Changing front corner lens assembly on 95 E420 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

JerryS · #1 05-21-2003, 11:41 AM

My left front corner light lens fell off, and I bought a replacement assembly. I thought it would be easy to install, but when I looked in the engine compartment of my 94 E420, I couldn't figure out how to take the old assembly out and put the new one in. Access appears to be blocked from the inside by an air intake arm which connects to the headlight assembly, and the corner light assembly is not even visible from the inside. Can anyone offer any tips on how I could change the corner lens assembly? Many thanks.

DuckMuck · #2 05-21-2003, 11:55 AM

You can see that the middle section of the air intake arm can be disconnected...you see that section which is black foam? it is bendable, so you can disconnect both ends of that section, and place it aside...then you can just slide up the black panel to which the air intake arm was connected behind the headlight...this should give you a pretty clear view of the corner...there is a plug connected to the bulb in the corner which you can simply remove...then you will have to depress the tab on the inner side of the corner, and slide it out...then, you just have to turn the bulb assembly, and take the assemply out of the old corner, and put it back into the new corner...and reverse the process...a bit of soap and water around the weatherstrip on the new corner may help slide it in easier...while the corner is out, wiping the cavity where the corner fit with a wet towel is always good...

JerryS · #3 05-21-2003, 01:50 PM

Thanks very much for your excellent directions. I was able to make the change in less than 10 minutes. I am always impressed by how intelligently everything in this car fits together, and how well designed everything is.

By the way.....what is the electrical sensor for that I had to disconnect to remove the air intake panel off the headlight assembly? Thanks again.

DuckMuck · #4 05-21-2003, 01:57 PM

that is the air intake temperature sensor! there should only be one, on the driver's side...

mr. Goodwrench · #5 05-21-2003, 02:18 PM

These lamps sometime just release themselves from the front of the car and are often found on the side of the road. I lost one on my '88 Volvo 760 years ago and when I searched for it I found a Mercedes one as well as my own one. It seems that the spring clip that is supposed to keep them in place doesn't always work. Since then I have drilled a 1/8" hole through the clip and insert a sheet metal screw from the inside. I learned this from a friend who had a body shop that specialized in Volvo's. It saves a $100.00 + part.

richard28 · #6 05-21-2003, 02:23 PM

Great tip, Mr Goodwrench. I haven't looked at the assembly in a while, so could you be a little more specific where the screw should be drilled & attached. I lost a corner myself several months ago, & was really upset. Thanks.

JerryS · #7 05-21-2003, 02:32 PM

Thanks again, Duck. This is a wonderful site, guys, and thanks to all you experts who take the time to help novices like me. Very much appreciated.

mr. Goodwrench · #8 05-21-2003, 02:55 PM

To Richard 28: On the Volvo I drilled the hole through the side of the radiator support where the plastic spring tab latches. I drilled from the support side through the support and the locking tab with an 1/8" drill. I ran the screw thru the support into the tab. The Mercedes has a second tab of stainless steel. These lamps should never become detached but they do. You will have to look inside once it is mounted and see where to drill. I have not done this yet to a Mercedes, but I see no reason why It can't be done.

jcyuhn · #9 05-21-2003, 03:29 PM

The problem I've found on the 124 marker lamps is they are retained by a locking tab at the end of a plastic arm. To remove the lense, you flex the plastic arm to unlatch the locking tab and simply push outward. It's a simple, elegant design, but with one fatal flaw. As the parts age and the plastic becomes brittle, it's impossible to remove the lamp without breaking the plastic arm. At that point, no more locking tab, and the lense will eventually end up on the side of the road.

I've replaced both sides on my older 124 because of this failure. Fortunately, these things can be had all day long for 40 bucks, less if you're willing to purchase Asian knockoffs.

Interestingly enough, my car only loses these when I let my older brother (AKA "leadfoot" - he who managed to get 19MPG highway in my diesel wagon) drive. Several can be found along I-35 between Dallas and the Hill Country.

- JimY

DuckMuck · #10 05-21-2003, 04:43 PM

The only blinker I have ever witnessed fly off a car before was a set of knockoff clear corners on an E36 BMW 325i...my friend and I combed the side of the highway for it...even after that, he refused to buy a new one, but chose to stick the "projectile" corner back on with masking tape...