Tail Light Assembly

Remove and replace the tail light assembly on a 2007-2013 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG, including disconnecting electrical connectors and reinstalling with proper torque specifications.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Tail light assembly (left or right as needed) × 1 — A221 820 XX XX (XX varies by side and options)
• Tail light gasket/seal × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and ensure ignition is off with key removed
2. Open trunk fully and ensure trunk lid support is engaged
3. Locate the tail light assembly requiring replacement (driver or passenger side)
4. Clean work area around tail light to prevent dirt from entering trunk cavity

Procedure

1. 1

   Access tail light mounting area
   From inside the trunk, locate the rear trim panel behind the tail light assembly. Remove the trunk side trim panel by carefully pulling back the carpeted trim to expose the tail light access area. On some models, you may need to remove T25 Torx cover screws first.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Disconnect electrical connectors
   Locate the main tail light electrical connector behind the assembly. Press the release tab and carefully pull the connector straight out from the tail light module. If equipped with additional connectors for adaptive lighting or other features, disconnect those as well. Note the routing of wiring harness for reinstallation.
3. 3

   Remove tail light mounting bolts
   Using a 10mm socket with extension, locate and remove the tail light mounting bolts securing the assembly to the body. There are typically 3-4 bolts accessible from inside the trunk. Keep bolts organized for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Tail Light Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove tail light assembly from vehicle
   From the exterior of the vehicle, gently pull the tail light assembly straight back away from the body. Apply even pressure and wiggle slightly if needed to release the assembly from its mounting guides and seal. Be careful not to drop the assembly or scratch the paint on the quarter panel during removal.
5. 5

   Inspect and clean mounting surface
   Inspect the tail light mounting surface on the vehicle body for damage, corrosion, or debris. Clean the mounting surface with a microfiber cloth. Check the condition of the tail light seal/gasket and replace if damaged, compressed, or deteriorated. Inspect the new tail light assembly for any shipping damage before installation.
6. 6

   Install new tail light assembly
   Ensure the new gasket/seal is properly positioned on the tail light assembly or vehicle body per manufacturer design. Align the tail light assembly with the mounting guides on the vehicle body. Carefully push the assembly into position from the exterior, ensuring it seats fully and evenly against the body panel. The assembly should sit flush with the surrounding bodywork.
7. 7

   Install and torque mounting bolts
   From inside the trunk, insert all tail light mounting bolts and hand-thread them to prevent cross-threading. Tighten the bolts in a cross-pattern to ensure even seating of the assembly. Using a torque wrench, torque all mounting bolts to specification.
   Torque spec

   Tail Light Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Reconnect electrical connectors
   Route the wiring harness as noted during disassembly. Reconnect the main tail light electrical connector, ensuring it clicks fully into place. Reconnect any additional connectors for adaptive lighting or other features. Ensure no wires are pinched or stressed.
9. 9

   Reinstall trunk trim panels
   Position the trunk side trim panel back into place, ensuring all clips align with their receptacles. Press firmly to seat all trim clips. If cover screws were removed, reinstall and torque to specification.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws15 Nm (11 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and secured
2. Verify tail light assembly is flush with body panel and properly aligned with adjacent body panels
3. Confirm trunk trim panels are properly secured and all clips are engaged

Verification

• Turn ignition to position II (on) and activate all lighting functions: parking lights, brake lights, turn signals, reverse lights, and hazard lights to verify all functions operate correctly
• Check for any warning lights or fault codes on the instrument cluster related to exterior lighting
• Visually inspect the tail light from outside the vehicle to ensure proper alignment and no gaps between the assembly and body panel
• Verify the tail light seal is properly seated with no visible gaps that could allow water intrusion
• Close trunk and verify it latches properly and that trunk trim does not interfere with closure

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