I want to add a third brake light to my 280 SE base model. Prefer LED as I am switching to LEDs all around.
Thanks Brad

I’d recommend something inside the rear window and relatively temporary. I can understand the desire for safety.


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Past mb: '73 450sl, '81 280slc stick, '71 250, '72 250c, '70 250c, '79 280sl, '73 450sl, parted: '75 240d stick, '69 280s, '73 450slc, '72 450sl,

This is the setup I am going with currently. It is a Hella rear fog light attached to a threaded rod. The threaded rod has been welded to the circular base. The photo was taken before I had the rod welded to the base, hence me holding it in position. Once the rod was welded I had both pieces chrome plated. The circular base is one end of a closet rod support I bought from Home Depot. Only issue is the wiring will be exposed. The base will be attached by bolts going through the rear parcel shelf. With the bolts it can be removed.





My initial plan was the following. I even had the brake light and support box covered in cognac MB-Tex. When I had it trial fitted it looked a little too modern.

560sl's had a rear window mounted 3rd light, might be worth a search of parts yards.

If you want period-correct, I bet you can’t beat a chrome 1973 turn signal with the orange lens tinted to make red somehow.


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Past mb: '73 450sl, '81 280slc stick, '71 250, '72 250c, '70 250c, '79 280sl, '73 450sl, parted: '75 240d stick, '69 280s, '73 450slc, '72 450sl,

That's a good thought. I will begin the search.
Brad

I like this idea a lot as it mounts the light against the window to minimize reflection from the light.
Brad

I have made a decision that I will not try to keep the car period correct or original. I will enhance and improve it thoughtfully.
Brad

That is true regarding t light reflection. This light is from an older 3 Series BMW.

As Jmela stated the 560sl has a third brake light that might work. Beware that there were two versions on the 560sl. Both were trunk mounted. I bought a good used version of the later style to use as a third brake light. Making a mount I would have been happy with would have been a lot of work. I may do that down the road once I get the rest of my car sorted.

Early version:
https://mercedesheritage.com/mb-heritage/560sl-bootcamp

Later version:
https://classics.autotrader.com/classic-cars/1988/mercedes_benz/560sl/100875312

Looks like the earlier version mounted off the edge of the front of the trunk. That would work.

Have a look here.

Third brake light?

On my other classic I got a very thin LED strip about a foot long and attached it inside the rear window, top center. I plan on doing the same on the w108. It's almost invisible when not on.

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Csaba
1972 280SEL 4.5, silver

That's actually a terrific idea. Temporary, bright, and nearly invisible. You could do a strip with as few as 4 LEDs - about 4 inches / 10cm long, and have a very functional solution!

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Current:
2021 Charger Scat Pack Widebody "Sinabee"
2018 Durango R/T

Previous:
1972 280SE 4.5
2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited "Hefe", 1992 Jeep Cherokee Laredo "Jeepy", 2006 Charger R/T "Hemi"
1999 Chrysler 300M - RIP @ 221k

How did you attach it to the window. What type of adhesive did you use?

Tom had suggested that to me in an earlier thread. I was worried that extreme heat and cold would reduce the adhesion of the glue.

I got a self-adhesive LED strip and put it under my deck railing for outdoor lighting. It's still up 6+ years later (Probably closer to 8) and is exposed to snow, rain, sleet, hail, sun, wind... you get the picture. You'd just need to find a strip where the adhesive is on the lit side.

__________________
Current:
2021 Charger Scat Pack Widebody "Sinabee"
2018 Durango R/T

Previous:
1972 280SE 4.5
2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited "Hefe", 1992 Jeep Cherokee Laredo "Jeepy", 2006 Charger R/T "Hemi"
1999 Chrysler 300M - RIP @ 221k