High Beam Switch

[zak]

My late model 1967 250 SL has the high beam switch on the floor as a foot pedal switch.
When did MB change to using the directional stalk on the steering wheel to operate the high beams ?
I looked in the 250 SL factory changes but couldn't find.
Maybe done for 280 SL ?
Just curious.

I also remember back in the 1990's an aftermarket supplier offered a replacement stalk and wiring - to wire the high beam control to the directional stalk as an " improvement".
I think it was $ 40 bucks.

thanks,

jz

[MikeSimon]

My 1971 280SL still has the foot operated high beam switch

[mdsalemi]

Somewhere in our "Pagoda cosmos" for lack of a better expression there are wiring instructions to add high-beam "flashing" capability to the stalk. Somewhere I have this wiring, and I was told it was "done" to my car but it never worked and never bothered to troubleshoot it.

I tend not to drive at night...so it didn't get any kind of priority.

[Bonnyboy]

My car is a 1969 (1970 Model) and it has the flashing on the stalk and the foot switch and I'm sure it came that way.   Maybe it was a European thing?

[Cees Klumper]

My '69 has both the foot switch as well as the 'flash to pass' on the stalk. It's a US model car.

[Pawel66]

I do not suppose the foot switch for high beam was ever changed during the W113 manufacturing. The steering wheel switch was for short high beam flash operation only. We said this function was not wired in some of the US cars.

[mrfatboy]

I followed the instructions here to add high beam flashing to my car.

https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=25611.0

[SEB]

Since long time I was waiting this discussion.
I'm not sure, but before the restoration I can remember that my early 250SL  German version had the flash lights in the steering wheel. Later, after the car got an aftermarket replacement, that does not have it. So I am a little confused.

Now I purchased again an original 230 SL/250SL switch - how can you check it dry if it has this function?
Many thanks for any help? As you know the process is complicated and takes some time, so if I can check it in front of it it will be great.

[Pawel66]

SEB, I think the switch is there, just may not be connected - pins would be missing.

Here is quite a lot of info, 280SL, but could be a good guide: https://www.sl113.org/wiki/Electrical/SteeringColumnSwitch

[Nicolas Aristodemou]

I agree with Powell, the switch is already on the stalk. Pins are either missing or not connected on some US cars. I have another period US sourced VW battle with same issue.

[SEB]

Thank you Pawel, I will go trough this instruction.

[Pawel66]

I did not have 250sl wiring diagram to check the colors and connections for you, I only have the 280sl that is in Tech Manual...

[SEB]

I have an early 250SL, so the solution is similar to the 230SL, the late version is the same like the 280SL, but we will with my mechanic check it. Today you made me realize ,that there really are many interesting and usefull things/ information on this site that I do not.
Thank you!