LVDell

That Unimog is one mean machine! FWIW, here is a pic of my ML front lights, they are clear with an amber bulb. That is the factory spec on all of them. Now I think I understand what you are getting at. My ML doesn't have a dedicated side marker. Just the turn signal on the fender and in the light housing both wiht amber bulbs.

programmatore

Dell,

The ML may not have a dedicated amber sidemarkers (little amber bubbles) but it does have sidemarkers -- they are integrated in the sideview mirrors. And those are clear with amber bulbs right? Or are the lights on the sideview mirrors just turn signals (i.e. they don't illuminate unless you have the turn indicator on). I think there are different regulations for sidemarkers vs. turn signals.

mundman

All this talk of Oregon state laws. My question is are these reflectors at all. I would consider them side marker lights. To me reflectors are passive and have no bulb but I'm sure someone will tell me that my perception is incorrect.

LVDell

Only illuminate when a turn signal is "hot". Both the ones on the sides (fender/side mirror) and the one in the front headlight housing are like that (clear with an amber bulb). No amber plastic to found anywhere. Which begs the question......Is the ML not in compliance? And if it is, then why would it be unlawful to have clear side markers on the P-Car when others don't have anything to begin with?

leedav

maybe it varies by state.

LVDell

I don't think that is the answer. Because then they would have to make diff equipped cars for diff states. I think it is a USDOT reg.

Maybe it is (1) and SUV thing; or (2) only required IF you have a reflector installed.

Still not sure I buy either of those rationales though, but somebody must have the answer.

leedav

I'm sticking with the "It's not a reflector" story until a judge tells me different. Worth a couple hundred bucks to me to argue it.

LVDell

That's exactly what I would do. I mean, come on, it doesn't reflect a damn thing. It's just plastic (colored or clear) with a light behind it.

leedav

That's what I say. I would take the lens off and bring it to court.

Res Ips

All the new mb's have a reflector light/lens on lower front fender similar to the light/lens on the porsche.

LVDell

Jim, but not the ML, just the cars. Which is what we have been trying to figure out.

Res Ips

I think you are right. All the ML's I have seen are somewhat like yours. The 'amber' light is a bulb in a snazzy one piece head light set.

Res Ips

Just another thought...and I don't know this for certain...but perhaps trucks don't fall within the regulation and I believe that the ML is classified as a truck...is that true?

Jim

LVDell

You are correct, classified as a light truck. Maybe that is the reason.

Res Ips

I knew 4 years of law school would come in handy some day. Do you think we beat this discussion to death? Should we thank Lee?