
mind when designing them in the US. I drive a lot on the
Tri-State here in Illinois, and people that have them are so much
easier to see when they change lanes (that is, when they use them!!).

I've got family in West Virginia! Take me home country roads ...!

Won't be getting those nifty headlights for awhile though. The pocketbook needs a reprieve -- have been dipping in too much lately!! :)

Take care.

ebennz -

Where did you buy your side markers? I am looking for a pair to and I am hoping that my mechanic can install them.

Cheers.

Brian

These are off a later model Benz, I have installed some on my euro 560sel and they look great. Go to my homepage to see them. The part number is A 202 820 15 21

Cheers
Matt

The US/Canada regulation is to have front and rear running lights. Which in my opinion are just useless on anything smaller then a commerical truck. In Europe cars must have the side blinker, and there is no required f/r side markers. The side blinkers must have been made madatory sometime in the '80's since Euro 123's don't have them.

VW and BMW now import there cars with working side blinkers, and I think Mercedes should too. My old Jetta II had a little piece of plastic that said Wolfsburg over the hole for the side blinker.

brian300e

mattman is correct with that part number. 202 820 15 21 for the clear indicators, amber or orange is also available [older looking]

you might have to try www.bekkers.com for them or else

www.euro-car-parts.com in great britain, maybe parts shop here?

you can't [officially] buy them or have them in the u.s., WHAT a bunch of bull!

i don't know if a mechanic can install them [some could] you have to drill holes in your sheet metal.

also you will need the european 2 prong side marker bulb holder thing, then these just plug in

peter

Yes Peter is correct about requiring the two wire loom. It runs from the side marker up through to the front markers where it plugs into the existing loom and the front marker. Don't have a part # sorry.

Hi all.

All UK cars have had to have Side Repeaters (flash on and off with the turn signals) since 1985, other wise they wont pass the annual MOT test.

There is only one production car here in the UK that has orange side markers (orange lights that are permanatly on when driving) and thats the Volvo V70. To be honest its strange to see these, as it looks like the side repeaters are stuck on.

What is the purpose of the running lights you have on US spec cars?

Its interesting the differences to the lights, ive got a 1987 190e 2.0 litre, obviously with "Euro Lights" as its a UK car...however ive seen pics of a few on here with US spec lights, and they look so different. Its like the main headlamp is a separate unit to the front fogs....why is this? :confused:

If anyone did want to fit them ,they are very easy to do.....just need a painful bit of drilling in the wings of your prized MB!!

They can be clear bulbs with orange covers, or orange bulbs with clear covers....the choice is yours.

Its interesting to note the differences in US and Euro cars...for example, on some older US spec Mercs, the front and rear bumpers look HUGE!!!!!

was this a law at the time?

Matt--

The huge bumpers on euro imports to the USA are the result of ridiculous crash test requirements that the bumpers cannot allow the car body to crumple at all in a 2.5mph crash (I think that is the right number). So instead of allowing a real bumper that would do some good in high speed crashes, the USA mandates no damage to the car during low speed crashes, where injuries are unlikely.

Anyway, the euro manufacturers had to react quickly to this change, USA manufacturers were already hanging huge bumpers on their cars but the euros had to slap something together. And if you think the MB bumpers from the 80's look bad, take a look at the ugly black things marring the appearance of a mid-80's Jag (Jaguar had absolultely no money to redesign their bumpers at this time!).

Markluta

Thanks for that, i had a feeling some rule had probably been introduced on the quick or something....clearly the DMV had no respect for the natural beauty of cars at the time!!!

cheers