E55 1999 number plate lamp help

[Horrgakx]

I've just tried to get at my number plate lamps to change them but I can't get to them, need advice please.

There's a strip above the number plate which I assume holds them in. It has 4 screws fastening this strip to the boot. It looks likethis strip is removed to allow access to them.

Unfortunately one of the screws is just turning in the hole - I've tried pulling the strip while turning the screw but it's stuck fast.

Is there a way to get in from the inside of the boot lid?

Oh, while I'm at it, there's a little plastic lever on the inside of the boot lid which apparently does nothing - any idea what that is?

 

[mercedescl500]

nice and easy

hope this helps.

 

[BlackC55]

Those screws (2) are not turning so the OP says. Get at them from behind the boot trim instead.

 

[Horrgakx]

Thanks both.

And yep I'll try from inside the boot as one of the screws is turning but not gripping so I can't remove that strip.

 

[mercedescl500]

Sorry I just re-read the OP. Good luck.

 

[jefrs]

On my S210 estate, the plastic lens just unclips to get at the bulbs, no screws. I think the screws hold something on on the inside. To remove lens, push it across and prise out: your diagram shows the part E19/1 E19/2, it as a pair of tangs to compress.

 

[Horrgakx]

On my saloon there's a big strip of plastic holding them in - you have to remove this as per the diagram above to get to them. This might be AMG or standard trim...

 

[jefrs]

Ok. On the estate there's no such trim strip because the lights are recessed (so you can lift the tailgate).

Can you get the screw loose enough to get a pair of small end cutters under its head to prise it out?

Otherwise drill the screw out, slightly smaller than the OD of the thread, the head should fall off and the screw crushed out with needle nose pliers. Replace screw.

 

[Horrgakx]

Unfortunately not, the screw is turning and the plastic strip is loose but it only lifts 1mm or so.

Can you explain the term "crushed out" please?

 

[jefrs]

Drilled out: a drill slightly smaller than the screw tapping size is drilled through the axis of the screw. The screw head usually falls off now releasing the trapped object. The remainder of the screw can now be extracted with needle nose pliers, jewellers pliers or similar. The now-hollow screw is usually crushed by this action so coming away from the nut and can be wound out like a sardine can lid. The screw thread in the hole should be undamaged, or tap to next size: if captive nut then replace.


If the screw is spinning but has lost its thread then difficult to drill and I would pull it out
- 1mm of lift is enough to get the electrical end-cutters under to grip the screw to twist and wiggle it free.

 

[Horrgakx]

Thanks for taking the time to explain that.

Still reluctant to attack with pliers, it's directly onto the paintwork.

Th drilling option is maybe good but perhaps the hole's threads are stripped?

 

[jefrs]

If the hole's threads are stripped then the screw should pull out.
Small electrical oblique end-cutters should get between head and plastic. Not next to paint: protect that. Pull, twist and wiggle the cutters, not lever like nail pincers.

If you drill out then the head comes off releasing the trim, the hollow screw is fairly easy to pull out with jeweller's pliers, they're the really really tiny ones that can get into the hole and just grab the edge.

If the screw spins round when you try to drill it then it might pull out.

If it's a self tap then it will probably fall out. Usually the screw rusts and the panel survives, usually... If that is into the sheet steel panel then may be possible to re-dress the panel hole, use next size up screw, or get a butterfly nut on the back if you can get there.