Good job.... I'd replace that dimmer if I were you. This is just a hunch, but I'll bet that MAX on the dimmer is less voltage than with the dimmer bypassed, and I'll also wager a bet that your dash lights, the lights in the window and accessory switches, etc. will not last nearly as long without the dimmer in place. I could be wrong, but undervoltaging incandescent bulbs is an age-old technique for making them last a long time. I would be somewhat surprised if MB engineers didn't exploit that trick.

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-tp


1990 300SE "Corinne"- 145k daily driver - street modified differential - PARTING OUT OR SELLING SOON - PORTLAND OR. AREA - PM ME FOR DETAILS
1988 560SEL "Gunther"- 190K passes anything except a gas station
1997 S420 - 265k just bought it with a rebuilt trans. Lovely condition