Hi. I have been driving my old (now moms) W126 for the past three days as my work car is in the shop and tonight I noticed that the light that illuminates the headlight switch is not coming on now. I am assuming that the bulb has given it up after 22 years of use? Also wondering how difficult this bulb is to replace and how? Really not a necessary light, but looks funny now with it not illuminating. Its a '88 W126.

Thanks!

curious about this too. It seems like mine used to light up, but has not in quite some time. I had my lower dash panel off recently to replace the ignition housing and looked around for a bulb or bulb holder and did not see one.

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----Adam

1985 300SD 322,000

I've wondered about this as well on my 300CE. I do recall reading sometime ago that they were not illuminated. Maybe someone else can confirm this?

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1989 300CE

LOL, well spoke too soon... drove it again tonight and its illuminating. Apparently the bulb is loose or on its way out.

I dont remember if my old '85 W126 had this light or not.

Cant comment on the other series Mercedes, not sure if they had it illuminated or not.

That feature came out with the Gen2 W126 in 1986 (along with the W124). It's a 1.2w bulb that is clipped to the back of the escutcheon around the headlamp switch. The original was frosted, but a clear one works fine.

-J

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1991 350SDL. 230,000 miles (new motor @ 150,000). Blown head gasket

Tesla Model 3. 205,000 miles. Been to 48 states!
Past: A fleet of VW TDIs.... including a V10,a Dieselgate Passat, and 2 ECOdiesels.
2014 Cadillac ELR
2013 Fiat 500E.

Pull switch knob. Might be very, very stuck. But it pops off. Then remove the large nut. From there the face plate comes off pretty easy. The light is on a short wire harness. Pretty easy to replace.

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1991 560 SEL / 185k miles
1992 750il / 17k miles - project car

Thanks, well the light is working again, so it must be a loose bulb, or one about to go south. lol. At least I know how how to access it. Thanks!

Thanks for the info on it being a gen 2 W126... I didnt think I had noticed it on my 85 W126.