3rd Brake light failure

[nimishashar]

Hello All,

Just wanted to find out if anyone else had this to deal with. I have a 2005 w211 e320 cdi whoose 3rd brake light has failed on one side. Mereceded inform me that this is not covered as it is a wear and tear item. I wouldnt have minded if it were soley a bulb to change, but they are telling me that the complete unit would have to be changed at a cost of >£150. Surely if you cant change one bulb then how can it be wear and tear. Incidently the cars covered just over 62k miles if that matters.

Your thoughts on this would be appreciated

Thanks


Nimish:(

[Diesel Benz]

Hello All,

Just wanted to find out if anyone else had this to deal with. I have a 2005 w211 e320 cdi whoose 3rd brake light has failed on one side. Mereceded inform me that this is not covered as it is a wear and tear item. I wouldnt have minded if it were soley a bulb to change, but they are telling me that the complete unit would have to be changed at a cost of >£150. Surely if you cant change one bulb then how can it be wear and tear. Incidently the cars covered just over 62k miles if that matters.

Your thoughts on this would be appreciated

Thanks

Nimish:(

The third brake light is built with LED-lights, those do not wear in practise. If yours is not working, the light assembly must have faced some mechanical stress. Not necessarily another car hitting you to the rear but possibly even someone slamming the trunk lid at the brake light.

Of course it could be a bad part but I also understand the dealer, it is pretty difficult to figure out if the part was bad or if it is from mechanical stress.

[jaymanek]

I have replaced several of these, usually due to the lens cracking, but the LED's do die too..

IIRC the part is around £70 and easy to fit.

[Bazzle]

I believe these are sensitive to when you slam the boot lid.

Bazzle

[Diesel Benz]

I believe these are sensitive to when you slam the boot lid.

Bazzle

That may well be one reason for the light failure. Not that much if owners knew how the boot lid is supposed to be closed. Someone could set up a poll asking how many owners use the handle inside the lid for closing the lid (and keeps hands clean and finger prints out of the lid, makes it look ugly independently if the lid is clean or dirty).

[nimishashar]

surely then its not a case of wear and tear then?