Nosteroids

Hello,

Has anyone attempted to install fog lights in a R that did not have them originaly? I do not know if they come prewired and are basically plug and play or what. I love the Brabus setup but do not want to spend $2K to install after buying them for $1K and then have them screw with the R's electronics. Thanks for any and all input.

2006 R500

dewdaltz

check on the other site. I did that. the wire is there but you to have it activated and you have to change the switch.

Nosteroids

I will check. Thanks.

rosswell

I intend to - For the R class (2006) without the sport package front end (with round fogs), I have ordered both "oval" fog lights. (A 169 820 15 56, and A 169 820 16 56). They come by themselves ready to plug in but you also need the oval black plastic bezel to replace the solid piece. Note that I do NOT have the rare bi-xenons - which may be a different part for fogs altogether. I have seen the wires waiting to be connected and lying in the compartment - which is accessable by removing the plastic belly pan.

Also: you need the speed nuts which are like clips, and the 3 bolts per side. Presently my light switch pulls out only on the rear fog right-most position - which I'm hoping will activate the front fogs. The previous comment about replacing the switch is probably correct as the manual stipulates two rotary positions whereby you can pull out the switch to a detent.

I will likely defer to MB to install the switch, and also to align the fogs once installed with a special tool - after attempting it myself in the dark with the headlights masked off.

Nosteroids

Thanks, let me know how it turns out.

nanoera

Rosswell, thanks and please post some pics of your parts, or the link to where you get them.

rosswell

Using the proper Torx screwdriver, you un-do the one nut in each "grey framed" black eye where the fog lights will be mounted. The entire grey outline piece comes out. In a warm soapy water bath, the snap-flange black solid pieces are separated from the grey frame and replaced with the oval hole black templates. Pay attention to "L" and "R" markings. Now, take the factory fog lamps, clip snap the electrical fittings found clipped along the bottom of your open hole to the lamp, and using factory nuts (3 per side) bolt each light assembly to the metal frame - paying special attention to the word "TOP" and L and R sides. Notice that the factory has already supplied clips (or speed nuts), which should already be attached to the metal frame - 3 per side. Grab the appropriate (L or R) template/grey frame and bolt it back on with the one nut. Now it only remains to align the fogs through the remaining hole in the template (the dealer has a tool). You're not done yet. I believe the dealer has to activate the fog lamps so the semiconductor switches/relays operate. The front SAM ECU direclty actuates the front fog lamps. I also need to swap out my rotary light switch with the unit that has two pull-out detents (one pull front, two detents front+rear). So far a mystery to replace as dash access seems difficult.

Part Numbers: A 251 885 05 23; A 251 885 06 23 - Oval Black Template
A 003 994 86 45: Speed Nuts
N000000 000529: Screws (6)

(Fog Lights) A 169 820 16 56 (see previous post for other fog part #)

I have an involved MB partsman so he deserves some credit for the above info.

mitaka

I am planning to do this mod myself. Thanks for the info. What are my options if I do not replace the switch. Can I have the fog lights installed to <auto> or all the way to the right "manual lights on". I understand that wiring together to the bright red rear fog light is also possible. Thanks for the input.

heron25

just in case you guys didn't see this. They're OEM.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/_Car-...3A1|240%3A1318

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/_Car-...3A1|240%3A1318

rosswell

After further research, in 2006 I believe the R class either came with Fog Lamps and Xenons, or with No Xenons and No Foglamps. There seems to be no "middle ground" cars, as every R I've seen with pop-up headlight washers )(and thus xenons), has also got fog lights.

This means there were only two possibilities for the headlight switch in 2006 - one with a washer spray button and two detents on the rotary switch, and another unit without the spray button that only activates the rear fog light with one detent.

I'm not sure I'm going to be successful in activating my fogs if it means messing with any fiber optic networks or the CAN bus messaging.
I thought I'd install a switch seperately and outside the Merc system that taps into power somewhere to power the fogs. Anyone have suggestions?

Nosteroids

A separate switch might be the best bet. The MB price on the required switch is $314. Thanks for keeping us posted on your research.

dewdaltz

[QUOTEI'm not sure I'm going to be successful in activating my fogs if it means messing with any fiber optic networks or the CAN bus messaging.
I thought I'd install a switch seperately and outside the Merc system that taps into power somewhere to power the fogs. Anyone have suggestions?[/QUOTE]

there is no messing in here. I had it activated before I changed my switch. I use the OEM switch from R/ML class with xenon from Potomac German, a reputable MB supplier of recycled parts. The harness itself is plug and play. Nothing is being mess up in terms og fiber optics networks as you have stated. although the new part itselt is little bigger in size, I have to dremel a bit. But everything looks like Original.

mitaka

I had mine installed on the stock switch together with the rear fog light. If someone doesn't like the bright red in the back it is not my problem. I could not justify $300 just so the rear fog light is not on.

nanoera

Thank you Rosswell! Helpful info!!
I just bought a set that Heron25 suggested. Thanks!
Now trying to find the other parts online before surrendering to dealership.
Anyone knows a good online MB parts retailer?

rosswell

The previous info. is correct. Activation will cause the fog lights to work. Just know that MB probably isn't comfortable doing this - UNLESS you replace the switch to provide full functionality (per design). My next step is to locate a switch from an '07.

R. Reyes

After talking w/ my MB parts guy, I'm just gonna swallow the $420+tax to have the lights and switch installed and activated. It's done in 1 day, and it's done right (or should be-you know). I'm gonna have it done at my next service.

nanoera

Is it H11 for fog?

rickpo

Is the for parts and labor?

mitaka

wow I paid $130 for the OEM lights on eBay and about $10-15 for the nuts and bolts from the dealer. My dealer activated them on the existing switch for free.

AsianR350

Good deal

nanoera

I wish I have a dealer like that.

Just ordered the parts from dealer (except for fogs) and it cost $90 or so. Will try to get them activate it for a penny.

R. Reyes

Yes, complete job, including new switch.

ste

Asked my MB part guy today, the switch is about $250.
Then I have this crazy idea... what if we can modify our existing switch, to make the front fog light on with the headlight on position. If we can find the pin number for the front fog and headlight, and short it? just an idea.

rosswell

Always remember that the R class is one of the most sophisticated pieces of machinery ever to be put in incompetent hands - and I wouldn't advise "jury rigging" anything in the on-board network so it works. If you must, install a stand-alone switch and find power and ground for your installed lights.

As for me, I've decided to risk ordering a 2008 switch which comes WITHOUT the 2006 button to the right for the spray wash of the xenons, yet has the required two detents all on the same rotary knob, matching the outward appearance of my existing 1-detent switch. I'm guessing the connector is the same, and once activated, I will be able to run either front fogs, or front and rear fogs, whichever I choose.

The only remaining thing that might happen is the system will possibly start counting windshield wash cycles, and send a command for pop up headlight spray wash to a non-existent system on my car every 10 washes. This could generate an error message on my message display. My Plan B workaround is to simply order the 2006 switch. We shall see.

R. Reyes

Yes, it was for the parts and labor. total instal= lights, rotary switch w/ detents, and installation.