fog lights

[dsan]

hi gents,

im busy sorting out the w108 for arrival in the uk and one thing that's crossed my mind is that of fog lights. my model (sa/german build) didn't have rear fog lights.

does anyone know if i have to retrofit lights in order to pass the uk mot?

thanks

 

[A160DSB]

It is a UK legal requirement for cars to have at least one rear fog light. Front fog lights are optional.

 

[dsan]

bugger, now to source a light that doesn't look out of place. thanks for the update..

 

[219]

Not at that age .

I think it was circa 1975 that the requirement for new cars to have rear fog lamps came in - earlier cars do not have to be retrofitted with them .

The first Mercedes to come from the factory with a rear fog lamp was the facelifted W114/115 circa 1973/74 with the 'new' ribbed tail lamp clusters which kept clean by virtue of the airflow - even then the rear fog lamp was a small lamp bolted to the underside of the bumper . The first Mercedes to have rear fog lamps integrated into the rear cluster would have been the W116 or the W123 .

No W108/W109 left the factory with rear fog lamps .

Your car will need amber indicators if it does not already have them ( some markets allowed white front indicators/red rear ones - but this is only legal in the UK up to - I think - around 1964 ) .

 

[A160DSB]

Hope it all goes well, ebay may be a possibility? Might be lucky

Edit: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/CLASSIC-MERCE...CarParts_SM&hash=item41576d47ee#ht_500wt_1156 << they what your looking for? expensive!

 

[Shude]

Depending on the tail lamp layout you could remove a reversing bulb from one side and fit a rear fog lamp inside the same holder. You only need to have one of each at the rear and as long as they both work you should be fine. Better than drilling holes and fitting brackets etc, especially on a classic although you will still have to fit some kind of switch in the cabin.

 

[219]

Only problem with doing that is the rear fog lamp would be right next to the tail/brake lamp .

Unfortunately , legislation requires a minimum separation distance between brake lights and rear fog lamps .

A small , bumper mounted foglamp would be the best option - but still not a legal requirement on a car of that age .

It would be easy enough to fabricate a bracket which would drop down from one of the rear bumper mounts , without any need to drill holes .

I'm sure aftermarket rear fog lamps must still be available - probably by looking in caravan/trailer centres where people still buy individual light units .

 

[219]

Here is a link to Hella front fog lamps which would suit the vehicle

http://b2c.hella.com/b2c_hella/b2c/...a_com&areaID=FD7E024BD166265BE10000000A089C70

Then click on 'Classic' , then see Part no.: 1N4 002 608-021

Found it !

Hella still make an aftermarket rear fog lamp for bumper mounting Part no.: 2NE 003 030-217

http://b2c.hella.com/b2c_hella/b2c/...a_com&areaID=FD7E024BD166265BE10000000A089C70

Type 'Rear Fog Lamp' into the search field at the top .

 

[Shude]

I'm sure aftermarket rear fog lamps must still be available - probably by looking in caravan/trailer centres where people still buy individual light units .

I have seen relatively-new Japanese imports with a bolt-on rear fog hanging under the bumper so they must be available (looks awful on a modern car!)

IMHO your best bet is, as you say caravan/trailer places or kit-car type shops.

 

[219]

At least the Hella ones are German and authentic for a Mercedes .

I haven't checked , but Bosch probably do something similar .

They will look OK on a W108

 

[KillerHERTZ]

Our W108 recently got through its MOT without a rear fog.

 

[219]

The only requirement with older cars is that , if the lamps are fitted , they must work .

However , of the car did not have said lamps when new , they are optional .

 

[dsan]

I'm new to this forum and already loving it!

thanks for all the replies. very very helpful in making this move to the UK easier with the W108.