Buy Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 Tail Light Assembly

Overview

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 tail light-also called the tail lamp, rear light, stop lamp, or brake-light assembly-sits at the back corners of the van and lights up red when you drive or brake, amber when you signal, and white when you reverse. It helps other drivers see your big van day and night and shows them what you plan to do next. When the lamp is cracked, dim, or not working, safety drops and you can even get a repair ticket. (NHTSA, UNECE)

Key Roles

• Running light: Glows low-level red whenever your headlights are on so the van is visible after dark.
• Brake light: Shines bright red the moment you press the pedal, warning drivers behind you. (NHTSA)
• Turn signal: Flashes amber (or red on some export models) to show left or right turns. (, Sprinter Source)
• Reverse light: Switches to white when you shift into "R" so people know you are backing up. (MB Vans, Fuse Box)
• Rear fog / side-marker: Extra red lamp on certain European packages for thick-fog driving. (UNECE)

Components

1. Outer lens: Clear and red polycarbonate that resists UV and stones but can still crack. (MB Parts Store)
2. Reflector cups: Bounce light outward so the lamp meets brightness rules. (UNECE)
3. Bulb or LED boards: Older W906 vans use incandescent P21W / PY21W bulbs; newer VS30 (2019+) vans add built-in LEDs for the tail and brake while keeping bulbs for turn and reverse. (Sprinter Source, Sprinter Source)
4. Wiring plug: A single multi-pin connector clips to the van's body loom. (Sprinter Source)
5. Three Torx-20 screws: Hold the unit to the body; torque is only about 3 Nm-snug, not tight. (Sprinter Source, Sprinter Source)

Fitment Range

The same basic housing fits Sprinter 2500 cargo, crew, and passenger models from 2014-2025, but check if your van left the factory with the partial-LED option (code L22) because the wiring and computer coding differ. (Sprinter Source, MB Parts Store)

Bulb & LED Types

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Installation Steps

1. Open the rear door fully for clear access. (YouTube)
2. Remove the three Torx-20 screws holding the lamp. (Sprinter Source, Sprinter Source)
3. Pull the lamp straight back; wiggle gently to free the locator pins. (YouTube)
4. Press the tab on the wiring plug and disconnect. (Sprinter Source)
5. Swap bulbs or fit the new lamp, lining up pins first.
6. Re-attach plug, seat the lamp, and reinstall screws hand-tight-do not over-torque. (Sprinter Source)
7. Test every light before closing the door. (YouTube)

Maintenance Tips

• Wipe dust off the lens with soapy water every oil-change to keep it bright. (MB Vans)
• Dab dielectric grease on bulb bases to fight moisture and corrosion. (Sprinter Source)
• If a bulb warning glows on the dash, inspect the socket first; the van's body control module can cut power to that circuit if it spots a short. (Sprinter Source, )
• Replace cracked gaskets quickly-water inside can toast LEDs. (Sprinter Source)

Troubleshooting

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Legal Standards

• FMVSS 108 (USA) sets brightness, color, and placement for all rear lamps. (NHTSA)
• UNECE R148 / R6 / R23 cover rear position, stop, and turn lamps in many other countries. (UNECE)
• Lamps must shine red at 80-300 cd for tail and at least 60° sideways for visibility.
• Amber turn signals are mandatory on 2025 Sprinter vans shipped to Europe. (UNECE)
• Keep the DOT or E-mark on the lens visible; sanding or tinting can fail inspections. (NHTSA)

Upgrade Ideas

• Swap to full-LED aftermarket housings for quicker response and cooler running; be sure they carry SAE/DOT marks. (Sprinter Source, Sprinter Source)
• Add a plug-and-play camper brake-light flasher to grab attention-legal in most U.S. states if it stops after five flashes. (NHTSA)
• Fit clear-lens lamps with colored LEDs for a "Euro" look, but confirm local rules first. (UNECE)

Common Mistakes

1. Over-tightening screws-cracks the plastic ears. (Sprinter Source)
2. Using 1156 bulbs instead of the correct P21W; they fit but trigger errors. (Sprinter Source)
3. Mixing LED and incandescent on the same circuit without resistors-causes hyper-flash. (Sprinter Source)
4. Ignoring condensation-water pools at the bottom and shorts the board.

Related Keywords

Mercedes Sprinter rear light, Sprinter 2500 tail lamp, Sprinter brake light assembly, Sprinter stop light, cargo van rear lamp, Sprinter reverse lamp, W906 tail light, VS30 LED rear light.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I know if my Sprinter has LED or bulb tail lights?
A: Open the back door and look at the lamp. If you see skinny "light bars," it is the LED version; if you see removable bulb holders, it is the bulb version. (Sprinter Source)

Q: What size screwdriver do I need?
A: A Torx-20 driver removes all three screws. (Sprinter Source)

Q: My dash shows a bulb icon but the bulb is good. Why?
A: The body control module senses tiny changes in resistance; a corroded socket or wrong-type bulb can trip the warning. Clean the contacts and use the listed P21W/PY21W bulbs. (Sprinter Source, Sprinter Source)

Q: Where is the fuse for the tail lights?
A: Sprinter tail lamps share power through the body control module; there is no separate fuse on most 2014-2025 vans. (Sprinter Source, MB Vans)

Q: Can I tint the lens for a black-out look?
A: Dark tint violates U.S. FMVSS 108 and EU UNECE rules because it cuts brightness, so it may fail inspection or get you a ticket. (NHTSA, UNECE)

Q: Do I need extra coding after installing LED lamps?
A: Yes, the dealer or a scan tool must activate option L22 so the van stops "bulb-out" warnings and drives the LEDs correctly. (Sprinter Source)

Q: What torque should I use when reinstalling the screws?
A: About 3 Nm (just snug by hand) keeps the lamp tight without cracking plastic. (Sprinter Source)

Q: Will a European-spec lamp fit a North American van?
A: It bolts on, but the wiring plug may lack rear fog and the reflector pattern may not meet DOT rules, so check local law first. (UNECE, NHTSA)

Q: How often should I check the lights?
A: Test them once a month or before any long trip; it takes one minute and can prevent a rear-end crash. (YouTube, YouTube)

Keeping your Sprinter 2500 tail light in top shape is quick, cheap, and vital for safe driving.