Reversing light

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Audiominx
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Is it just my G or are the factory fitted reversing lights on older Gs just rubbish? It is a 1993 300GDS and has one light fitted into the reas bumper. Admittedly it has to be cleaned regularly as it is always covered in mud which doesn't help. But even when clean I can barely see anything whilst reversing.

Not particularly helpful. Any cheap remedies available?

needamerc
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Re: Reversing light

They are rubbish! Maybe try an LED bulb from your local motor factors. Or identify the exact bulb type and buy them on Ebay.

Alternative is to go the whole hog and fit work lights, either wired independently to a switch or tied in to your existing reverse light (MOT issues?). Once again go LED if possible, bright white light.

Eddie.

GWOA Chairman
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Re: Reversing light

You are limited to the wattage you can use as a reversing light (25 watts), and there are other restrictions as well (only two max, I think).   You also have to fit them where they'll not get knocked.   Linking them into the reverse light wiring isn't much of a problem.

You want cheap?   The cheapest alternative is to put on your hazard flashers when reversing at night.   If you have an automatic, having the brake pedal lightly pressed brings on a ruddy glow from somewhere, which is also helpful.

IanA2
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Re: Reversing light
If it's really necessary, I suppose you could rig up a reversing camera, can't imagine it would be cheap though, unless you already have COMAND. Or maybe a couple of roof mounted, backward facing, spots. That could be fun !
panzer
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Re: Reversing light

Not wishing to stoke the 460 v 463 debate...... but on a 460 and you get 2 reversing lights as standard!

Pistonhead
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Re: Reversing light

If the reflector (chromed, concaved part of the lamp) is poor, light quality reflected will be affected. Secondly, if your reversing bulb has residue of some blackish deposits in the glass bulb, it is time to renew it; as it too will give reduced intensity of light. 

Use only soft cloth cleaning with light pressure to clean the reflector as it easily scratches. Using an aerosol brake cleaner can help clean the reflector but beware some reflectors can be damaged with brake cleaners. Do a small area test clean. Do not use brake cleaner on the outside lens cover!

As suggested above fitting of high level lighting is not allowed. You may fit a work lamp but this can not be used as a reverse light according to lighting & fitting regulations act.

Fitting of a reversing camera or reversing aid is not a bad idea, but not quite a cheap option. I would imagine good lighting is necessary to camera image so may not quite fully address your complaint.

The link attached gives mounting positions of reversing lamps shown on chapter 3.

       http://www.hella.com/hella-com/assets/media_global/J00268_Gesetzliche_Vorschriften_EN_HKG.pdf

In summary the reverse light(s) must be white, face the rear & be within 250 & 1200 mm of the floor.

The best you can do is remove the lens cover, clean the reflector and replace bulb as necessary, clean the seal and re-fit, wash the lens cover in liquid soap, dry and re-fit. Keep the external lens cover clean frequently. Keep some wet wipes or baby wipes to help wipe off a dirty lens cover. 

I sorrry, you will have to copy and paste the attached link. I cannot get it to turn blue as it should for some reason.

 

 

 

 

IanA2
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Re: Reversing light

I didn't know my lights suggestion was illegal. If you didn't have it wired into the gear lever, and just switched it on when you happened to be reversing, would it still be Verboten?

Pistonhead
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Re: Reversing light

You are playing the grey area here; Yawohl, its still verbouten.

IanA2
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Re: Reversing light

Pistonhead wrote:

You are playing the grey area here; Yawohl, its still verbouten.

 

OK Boss smiley

Audiominx
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Re: Reversing light

Thanks for all the helpful comments. I think the first option is to try a new bulb and also clean the relfector.

IanA2, you'r just showing off with your two lights on your 460!!! Bet you still can't see behind you!!  Still give me a 463 any day!!!!

Anyway, will go and buy a new bulb on Monday

Caroline

PS By the way, how do you do this cleve copying and pasting thing with the little text boxes?

IanA2
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Re: Reversing light

Audiominx wrote:

Thanks for all the helpful comments. I think the first option is to try a new bulb and also clean the relfector.

IanA2, you'r just showing off with your two lights on your 460!!! Bet you still can't see behind you!!  Still give me a 463 any day!!!!

Anyway, will go and buy a new bulb on Monday

Caroline

PS By the way, how do you do this cleve copying and pasting thing with the little text boxes?

 

Audiominx wrote:

Thanks for all the helpful comments. I think the first option is to try a new bulb and also clean the relfector.

IanA2, you'r just showing off with your two lights on your 460!!! Bet you still can't see behind you!!  Still give me a 463 any day!!!!

Anyway, will go and buy a new bulb on Monday

Caroline

PS By the way, how do you do this cleve copying and pasting thing with the little text boxes?

You malign me Madam. Ist est Der Panzer mit Der Zwei lichts. I am am a faithful 463' er. Did you spot I don't speak German :)

Audiominx
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Re: Reversing light

Malign you? Wouldn't dream of it. Oddly enough, I had figured out that German wasn't your first language!

And I still don't know how to do that clever copying and pasting of those text boxes!

IanA2
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Re: Reversing light

 

 

Audiominx wrote:

Malign you? Wouldn't dream of it. Oddly enough, I had figured out that German wasn't your first language!

Or second, or third , or fourth, in fact......smiley

Audiominx wrote:
And I still don't know how to do that clever copying and pasting of those text boxes!

 

Just press the "Quote Button"  Easy peasy.

Spider1V
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Re: Reversing light

IanA2 wrote:

 

 

Audiominx wrote:

Malign you? Wouldn't dream of it. Oddly enough, I had figured out that German wasn't your first language!

Or second, or third , or fourth, in fact......smiley

Audiominx wrote:
And I still don't know how to do that clever copying and pasting of those text boxes!

 

Just press the "Quote Button"  Easy peasy.

 

Yeah it is easy! laugh

- Minxy from time to time a little dusting around the refectors on all lights is a god thing, one can be surprised at how much it can improve things.

TTFN

Spider1V