they have aftermarket kits that u can install.
http://www.dabears2k.com/product_inf...roducts_id=270

yea people's gonna start putting it into their reverse lights, sooner or later everyones gonna have them on the cars like HID kits, and when people waitting for a parking, it'lll shine bright ass light right into ur eyes, ur gonna come here abd bitch abt people having HIDs in their reverse light just like how people bitch about HIDs in reflectors.

sighh, u sound like those traditional chinese families.... y dont u wrap ur whole car in plastic to keep it mint? just like how people wrap their tv remotes in plastic sheets.

:haha: I have an aunt that does that. Not just her remotes, but all the FURNITURE in the common areas are wrapped too. When I visit I have to stay on the cardboard "trails" as well so that her flooring stays pristine. 15 years and counting.

Nope, the car isn't saran-wrapped, unless you count some Scotchgard every couple of years. I dont' even wax it every year anymore. ;)

To buddy who suggested I disable the bulbs via dealership computer, actually I've never considered that, but let me post that on an MB forum. Thanks for the tip. :thumbsup:

Does anyone have experience with 3497 or 796 bulbs? 3497 are readily available at Lordco, but nobody seems to know about the 796 ones.

^ i might be wrong, but euro cars run on a system called "vagcom" or something like that, and u need specialized computers to modify the system........ soooo.......
1. find someone that has access to those kinds of systems
Or
2. go to the dealer and HOPEFULLY they will do it for u and NOT CHARGE U AN ARM AND A LEG or a KIDNEY.

and in case u didnt catch it, i was being sarcastic about the plastic wrap since u seem to be so picky about every little thing...........

Yeah I know bro, all good. :D I do laugh at my aunt for what she does though, so know where you're coming from. :lol

Yeah, the dealers around here either a) charge $50 (ie 30 mins shop time) for ANY mods to the computer, or b) refuse to do it. But I do have a connection so it's all good. Time to do more research.

VAG-COM is only for Volkswagen's automotive family (VW, Audi, Skoda, etc). Mercedes uses something else.... Star-something, maybe? :lol I've no idea.

You are correct, MB uses Star-diagnostic. Only the dealers and some indies have these.

Back on topic. Okay, I checked at Lordco. 3497 bulbs are available, but 796 are special order.

So nobody on RS has ever tried these bulbs!?

Have you updated your prescription recently? Do you even know how to drive?

lol good luck with it then. should've just stuck with LEDs and disabled the computer in the first place instead of going back and forth hahaha.

Yes and maybe not apparently. Be afraid, be very afraid, expecially when I'm in reverse and it's dark and rainy. ;)

Unfortunately many Euro cars are too smart for their own damn good. There's a good chance there simply isn't a setting available to disable it using the shop computer, or I'm sure somebody would've posted something on this online in another forum.

The problem with LEDs is that they "look" bright but have low total output. That's why you see them used for signals by car manufacturers, but not for illumination.

I'd say put the HID kit in it anyways.

I don't think you will be in reverse longer than 20 secs to parellel park, or reverse park into your garage.

Even one minute in reverse is not gonna hurt or melt your taillight housing.

the disadvantage only goes to the poor driver behind you that gets blinded while you parallel haha.

Just do it. GL & post pics when your done

Found and ordered some 796 bulbs online. 35W vs. 21W stock. I'm surprised nobody on this forum has heard of this stuff.

Waiting for them in the mail. Stay tuned.

oh mine i hope ppl get this for the slightly improve visibility not to be cool for 30 sec a day.....

back to topic. I think the best solution if the OP have trouble backing up is to either install backup sensor or backup camera. that way its useful also in parking lots and when parallel parking not like the brighter bulbs which would only make considerable difference when u back up in pitch black.

I only have visibility problems when it's raining at night. During the day I'm totally fine. Most reverse lights out there simply suck at night.

Watever work for you :)

I used to think reverse cam are for c lai only until i got a new car with it preinstall. I swear its like one of the best car related invention right after wheels and in car cigarette lighter

reverse cam ftw! i haven't hit anything since!