OEM M-B Tail Light (red/white) Chrome Bezel markings?

[Kayvan]

Are there any specific markings beyond the # 2235R inside the bezel of OEM M-B Taillights?

Was expecting to see a star, made in germany, bosch, etc.

I have all red/white tail lights; and my right side has a reproduction lens, that faded, and inner reflector is black on back , with very dull silver reflectors. My left is OEM M-B with deep ruby red lens and very bright lights.

The glue on right side  has disintegrated, and I am debating selling the bezel (~300), chrome is mint; and purchasing a complete OEM M-B tail-light unit v. buying repro lens & reflector ($300) and gluing in, w/unknown fit results.

(FYI - Buds will install/glue lens for $130/side)

[114015]

Hello Kayvan,

my 2 cents .... get a new reproduction lens from Bud's and glue it into your frame - and fine.

Yes, there's an inscription reading 2235 R on the inner side of the chrome bezel, not more. For sure no MB star or so. Can look this up for you tonight.

As to the repro lens, the early ones (i.e. the first ones on the market about 15-20 years ago or so) were of poor quality. I tend to believe that the current reproductions are much better, brighter red color (= correct) and especially better fit.    You can resilver (respray) your right reflector or get a new repro which is already resilvered.

As to an OEM right side taillight (all red type): fuggetaboutit.   Hard to come by, nearly impossible. A good used one perhaps but not a new one. All the "new ones" you can get are repros.
Right side taillight units are always in worse condition (compared to the left side lenses) due to the exhaust fumes and therefore much more rare than NOS left tail light assemblies.

My 2 cents, get a new (repro) lens from Bud's and put/fix/glue it in.

Good luck,

Achim
(allredtaillightcollector)

[Kayvan]

Thanks Achim,

Authentic Classics sellers the MB OEM rear red lens unit for $650 in Mercedes box. Obviously it's not NOS\Original but it's OEM mercedes quality in terms of chrome, fit and lens.

The repro lens are $200; reflectors $100; installation $100; so with my bezel sale it's almost same net cost to just get new and be guranteed fit and watertight.

Also, fit of repro lens and gap to bezel seem to be an issue; with silicone glue having to fill void.

The repro lenses don't seem to have an actual rectangular reflector in lens center; just moulded plastic made to look like that pattern. If you shine light or see reflection it's noticeable. Respraying reflectors silver doesn't achieve same level as OEM.

I used to be a fan of recycling and piecing together solutions; now I just want it done/finished.  ;-)

[Tyler S]

Kayvan, go back and look at the fine print on auth classics listing. It too is a reproduction lens siliconed into a mb frame. I had good luck getting my lenses to fit nice around the side edges by clamping them in and slowly heating them up with a heat gun while clamping them further. Then used clear 2 part epoxy and a syringe to glue them from the back. 

[Kayvan]

Thanks for clarification...

So, I summe Authentic lens are better than the Buds, Millers, ebay versions?

Any tips on what clamps or glue to use?

Someone said to use aquarium glue like this 3M

 http://3mcollision.com/3m-super-silicone-seal-08661-clear.html?WT.mc_id=www.3m.com/product/information/Super-Silicone-Sealant.html

[Tyler S]

The lenses from auth classics appear to be of better finish than some of the others but the key photo of the side of the lens from the front is not shown. Looking at the last picture of the back side of the lens mounted in the frame, it does appear there is that same fitment issue on the side, a gap filled with silicone.
I used clear 2 part epoxy. It doesnt move like silicone and keeps that side edge from returning to the poor fit after you remove the clamps. I used standard pistol grip type clamps. The ones with the rubber padded feet. I think they are "Irwin". From Home Depot. Pics below are the result of my "clamp, heat, clamp, epoxy method.

[Kayvan]

Thanks for clarification

Will probably just get Authetnic classic pre-glued version (see my fog light reflector story :-0 )

Lost seat time / smiles per miles not worth all this DIY -- getting garage fever