PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post

rmasteller · #21 09-12-2017, 09:20 PM

I just bought a new 3rd brake light assembly (210 82 007568F95) from ********AZ for $47.60 because my light assembly housing in my 1997 E300D was broken and the red lens wasn’t looking so good. It even came with a bulb installed! I looked up some threads on light assembly replacement to make sure it still worked like my W124 did. I found the early W210s had a VERY COMMON problem with these light assemblies, particularly on 1997 models, which made me curious as to what I would find. I went outside in the dark to swap mine out.

I found what most owners of early W210 bodies have found. For some reason the brake light assembly and the corresponding mounting assembly integrated into the rear shelf don’t have a properly seated connection. I’m not an electrician, but there must be a short or too much power going through a poor connection. It actually melts the plastic on the mounting assembly. (see attachment) I tried to get a pick in there to raise up the connection plate, but the plastic was melted around it. I’m going to call the dealership tomorrow to see if the mounting assembly in the parcel shelf is available.

I did mount my new light assembly. I pulled the connector down on the one side to try and ensure a good connection on the bad mount. Also, the two channels that the light assembly slides into was slightly melted and deformed (see attachment), so sliding the light assembly on the mount was difficult, but worked. The brake light is nice and bright, so I’ll use it until I find a mount assembly for the parcel shelf.

More 3rd brake light threads:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/tech-help/339032-96-w210-e300-no-power-3rd-brake-lite.html
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/tech-help/333956-intermittent-power-3rd-brake-light-w210-1997-e420.html