Hi All,

Can somebody with a US spec SLK PLEEEEEEASE provide me with whatever details (or other identifying marks) are written on the glass envelope/bayonet cap of a BRAKE light bulb taken from a SLK.
Please note: NOT an aftermarket spare taken from an autoshop although this would also be interesting.

I should like this information in order to continue my correspondence with MB regarding "BRAKE LIGHT INTERMITTENT OPERATION".

Although there is a recall in the USA to cover this fault there is not one in Europe. However the same problem exists in Europe with cluster body melting locally and bulbholder contact arcing.

MB maintain that there is not a recall in Europe because there is NOT a problem and that different bulbs are used which makes the problem specific to US. (SAE vs Euro spec)

........................

It is true that SAE/DOT regulations allow for the of the potential fitment of slightly higher wattage bulbs by specifying a wider lumen output from the bulb however the specs overlap.

Inventory reduction and the possibility of incorrect fitment due to potential assembly mix ups suggests that the same bulb could be used. I wish to validate or otherwise this premise.

Bottom line is that even if the bulbs are different between markets my vehicle has suffered EXACTLY the same failure mode as identified in the US Recall paperwork. This forum has identified a number of other Euro customers with this problem. I would be glad to hear from anybody with a Euro spec car and have experienced this defect.

Maybe my vehicle should have had Euro bulbs and in fact was fitted with SAE. Need to check.

Spare me a few minutes time and go and check. LH bulb can be easily accessed by removing the First Aid kit in the boot. Stuart

 

Re-read all the posts on this.
Are the bulb holders for the affected brake lights BLUE or BLACK in the US? Euro ones are Black.
This may be to differentiate the different SAE vs Euro bulbs.
Stuart