Burned-Out German Tail Lights

valleyguy · 01-14-03, 04:36

Has anyone noticed how many German cars have burned out brake and tail lights, and not just the older models. I drive a lot of L.A. freeway miles every day, so I see a lot of cars.

The worst seem to be Mercedes. Yesterday I was behind a brand new SL500 (it had no plates yet) and its tail light was burned out! I've also noticed VW and BMW have the same problem.

How often do you see a Honda or Toyota with burned out lights? The exception to that is my daughter's '94 Corolla that goes through a lot of tail lights.

Mindflux · 01-14-03, 04:38

I've never had a burned out tail light in either of my VW's.

A lot of BMW/Benz owners might get burned out lights after having a car for a while, some of them simply 'dont have the time to care'.

Maybe it's something to do with upperclass mentality vs. 'lets get this fixed'. mentality

bjwebster · 01-14-03, 05:34

Quote:

Originally posted by valleyguy
Has anyone noticed how many German cars have burned out brake and tail lights, and not just the older models. I drive a lot of L.A. freeway miles every day, so I see a lot of cars.

The worst seem to be Mercedes. Yesterday I was behind a brand new SL500 (it had no plates yet) and its tail light was burned out! I've also noticed VW and BMW have the same problem.

How often do you see a Honda or Toyota with burned out lights? The exception to that is my daughter's '94 Corolla that goes through a lot of tail lights.

The SL500 tailights are light emitting diodes (LED's) Not Bulbs, so thats a bit odd that they would be burnt out. Probably some type of factory defect.

valleyguy · 01-14-03, 05:55

I think the brake light is an LED, the tail light is a bulb.

Brad B. · 01-14-03, 07:21

My Carrera has a third brake light (a thin row of lights in a hood at the top of the rear window). There are 28 individual bulbs that are soldered in the light bar. I have 8 of the tiny bulbs out. The bulbs out. They cost $8.00 each!

German light bulb conspiracy? Let the investigation begin!

bjwebster · 01-14-03, 07:44

Quote:

Originally posted by valleyguy
I think the brake light is an LED, the tail light is a bulb.

Actually They All Are LED's:
"Monochromatic red rear lamp covers with dual-intensity LED brake lamps and taillamps."