I have a 98 W210 E320. The dash board indicates a Lamp Failure. I changed out the bad light bulb, but the lamp failure still comes on. I check the lamp and is very dimly lited. I took the light bulb out and mearsure the voltage and is 12.4v. Once I put the light bulb back and voltage drops to 2.3v. Anyone have any idea? I changed out at least 5 different bulbs.

A friend of mine with a '97 E420 had the same problem and ended up needing the whole lamp assembly replaced.

You should probably clean the contacts, where the bulb screws into the plate.. Is it the rear ?

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Peter L. House
1998 Sport E430
Azure Blue
110,000k Miles

1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass Salon
V8 Bucket Seats
Factory Moon Roof

I checked all the contacts and they are spotless. I will check the headlight assembly tonight and see if there is any electronic inside the head light. I don't recall it.

Tony:
This has to be approached very methodically. Start the car, then very carefully start switching on the lights. I usually turn on the parking lights only. Then see if you get the failure. At that point you need to check everything on the parking light circuit, those being the front (clear) parking lights, the front amber side markers in the sides of the front bumper, the rear tail lights and especially BOTH rear license lights, these are often overlooked. Usually it is one of these items. If it isn't those, them turn the headlight switch the next click to check the headlights, them try the high beams and front and rear foglights. Then shut the headlight switch off and step on the brakes. If you get the warning at that point you need to find out which brake light is inop. Also try reverse gear for the backup lights and the turn signals.

Gilly

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Actually, it is the driver side clear parking light. The moment I turn on the light switch, the warning light - light failure comes up immediately. The light coming out fromt he driver side is very dim, but noticable. Thanks for your help.

OK Tony, no problem. Just make sure, if this still doesn't fix it, that the license plate lights work OK, there are 2. Luckily the drivers side is the one that's inoperative, the passengers side is alot harder due to the airfilter.

Gilly

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I had both tail light assemblies replaced under warranty on my 1998 E320 due to a similar problem. The replacement assembly might have been a slightly improved design, but I'm not certain. These assemblies are poorly designed in my opinion. I had a 300D W123 model for over 17 years and never had one problem with the light assemblies.

My 98 E320 developed a small hole (from arching) in the metal plate on the tail light assembley for the right rear brake light which created occassional lamp failure messages.

The temporary fix was to slightly turn the lamp socket so that it comes in contact with the good portion of the metal plate.

I might consider filling in the small hole with solder.

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Ray
1998 Mercedes E320, 200K Miles
2001 Acura 3.2TL, 178K Miles
1992 Chevy Astro, 205K Miles

I double checked all the lights again. everyone is in working condition. The warning still comes on. and my driver side's driving light is still very dim... any more idea??
THanks

Tony:
Maybe the drivers side bulb is incorrect or defective, as it should be as bright as the passengers side. Just because it works doesn't me it can't set off the lamp warning. If the amperage draw is incorrect it will set off the warning indicator.

Gilly

__________________
Click here to see the items I have up for auction at EBay

Click here to see a photo album of my '62 Sprite Project Moneypit (Now Sold)

Watch out for the parking light bulb holders. I broke both sides when I changed them. The plastic bulb holders are very thin. If you twist them too hard. They just snap.

Good Luck
99 E430 Sport

I changed out the light bulbs three times with different type. I checked the voltage at the socket and read 12v. Once I put the bulb in, it read 2.2 v.. very strange... (with all 3 light bulbs). I also check the parking light. all are good..

I know this has nothing to do with the topic but I may be interested in getting a 97to 00 210. Could any of you list any problems youve had so far? I know one issue is the transmission failing if you don't change the fluid and the m104 oil leak.

Since you have one working driving light and one questionable driving light I would take a volt-ohm meter and compare the readings between the two.

I would measure the voltage at both sockets as well as the ground resistance at both sockets. Also try switching the bulbs.

Check the condition of the wires going to the sockets as well as the metal part of the sockets.

Hopefully you will find the problem.

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Ray
1998 Mercedes E320, 200K Miles
2001 Acura 3.2TL, 178K Miles
1992 Chevy Astro, 205K Miles