3rd Brake light (W203 facelift) Repair or replace?

[grumpyoldgit]

Noticed that one of the what I presume are LEDs has failed in my 3rd brake light fitted at the top of the boot. Are these LEDs replaceable or are they non user friendly......have to buy a complete new light?

Thanks

 

[IanW]

While it *is* possible, I can't recommend repair.

Having removed the unit, you need something like a Dremel to cut it open and extract the PCB, then a surface mount solder station to replace the tiny LEDs (less than a quid each from Farnell), and epoxy glue to put it back together. It took me about 3 hours to do this on a W209.

Alternatively, buy the part from the dealer, then about 20 minutes labour to replace.

Ian.