Mercedes-Benz S550 Side-Marker Lights
Side-marker lights that operate effectively protect your Mercedes-Benz S-Class and do other drivers a courtesy on the road. These tiny vehicle lights can also be a fashion statement. Explore this comprehensive collection of side marker lights for the S550 to find the perfect safety indicators for your luxury sedan.
What is the function of Mercedes-Benz side-marker lights?Required by law in the United States since 1969, side-marker lights are standard equipment in every car. These vehicle lights generally consist of a single bulb covered with amber-colored, high-impact plastic and help pedestrians and other drivers see your vehicle from the side at night. Side markers are wired to light up when the headlights are turned on, are automatically equipped at the factory when a new car is made, and can also be purchased as an aftermarket upgrade.
What types of side-marker lights are available?All side-marker lights are encased in the same type of impact-resistant plastic, but the lighting technology inside may vary. The two types of 12-volt electric lights used in side markers are incandescent bulbs and light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Incandescent bulbs are composed of a glass housing and a filament. LEDs are small, energy efficient, and do not make use of glass anywhere in their design. To top it off, LEDs are nearly immortal when it comes to automotive lighting standards: each tiny diode is rated to last 50,000 hours or 5.7 years of nonstop use.
How do you install side marker lights in the S550?When your side-marker lens on your S-Class is cracked or you have decided to upgrade to LED illumination, it is time to remove the old side-marker light and get started with something new. While the exact model of side-marker light used in your Mercedes-Benz S-Class depends on the year your S550 was manufactured, replacing this critical part is easy and follows the same basic steps. Basic shop tools and about an hour of labor are required to complete the installation of both side marker lights.
- If replacing both Mercedes-Benz side markers, pick a side to start with, and turn the wheels so that the wheel well on the desired side is exposed.
- Pull the wheel well liner back to expose the side-marker light assembly. Use an object to prop open the wheel well liner while you work.
- Locate the side-marker assembly, and remove the screw with a Torx wrench. Press the locking tab forward while pushing to the side to release the side-marker assembly.
- Disconnect the electrical harness from the old assembly, and connect it to the new side marker. Push the side marker into the cavity, insert the screw, and replace the wheel well liner to complete installation. Repeat these steps for the opposite side if necessary.