Accessing front parking lights on a 98 210
 

Hi. I've been using the forum for a couple of years to find tech help using the search feature, but I never registered because I always found what I needed. It's been a great help.

But now I have a question I can't seem to find the answer to...

One of the front parking lights on my 98 E320 has blown. It's the lights down low, on the air dam. I'm going crazy trying to figure out how to reach the bulb. Each light has a flap behind it in the undercarriage trim that resembles a trap door, but when you push it up (open), the "trap door" covers the back of the light.

Does this piece need to be pried outward, instead of pushed in? I was afraid to do that.

MB are so easy to work on if you know the tricks, but you usually break something if you don't.

Please help if you can. Thanks in advance.

Techniker,

The trap door should open downward. Once open you will see a cover (splashguard) which is held in place by a spring clip. Release spring clip, remove cover for access to the bulb.

First, just an FYI, those are your the fog lamps. If you have never changed the bulb before I suggest you remove the anti-noise panel rather than work thru the trap door.

The panel is held on by a total of 10 fasteners. Three around each wheel and 4 in the middle on each side of the center line. The rear two center line fasteners are shared by the rear (smaller) anti-noise panel.

Be sure to examine the bulb, housing and wiring for any evidence of over-heating which is a common problem. Removing the panel aids in the inspection. Also, MB makes a wiring harness repair kit for this problem.

Removing the panel also provides you with the opportunity to inspect that area of the car.

Good luck.

Thanks for the help guys!