Author Topic: PUZZLE...TRUNK LIGHT OPTIONS  (Read 3124 times)

thomas wright

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PUZZLE...TRUNK LIGHT OPTIONS
« on: May 23, 2021, 07:50:44 »
Hi Everybody,

My puzzle is why do I both types of trunk lights in my French market ,30 July 1969, 280SL car.
From what I have read I should have only the separate light with plunger switch on the edge of the trunk lid but I also have the clear panel in the rear light cluster which illuminates the trunk.  I have thought that maybe the light cluster has been changed in the past but not in the forty four years I have owned the car. Is it normal to have both forms of trunk lighting together ?
If anyone can shine a light (pun intended) on my puzzle I would appreciate it.

ejboyd5

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Re: PUZZLE...TRUNK LIGHT OPTIONS
« Reply #1 on: May 23, 2021, 12:13:17 »
Mercedes-Benz has a history of introducing production changes on a "rolling" basis and continuing to use older parts in stock until their supply is exhausted. I suggest nothing more sinister than your car having been manufactured during the changeover from one style lighting to the other.

Pawel66

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Re: PUZZLE...TRUNK LIGHT OPTIONS
« Reply #2 on: May 23, 2021, 12:58:09 »
Was it not an option during some period - this additional trunk light? Maybe it was there ordered for your car?
Pawel

280SL 1970 automatic 180G Silver
W128 220SE
W121 190SL
G-class

Jonny B

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Re: PUZZLE...TRUNK LIGHT OPTIONS
« Reply #3 on: May 23, 2021, 16:28:34 »
I believe the trunk light was an option on the early 230 SLs. It was standard on the 280 SL. The other change was that the light would only come on if the the headlights were on - the 250 SL was like this. Not sure where the change to the light being on whenever the trunk was opened occurred.

My 280 SL (US version) does not have the small clear panel on the rear light - it is a Sept 1969 build.

My 250 SL (early US version) does have the small clear panel.
Jonny B
1967 250 SL Auto, DB 568
1970 280 SL Auto, DB 904
1966 Morris Mini Minor

thomas wright

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Re: PUZZLE...TRUNK LIGHT OPTIONS
« Reply #4 on: May 23, 2021, 19:30:32 »
Do any other members have both trunk lid and clear panel illumination together on their W113 model car.  I was thinking that in the eight years prior to owning the car that maybe it had some rear end damage and that light clusters were fitted off either a 230 or 250 which do have the clear panel.

Pawel66

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Re: PUZZLE...TRUNK LIGHT OPTIONS
« Reply #5 on: May 23, 2021, 21:31:29 »
Sorry for my ignorance, but I have never seen the tail lights with clear panel in the back to illuminate the trunk (other than in my 190SL :). Can you post a picture?
Pawel

280SL 1970 automatic 180G Silver
W128 220SE
W121 190SL
G-class

Tyler S

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Re: PUZZLE...TRUNK LIGHT OPTIONS
« Reply #6 on: May 24, 2021, 00:55:10 »
This is actually pretty common. The clear plastic in the tail light bulb plate carried over from the 230 to the 280 until the tail lights were changed from all red. 280’s with Amber turn signals and illuminated side markers do not have the window.
My 250sl has both a trunk lamp switch with socket and the window in the tail light housing.

The French market cars used a different outboard lens with the same earlier housing so it would make sense the window would still exist.
« Last Edit: May 24, 2021, 01:01:00 by Tyler S. »
1968 (67) 250sl. 4 speed manual. DB180 Silver
1955 220 Cabriolet A. White Grey
2019 E450 Wagon. Majestic Blue
1936 Ford PU Flathead V8. Creme on tan interior.
1989 Volkswagen T3 Westfailia Campmobile. Dove Grey (blue)

thomas wright

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Re: PUZZLE...TRUNK LIGHT OPTIONS
« Reply #7 on: May 24, 2021, 05:39:56 »
Many thanks for your views and information and Tyler.S for the photos and explanation that it's not unusual to have both trunk lid and clear panel light cluster illumination together.

WRe

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Re: PUZZLE...TRUNK LIGHT OPTIONS
« Reply #8 on: May 24, 2021, 07:45:19 »
I believe the trunk light was an option on the early 230 SLs. ...

Hi,
there was an option code
- 224 from 01.05.1963 to 31.10.1965 TRUNK LIGHTING
...WRe

mauro12

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Re: PUZZLE...TRUNK LIGHT OPTIONS
« Reply #9 on: September 20, 2022, 21:20:24 »
Guys sorry , I have a question . My 250sl has the trunk light on the top of the lid but the light comes on only when the the knob of the light switch is on too .
Is this normal ? I guess not .
Mauro Pisani
250sl 1967 5speed zf manual

Mike Hughes

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Re: PUZZLE...TRUNK LIGHT OPTIONS
« Reply #10 on: September 20, 2022, 23:41:25 »
Yes, this normal.
- Mike Hughes  -ô¿ô-
  1966 230SL Auto P/S
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