Author Topic: Side markers  (Read 3059 times)

roadrunner113

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Side markers
« on: January 02, 2021, 13:34:39 »
Hello,
I own a 280 SL, 70, US Version. For the German registration I had to disconnect all side markers.
Now I read somewhere that it's possible to use the red side markers in the back with the lights like in the USA. Orange side markers are forbidden. So my idea is, to connect the orange side markers with the turning lights in the front lamp. Then I would have additional turning Lights.
I know that there were Pagoda editions for France and Italy with small round turning lights at the front fenders.
Now my question:
Does anybody know if these cars have special relays and plug connections and where to get those?
Thank you in advance.
Best

Chris Long

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Re: Side markers
« Reply #1 on: January 02, 2021, 15:36:44 »
I’m sure someone is much more qualified than I but I recall that the connections for front side markers feed into the headlight bowl and attach to the headlight unit.

One would need to simply open up the back of the headlight unit and re-wire such that the side marker is in parallel with the headlight indicators. 
1970 280sl 4-Speed Horizon Blue

Pawel66

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Re: Side markers
« Reply #2 on: January 02, 2021, 15:49:12 »
There is a blinker relay avaikable at MB for additional blinkers for Japan, I think for additional 18W blinkers. I do not see one for Italian version that have 2W bulbs, like yours would supposedly have.
Pawel

280SL 1970 automatic 180G Silver
W128 220SE
W121 190SL
G-class

roadrunner113

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Re: Side markers
« Reply #3 on: January 02, 2021, 16:55:08 »
Yes I thought the same. But I am afraid that the frequence of the indicators become slower. That's why I asked for a relay

roadrunner113

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Re: Side markers
« Reply #4 on: January 02, 2021, 17:07:11 »
Thank you Pavel, I will ask our MB dealer

Pawel66

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Re: Side markers
« Reply #5 on: January 02, 2021, 17:22:02 »
It is difficult to find: VIN 113044, Group 82, SA 55502, part number A 000 544 58 32 26. Needless to say it is expensive, $230 or so.

What may happen is, if this Japan blinker relay is designed for additional 2x18W bulbs, it will not work properly with additional 2x 2W bulbs. You would have to put higher power bulbs in side blinkers than 2W.

I have not done it, but I would try first having 18W bulbs in regular blinkers (not 21W that you may have) + 2W in side blinkers and see how it works. But it is not responsible advise as I have not tried it. It also may put too much of load on blinker relay longer term. There is no specific blinker relay for Italian 2W side blinkers.

Another way forward would be to use generic blinker relay, not a Mercedes one.
Pawel

280SL 1970 automatic 180G Silver
W128 220SE
W121 190SL
G-class

GM

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Re: Side markers
« Reply #6 on: January 02, 2021, 18:05:42 »
Here's a good writeup by Daniel Stern about a couple of options to connect the side markers with the turn signals - depending on if you want them to flash "in phase" or "out of phase" with each other:
https://www.danielsternlighting.com/tech/markerflash/markerflash.html
Gary
1971 280SL - Sold
(98 from the end of production)
DB180 Silver Gray Metallic
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Pawel66

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Re: Side markers
« Reply #7 on: January 02, 2021, 18:16:32 »
Perhaps if you use LEDs as bulbs in side markers, you do not need to change anything else...
Pawel

280SL 1970 automatic 180G Silver
W128 220SE
W121 190SL
G-class

Chris Long

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Re: Side markers
« Reply #8 on: January 02, 2021, 21:46:32 »
Or switch all the indicator bulbs to LED and use an LED flasher.
1970 280sl 4-Speed Horizon Blue

roadrunner113

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Re: Side markers
« Reply #9 on: January 04, 2021, 11:17:46 »
Yes, thank you. LED would be possible. But how to connect with the indicator lights in the headlamp?
I do not want to cut the plug of the side markers. That's why I asked for the plug in of the Italian or French Edition.
Would be easy to connect and as original as possible.

Pawel66

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Re: Side markers
« Reply #10 on: January 04, 2021, 13:57:51 »
Why don't you just crimp or solder two wires to the indicator lights connector and ground inside the lamp - just make them parallel to indicator lamps?
Pawel

280SL 1970 automatic 180G Silver
W128 220SE
W121 190SL
G-class