95-99 Taillight upgrade on 1993 W140

[Agron Bera]

Hello,

Does anyone know how I can install 95-99 taillights on my 1993 400SEL. I find the stock tailights to be hideous with the all red and I recently purchased a set of 95-99 clear/red tailights. The fit of the frame is ok, but the bulb holder is different and mounts on differently. Has anyone done this upgrade to their early W140? If so, can anyone guide me on what I need to do?

[bobs]

I read somewhere that it is do-able, but recall they mentioned some filing/grinding of the trunk lid to make everything fit. Not something I would relish doing. . .

[Agron Bera]

Thanks for the reply...

The taillight assembly actually fits into place and into the slots, and the trunk lid seems to close without
a problem but the problem is with the bulb holder that latches onto the light assembly. I believe this is different on the newer ones

[A. Rosich]

Hmmm... It may appear that only the bulb assembly is different, but the rear tailamp assemblies on pre-facelifted W140s (1991-94) are completely different that for post-facelifted one (1994-1999).

The bulb holders are completely different as also the shape of the tail lamps themselves (pre-facelift are squared off at corners and post-facelift are rounded, so trunk itself is different in shape to fit the different shapes).

Also the lower white reflection bar is completely different. Pre-facelift is a one piece set from side to side of the car. Post-facelift is a shorter piece fitting between the new lamps.

I have seem a few pre-facelift rear lamps converted to post-facelift setup, but can only be done at a shop.

The first four pics below are various interpretations of post-facelift rear lamp assemblies. The last pic is of a pre-facelift model. Notice the clear difference between setups.

[Agron Bera]

I definitely know that the bulb holders are different on the new assemblies. Considering I went to the dealer to purchase new (96-99) bulb assemblies, would they plug into my 1993 male connector?