Why No Underhood Light?
 

I have a '88 260e and '92 300e and neither one has an underhood light. I would have expected a Mercedes to have this feature as it is standard with most other cars.

Anyway, I plan to add a light and was wondering if anyone else has done this. I salvaged one from a Volvo that has an integral switch and built in mercury switch so it can't be left on.

I wondered the same thing myself. My old Volvo 740T had one but my newer 960 and V70 don't either. I'll have to get some from the salvage yard and install them like you did.

Mercedes-Benz has a worldwide decree that NO Mercedes is allowed to break down or require repair underhood between sunset and sunrise. This edict has been in effect since the marque's inception. Mine adheres to this direction, doesn't yours?

I thought it was a demand of the German Motorkraftmeisters . . . so that they wouldn't have to work after sundown. :D

Back in '96 when I bought my E300, the sales guy who was very knowledgable said that the philosophy was that most MB drivers don't open the hood anyway and that there's very little that the operator can do under there anyway.

I'm not saying that I agree with this, I'm only repeating what he told me about the philosophy of it.

Merry Christmas,

I would have to agree when it comes to most late model cars. Back in the day when I was taking my car to the dealer, I failed to see another customer that had any idea of how their car worked, service requirements, or anything technical in nature.

A common occurance I see is the car being flat-decked to the dealer with a flat tire.

But, just because your customers can't find the engine doesn't mean you shouldn't put a light under there.

Since the hood can be raised to a near 90-degree angle, moonlight should provide ample illumination for head gasket replacement... :sun_smile

A single 5 watt bulb mounted on the hood is exactly worthless, IMHO. I assume MB simply recognizes there is no point and refuses to follow the herd. If you want to see under your hood on the side of the road at night, carry one of those big flashlights - you'll need it regardless whether the car has a bulb mounted to the hood.

My $.02,

- JimY

Chances are, if you ever need to use it, in all likelyhood you don't look after your car very well. ;)
Have one on my 1990 Chev. P/U truck...........NEVER had a use for it. ;)

:vbac47679

Of course, if Mercedes had installed an underhood light . . . how long would it be before we started looking for the Euro-spec underhood light, then debate whether the DEPO or TYC underhood lights were a good deal . . . and then lust after a bi-xeon underhood light for the ultimate illumination. :D

You need abreak from this forum!
:D

Under hood lights are pointless, my dads F150 has one and it does nothing at all. A large Mag light is better than any under hood light.

Ah and to find a dealer that will activate the Xenon Underhood light using Start Diagnostic! :D

And if it fails, will it activate a code? :bulb: