Going crazy. cannot figure out how to take the license plate light assembly out of the body. W210/E430 have removed the plastic cover piece and tried every way possible to take the assembly out for access to the light bulb. have removed the gasket, didn't help.

I am not sure but I would think the mounting clips would be in the trunk.

remove the plastic trim that covers the license plate lamps (3 philips screws). remove all 19 plastic poprivets from the trunk lid cover. this includes the 2 in the hinges. there is small strap lower down on the hinge that must be disconnected. do not remove the torque screws at the latch. pull the hinge cover down, this will free the cover. pull the cover down and reach into the area where the lights are. squeeze the tabs on both sides of the light assembly and pop them out. disconnect the wires from the light assembly. this will greatly aid in changing the bulb. i suggest that you change both bulbs as they come in a pack.