W203 Interior mirror ambient Light

[verytalldave]

Has anyone replaced the small lamp that is mounted in the underside of the interior rear view mirror? I have a facelift 2004 W203.
It has an orange colour and throws a very dim glow over the centre console/gearlever area at night. I believe its called the "Ambient light".

Mine has stopped working and I suspect its simply a case of renewing the bulb. Although the amount of light it throws is very low, I miss it being on.

Any tips or hints regarding this bulb/lamp replacement? Is it easy to do?
Are the replacement bulbs easy to find or are they only available from MB parts counters?

Thanks very much in advance chaps................

 

[BlackC55]

You will have to dismantle the RVM. Not somthing that I have done before but I am sure it is possible.

 

[verytalldave]

Hi Ollie.............hope you enjoyed your holiday...........

There is a link to a US forum where a guy has swapped the normal bulb for an LED. All looks a bit technical for me, although I could probably do it if I was to take my time and not panic.
See here............
http://www.mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w203/272009-ambient-light-rear-view-mirror.html

I just wondered if someone here has actually done this and then I could pick their brains.
For eaxample, the guy in the link took the mirror assembly right off. I cant see why he did this. Surely its possible to remove the old blown bulb with a new one in situ without removing the mirror? It looks possible. Then again, maybe not.
I hate to think how much it would cost to have this job done by MB.............
30p for parts
£100 for labour

 

[verytalldave]

Well, all the parts are now on order (via fleabay). When I get round to fitting them (hopefully next weekend if its not snowing!) I will report back so that others can do the same if they want.
I will be replacing the original filament bulb with an amber coloured LED.
I am sure there must be hundreds of other facelifted W203's driving round with this light not working. I suspect many owners dont even realise that this model has this rather nice feature.

 

[verytalldave]

Well its lovely sunny day and perfect for mucking about in cars..........

Just replaced the old blown ambient light filament bulb with the yellow LED in the interior mirror.
It really was alot easier than I had anticipated and surprisingly (for me) went without a hitch or problem.
And it works ! ! ! ! !
Whether it will be too bright/just right/not bright enough I will have to wait for tonight to see. I will post again later tonight and let you know.
I have 4 spare LED's/resistors up for grabs if anyone wants to do this themselves. Not worth posting. Only if you live near Orpington.
Also if anyone wants advice/details on how to do this, PM me.
Also, if anyone wants a free LED/resistor, also PM me.
Quite chuffed with myself actually.
To be honest, the hardest part is unclicking the grey plastic mirror surround (without causing damage) so you can gain access to the internals and old bulb.
Believe me, if I can do it, anyone can do it.:bannana:

 

[rf065]

To be honest, the hardest part is unclicking the grey plastic mirror surround (without causing damage) so you can gain access to the internals and old bulb.
Believe me, if I can do it, anyone can do it.:bannana:

I'd like some advice on that as mine rattles and only touching the back of the mirror casing lightly with your finger will stop it. I'd like to remove it see if there is anyway to stop the annoying rattle but do not want to leave marks where I've tried to prise the plastic apart.

Russ

 

[verytalldave]

Pivot the mirror right down, you can get to the top. Using a something like a teaspoon or something similar (not a sharp knife), you can prise the front bezel of. Its held in place by about 6 plastic clips.
Once the bezel is off, the mirror glass will fall away (its connected inplace by some wires to a small white coloured oblong plug.
Holding the mirror in place are 4 (I think) soft rubber pads which, if you are not careful will drop into your lap or the floor.
What I suspect might be wrong with yours is that maybe one of more of these foam rubber pads are missing allowing the glass to rattle against the plastic bezel. If this is the case then make some up from a suitable material like bits of old packaging or similar. Anyway, once the mirror is unclipped, then it may be visually obvious what exactly is making the rattle.
Fix the rattle and then click the mirror bezel back into place.

 

[verytalldave]

To answer the question I posed myself in post #5, above.
It is more than bright enough. Brighter than the original light (which to be honest was a bit dim).
To dim it down just a fraction, I put a dab of permanent marker pen on the tip of the LED and its now perfect.

 

[Baron_Samedi]

I found this spooky feature the other night - wondered... what is it for?

 

[verytalldave]

I found this spooky feature the other night - wondered... what is it for?

Just to throw a little light onto the gearlever console area. Its called the "ambient light". I suppose you could call it spooky. The amount of light is very low and its not until you go somewhere at night without street lights or other forms of illumination you even know its there.
It just a little something extra that Mercedes have got over all the "normal" cars.

 

[Baron_Samedi]

Cool!

Its flipping spooky the first time you experience it - wondered what was going on

 

[verytalldave]

It took me a month or two of ownership before I even noticed it.
As you say, when you first realise its there, its a strange discovery. And then once you know, it seems quite a good idea.
And then when its not there (like when my bulb failed) you really do miss it. Quite surreal.

 

[crockers]

Just to throw a little light onto the gearlever console area. Its called the "ambient light". I suppose you could call it spooky. The amount of light is very low and its not until you go somewhere at night without street lights or other forms of illumination you even know its there.
It just a little something extra that Mercedes have got over all the "normal" cars.

I had it on an X reg Audi A6 - bathed the gear lever and all controls in a nice red glow....missed it on my Volvo so was pleased to have it back on the MB...

 

[verytalldave]

A reminder..............

Does nobody wish to avail themselves of my free offer?

See post #5, above....................

 

[chrisbrad66]

A reminder..............

Does nobody wish to avail themselves of my free offer?

See post #5, above....................

Yes please and thanks for asking, could you send details of how to fit too

 

[verytalldave]

Yes please and thanks for asking, could you send details of how to fit too

Will do.
PM me your address and I will pop everything you need in an envelope ASAP.

 

[chrisbrad66]

Thanks for the kit Dave, i fitted it this afternoon in my lunch hour, great instructions and very simple to do, i'll try it tonite in the dark

 

[rf065]

Thanks for the instructions, mine no longer rattles anymore!

Russ

 

[djcheung]

Hi Dave,

The ambient light on my 05' S320 just died.
Is it possible you can send me some information on the parts used - the led and the resistor.
I am a bit scared on taking the front trim off and breaking it.
What is the best way to do it.

Thanks very much for you help in advance.

David.

 

[verytalldave]

Hi Dave,

The ambient light on my 05' S320 just died.
Is it possible you can send me some information on the parts used - the led and the resistor.
I am a bit scared on taking the front trim off and breaking it.
What is the best way to do it.

Thanks very much for you help in advance.

David.

I have sent you a PM containing details on how to contact me so I can send you a kit with instructions.