Many Mercedes-Benz owners are drawn to the sleek aesthetics of an illuminated star grille emblem. This aftermarket upgrade adds a touch of modern sophistication to older models and enhances the already striking presence of newer ones. However, installing a Benz Illuminated Star, especially on models equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems like Distronic and blind spot assist, can sometimes lead to unexpected complications. One Mercedes-Benz owner encountered this firsthand when upgrading their 2014 GL-Class.
After installing an aftermarket illuminated star purchased online, the owner reported a cascade of fault messages, including warnings for attention assist, Distronic, and blind spot assist, all becoming disabled. This immediately highlighted a potential conflict between the illuminated star and the vehicle’s sensitive sensor systems. Troubleshooting led back to the newly installed emblem. Upon removing the illuminated star, the fault messages disappeared, and the driver assistance systems returned to normal operation.
This experience raises a crucial question: Why does a benz illuminated star interfere with Distronic and other sensors? The owner hypothesized that the LED light assembly, centrally located within the star, might be the culprit. Distronic and similar systems often rely on radar or lidar sensors positioned behind the grille area. It’s plausible that the LED components or the wiring of some aftermarket illuminated stars could obstruct or interfere with the signals emitted and received by these sensors.
To explore a solution, the owner proposed a clever DIY modification. The idea involves dissecting the illuminated star, removing the central LED assembly, and testing if the remaining plastic grooved ring, designed to diffuse the light, still causes interference. If the Distronic system functions correctly without the LED assembly in the star’s center, the next step would be to relocate the LED light source.
The proposed modification suggests housing the LED module in a separate, small plastic box, positioned off to the side and behind the grille, away from the direct line of sight of the sensors. Light could then be channeled to the original grooved plastic ring using fiber optic cables. By strategically drilling small holes in the ring and attaching fiber optic cables from behind, the light could be distributed evenly across the star, mimicking the original illuminated effect without the sensor interference.
This DIY approach, while requiring some technical skill, highlights a potential path to enjoying the aesthetic appeal of a benz illuminated star without compromising the functionality of crucial safety and driver-assistance systems. For those less inclined towards DIY solutions, this case study also underscores the importance of choosing compatible and well-designed illuminated star kits, and perhaps seeking professional installation to ensure seamless integration with the vehicle’s electronics and sensor systems. Further discussion and collaborative problem-solving within the Mercedes-Benz community could lead to refined solutions and best practices for installing these popular aftermarket upgrades.
