What Do These Dashpot-like Tins Do?

[Pawel66]

What do these do (circled)?

Wanted to ask from some time now, but was under impression that I should know it...

[Paul & Dolly]

Hi Pawel

I think they are diodes,used in the Parking light function, as the same rear lamps are used as tail lights and also parking lights.

Keep well
Paul

[Pawel66]

Thank you!

[lpeterssen]

Dear Pawel

I have read somewhere that those elements circled in your photo where responsible for reducing the watts output to stop lights when you press the brake pedal continually for more than 5 minutes.  In that way the heat generated for so long continued period of time will not burn the tail light plastic reflectors screens.  This option was not available on first generation pagoda and w111 taillights since there the incandescent bulbs were not so close to plastic delight diffusers.

Best regards
L.p

[Pawel66]

Thank you indeed Ipeterssen!

That would be a very useful thing. I did have the rear lamps melted in my W463 form long standing with stop lights on...