E320 Wagon (1994), Third Brake Light, Replace Bulb
 

Hope this helps someone with a late modle E320 wagon (which I think must be a different set up than the earlier wagons).

I needed to replace the third brake light bulb and had a hard time with it. In short, follow the directions on page 102 of your owner's manual for the "high mounted stop lamp." I initially attempted to follow those direction, could not get them to work, and figured I must be missing something. I searched here, MB's Startek, and other Internet sources, and found directions that included removing the tailgate's lower trim (in order to access the brake light cover). What I found is, contrary to what I learned (here and the other sources), removing the trim is not necessary (and, ask me I know, does not help the job at all).

What is necessary is to follow the manual's instructions and "press cover together at textured areas on either side of the cover and pull (carefully but with some umph) to remove." I had to use my largest flat head screw driver to help me press the cover together (one side at a time), but it does come off that way. Pressing the blade in the middle of the textured area does zilch. It has to press, rather fimly, toward the top side of the textured area. Then, bingo, it pops right off. If you know what to do, this is as simple as changing any other light bulb in the W124 or other modern Mercedes sedan. Hope this helps.

Best regards and enjoy,

This post saved me so I will add some clarification in case it will help others. I also used a large flat blade screwdriver and pushed straight into the groove where the two halves of plastic come together and at the point where the textured area meets the groove. Like Michael, mine took quite a push to get it to release but with that I would also give the warning to be sure to give a controlled push so that the screwdriver blade does not slide and scar the plastic housing.

heh, i just found this out today. then i find your post. too funny. but yeah, its exacly as you guys describe. pretty easy actaully.

This plastic is in an area very susceptable to sun (UV) damage.