W204 Facelift Rear Indicator

[p2djx]

So this morning my rear near side indicator gave up the ghost ( facelift with LEDs) garage reckon the entire light unit needs replaced and one will be ordered on Monday. Anything else that can be checked surely a full rear light is overkill just for the indicator not working ??

 

[c220cdi2010]

funnily enough, i am sure the outside column of 4 on both mine are shot as never blink when check them - should they?
i took it out and cannot see how to separate the 2parts of the light cluster to see if can replace individual ones or not - so i would say not and yes is a full replacement

 

[p2djx]

Ok so, here's one for those who like a brain teaser. Every few days the indicator bank refuses to work, fast blinking inside the car, rear tail lights flashes instead, warning advisory on dash. I would at this point go into the boot, unplug the connectors to the light cluster, say a little prayer, give up, go in and have a coffee, think this isnt beating me, return to the car and hey ho it would be working. and would do for a few days.
Ive sat and thought what makes it work when I leave the car and return. What do I do differently - answer - lock and unlock the car so at the weekend the indicator threw its hissy fit as I entered a car park. SO when I stopped I re-tried the indicator, wasnt working. Whilst in the car locked it via the fob, unlocked it - and hey presto - a working indicator. So it seams locking the car and unlocking fixes it. Is this anything to do with the locking sequence sending a signal to the indicators in a way that possibly jolts a sticky relay or something ?