R129 front indicators

[Stegel]

The front nearside (clear) indicator on my 97 SL500 periodically worked its way forward by a few mm every few weeks, and has now flung itself onto the road, at speed, and is lost. I guessed this was due to it being an ill-fitting pattern part, so decided I would replace it with a genuine MB article.

Surprisingly, given generally good parts availability, this part is longer supplied by MB (I checked with two dealers just to be sure).

Before I buy a no-name pattern off eBay, has anyone got any advice regarding a good supplier - I have spotted some Magnetti Marelli items at twice the price of the cheapos; did MM supply MB?

(And before any 1-5 barge threadists make any suggestions, I'm not interested in ginger-ing the car).

Thanks

[r129sl]

Clear is correct on a 97.

Surprised they're NLA. I might have a spare in my garage. If you can wait until the weekend, I'll have a look. Otherwise, Automotive Lighting, a JV between Bosch and someone else, were the OEM. I've bought the cheap ones before and they are noticeably inferior. Do you need the bulb holder as well? Irritatingly, this doesn't usually come with the lamp.

[Stegel]

Jonathan that's very kind and much appreciated - I'm in no hurry. The bulb and bulb-holder stayed with the car.

I was surprisedat at the part being discontinued too, hence checking with two dealers. Perhaps so many people buy the cheap copies it has made the genuine article non-viable.

ETA - Automotive Lighting was a JV with Magneti Marelli, who now wholly own it and have incorporated it into their business - I wonder if the MM units available from a couple of suppliers are indeed OEM spec.

Edited by Stegel on Thursday 7th January 07:24

[r129sl]

Bosch ones are still listed at some places, part number 1 315 106 916. Eg here: http://www.bestpartstore.co.uk/705073

I think you'd be safe with the MM ones. But let me check my garage. I know for sure I have a brand new genuine offside lamp, just not sure about nearside.

[Stegel]

Many thanks.

I'd normally go for Bosch, but given MM were JV in the initial supply, hopefully they'll have original tooling so if necessary I will go for them.

Incidentally Googling has found an MM catalogue with lights for all sorts of barges - has to be better than no-name stuff off eBay.

http://www.magnetimarelli-checkstar.com/en/get_cat...

[0a]

What a gent r129sl is!

[r129sl]

The devil makes work for idle hands, Oa. How else do you think I found that 126 estate article?

[chris333]

I had one pop out too. When I got the replacement, I used a couple of tie-wraps to fix it to something solid on the car before I fixed it in (can't remember exactly how), so if it does come out again I don't lose it completely.

[Stegel]

Thanks for the suggestion - my only concern is it happened at speed travelling near the full length of the M40 and if you didn't notice it had happened in similar circumstances it may wreck the surrounding paint while flailing about.

[Stegel]

Thanks for the suggestion - my only concern is it happened at speed travelling near the full length of the M40 and if you didn't notice it had happened in similar circumstances it may wreck the surrounding paint while flailing about.

[chris333]

Stegel said:

Thanks for the suggestion - my only concern is it happened at speed travelling near the full length of the M40 and if you didn't notice it had happened in similar circumstances it may wreck the surrounding paint while flailing about.

thats a good point! although mine hasn't come out again, so I think it fits better than the last one.

[r129sl]

I forgot to do anything about this. It was a bit of a stty weekend. Prompt me later in the week when I'm back home if you still want me to have a look.

As for stopping them falling out, you just have to make sure they are truly properly seated. Which is easier said than done.

[Stegel]

Jonothan, I don't want to put you to any bother - I'll order a MM unit and report back on fit. Thanks for the advice.

[r129sl]

I only have a used one for the near side; brand new for the off side. Let me know if you want either.

[Stegel]

That's really kind of you - as you have a clear indicator 129 you'd better hang onto them - but thank you for the offer.

I've ordered a new MM unit, which is on its way from Germany - I will report back on fit when it arrives.

[television]

With 129 after market blinkers they seldom fit so that they click into place. On every one that I have worked on the plastic has to be filed away where the lens meets the headlamp, and possibly on the outside curve as well. you must be able to push them in far enough so that you hear the click. The rubbers are also partly to blame and they fit easier with the original rubber.