All Red Taillight Lenses- New way of attachment

[Tyler S]

It looks like Babak (Vintage Euro Parts) is now offering older style all red tail light lenses that incorperate the newer style mounting. No glue needed. They are sandwiched between the bezel and housing like newer red/amber units. It appears the old original markings and part numbers have disappeared from the lens.
I am wondering how they look cosmetically mounted in the chrome bezel.

http://m.ebay.com/itm/L-R-all-red-taillight-lens-fits-W111-W112-W113-chassis-Mercedes-/262437062923?hash=item3d1a77c90b:g:MgQAAOSw5L9XD9gB

[66andBlue]

Hi Tyler,
why not send him a PM and ask to respond here, perhaps with a photo? 
How are they sealed??

[Tyler S]

Did some digging. This newer type is starting to pop up around suppliers.
$185 a set isn't bad. Im happy with what I have but curious as to the fit and finish. I'm almost positive the original part number markings that were on the previous reproductions are long gone.

https://classic-mercedes-parts.com/en/w113-light-electricity/w113-tail-light-lenses-left-and-right-early-model-250-sl-280-sl-1138201564-1138201664.html

[hauser]

I bought a set of repro from Gernold and they have the factory markings.  I checked them against an original NOS set I have stashed away.

[Tyler S]

Hauser, This newer mounting style all red repro? These clip in the frame like the late 280 lens. I currently have a set of repros that had to be glued into the frame that do have the numbers on them. From a few other photos I have seen it appears these dont. It also looks like the only identifiers on them are on the center reflector and are not OE numbers.

[hauser]

When I got them (13 years ago ) they were complete units with the frame.  I do believe they are glued in.  After all this time they have never leaked or shown any signs of lens and frame separation.

Here is a set NOS that I have.

[Tyler S]

Beautiful!  I have a near perfect original set stashed away as well.  May put them on down the road after everything else is finished. But its just one more thing to be nervous about when driving around town.

[Anthony]

Did some digging. This newer type is starting to pop up around suppliers.
$185 a set isn't bad. Im happy with what I have but curious as to the fit and finish. I'm almost positive the original part number markings that were on the previous reproductions are long gone.

https://classic-mercedes-parts.com/en/w113-light-electricity/w113-tail-light-lenses-left-and-right-early-model-250-sl-280-sl-1138201564-1138201664.html

Hi, I'm the owner of the webshop. My repros are from the same supplier as shown on vintage europarts.
Quality is the same as the OEM part, there's indeed no OEM numbers on the new repros.

Best regards

[66andBlue]

Anthony,
thanks for the information. Could you provide some photos  - or at least a detailed description - showing how these lenses are assembled in the chrome frame, please?
Do they work with both the 230SL bulb carriers and the later 280SL carriers??

[Tyler S]

Alfred, I dont think they would work in a later 280 fixture, except for maybe the chrome surround. The reflectors  light dividers are positioned in different locations.  As well as the bulbs.
Pics would be great!

[hauser]

The different taillights and holders are covered in the manual.

http://www.sl113.org/wiki/Electrical/TailLights

[Pinder]

so on my 1970 i have these red lights.  Im guessing these are not original? the 69 I have hase the red and amber combo

[Jonny B]

Per the tech manual - "final late rear light in early 1969 beginning with the 280 SL with VIN 007937"

[neelyrc]

Here is VIN 00749 with the as delivered red tail lights.

[hauser]

Ralph, you are a missing a number in your VIN.

[neelyrc]

Sorry for the typo.  The VIN is 007749

[waqas]

Hi, I'm the owner of the webshop. My repros are from the same supplier as shown on vintage europarts.
Quality is the same as the OEM part, there's indeed no OEM numbers on the new repros.

Best regards

Hello Anthony,
Thanks for joining the forum and providing info about these lenses. I have a couple more questions.
(1) The older repro lenses (without flanges) were also able to fit the w111 coupe/convertible tail-lights. Do you know if these newer reproductions are designed to fit both w113 and w111?
(2) Are these newer repros made by the same supplier as the previous reproduction? Do you know why they chose not to replicate the original markings as before?

Thank you

[waqas]

FYI-- more details from Anthony:

The newer repros are able to fit both models as they use the exact same taillights.

I don't think the repros are made by the same supplier, I was one of the first to receive the new repros. I believe it has to do with the parts being reproductions, suppliers are risked to very high fines when selling repro parts with the original Mercedes star emblems and probably part numbers as well.

[Tyler S]

I think part of it is the new snap in design is different so you wouldn't want confusing original part numbers on a modified part. Neither Bosch or Mercedes made the original tail light lenses and the company that did is long gone. So the glue in style were reproduced without fear of a lawsuit.
Another reason you wont find aftermarket reproduced headlight doors. Bosch still exists and would be all over you.