LED puddle lights are usually factory parts on many Mercedes models. The LED door projectors can cast a three-pointed star or Mercedes logo on the ground. However, some of them may not work by default. If your Mercedes has original puddle lights but they do not work, there are three possible reasons. First, the function is turned off in COMAND or MBUX. Second, only dealer can enable this feature through XENTRY coding. Third, you may need to replace the bulbs.
In this guide, you can learn how to turn on Mercedes puddle lights on the most common UK models, including the A-Class, C-Class, E-Class, GLC, GLE, and S-Class.
How to Turn On Mercedes Puddle Lights Step by Step
Step 1 — Check the Setting in COMAND or MBUX
You can turn on puddle lights directly through the infotainment system on many Mercedes models without any coding. You can carry out the following steps on your model:
Mercedes with COMAND NTG5 (C-Class W205, E-Class W213, GLC X253, 2015–2020):
Settings → Vehicle → Lighting → Approach/Departure Lighting → Enable
Mercedes with MBUX (A-Class W177, CLA C118, B-Class W247, GLC X254, EQC, 2019–2025):
Settings (cog icon) → Vehicle Settings → Lighting → Puddle Lamps → On
If your vehicle has the Puddle Lamps option but is turned off, you just need to enable it and exit. Next time you open the door, the lights will turn on.
Step 2 — Check If Puddle Lights Are Fitted
It is a fact that not all Mercedes models have puddle lights as a standard function. The puddle light is often named as “welcome light projection” or “entry lighting”. It is part of various packages on UK models. The packages include the AMG Line package, Premium Plus, and Night Package.
How can you check if your Mercedes has original puddle lights? You should open the door and look at the lower part of the door panel—about 15cm from the bottom. If you can see a small oval or circular light unit pointing at the ground, there are puddle lights. However, if there is only a blank cover, the car does not have the function of puddle lights.
Step 3 — XENTRY / OBD11 Coding (If Not in Settings Menu)
On some Mercedes models with older COMAND NTG4 systems (before 2015) and some AMG models, you can not start the puddle light function through the infotainment menu. In fact, you should use Mercedes XENTRY diagnostic software or a third-party OBD tool to activate the code.
If you have a Mercedes W204 C-Class, W212 E-Class, or similar NTG4 model, you can follow the activation steps by OBD11 (a popular third-party tool which sells around £50):
Car > D_BCM Body Control Module > Adaptations > Courtesy Lights > Set to Active
If you do not have access to OBD11 or XENTRY, you can ask a Mercedes specialist or an authorized dealer for help. They can all finish the code work in about 10 minutes.
Step 4 — Check for Wiring or Bulb Issues
If you have finished the setting but the lights still do not work, the problems may be a damaged bulb or a loose wiring connector. Mercedes puddle lights have a direct plug-and-play connector. You can open the door and take off the original puddle lights with a plastic trim tool. Then you should check the wiring connector is fully inserted into the back of the light.
Our Mercedes puddle lights are designed to be fully plug-and-play as perfect replacements. There are anti-error chips inside to avoid any EIS warning messages. What’s more, they can replace the factory door lights perfectly and work well without coding.
Model-Specific Notes
- A-Class W176 (2013–2018): you may find puddle lights in the door handle area rather than the lower door panel on some models
- C-Class W205 (2014–2021): activation by COMAND Settings > Lighting > Approach Lighting
- E-Class W213 (2016–2023): same steps as W205; there are puddle lights on standard SE and above
- GLC X253/X254: activation in MBUX Settings > Vehicle Settings > Lighting
- S-Class W222/W223: standard puddle lights; if they do not work, you need to check the scuff plate connector below the door sill
It takes you about 30 seconds to turn on Mercedes puddle lights in the COMAND or MBUX menu. If you can’t find the option in the menu, you should carry out a quick OBD coding session. Then you can use the function on most models. Once you start the function, you will see the three-pointed star or Mercedes logo projection every time you open the doors.