I can now answer my own question.
... Does anyone know if those [cigarette lighter] lamps are the same?
...
vic
The cigarette lighter back lamps are completely different. No love there.
I did learn some things by removing my 2006 ATC panel.
* It is not necessary to split the ATC unit apart to replace the lamps. The ATC module does need to be freed though. That requires removing 2 ea. electrical connectors, and 2 ea. cables.
* The lamps can be twisted to the removal position by using a small screwdriver. The lamp assemblies can then be popped loose and shaken out using mean old Mr. Gravity. For the one lamp I did disconnect the heavy brown wire to move that wire out of the way. The small screwdriver worked for re-install... with some patience. Added: A bit of review showed that bc339 Bruce already covered the screwdriver use suggestion.
* It still may be worthwhile to take the front 1/2 cover off. It is just a bunch of small plastic clips to release. That allows proper cleaning of the little thermistor fan. Mine was pretty much plugged with lint/dust (2006 approx. 147,000 miles in medical transport service). It definitely needed cleaning. It may have not even been spinning before cleaning.
* While apart use your lubricant of choice to lube the air flow selection knob mechanicals and also the cables. (On mine the white sheathed cable was in the front position - closest to you. White = white lever. Black = black lever.)
* The back light lamp on the Espar Programmable Timer is the same lamp as the ATC module lamps (12 volt 2 watt). The Espar lamp is very easily accessed and makes a good method to test the fit of any lamp replacement part before taking everything apart to access the ATC unit. The Espar timer is labeled Hella if that helps any.
I wasn't successful in adapting any of my lamps to the OEM holders. The lamps are quite tiny. I did use some leads to cobble a couple of on hand lamps into position. The sensible answer is to use OEM type lamps.
I still have not 100% identified the exact aftermarket replacements by generic number.
I did find some. See post #17 below.
Possible - Using Hella from Espar Programmable Time.
http://cat.hella.com/web/public/hella/en_GB/700000/700201/Lights-%2BSignal%2BSystem/$catalogue/2/$product/8GS%2B006%2B677-121_2776/index.xhtml;jsessionid=D5D44F1BCA59A0B070BA544518E50E05
12 volt 2 watt
https://www.amazon.com/Bulb-12V-Instrument-Cluster-Socket/dp/B009PQ82I2
12 volt 1.5 watt
https://www.amazon.com/Mercedes-Bulb-instruments-Beige-Socket/dp/B00D2KKPW8/
My reply to a PM asking why these are crossed off the list.
"My sometimes faulty memory recalls that the base design is a bit different and sticks out too much. I believe that those lamps will work in the one ATC lamp holder, but not in the more restricted one. It may even interfere with the cable lever action."
Update.
Those 1.5 watt lamps were purchased and are reported to fit.
Another source. Thanks goes to Rickpcmp3.
Osram 62111391260 Instrument Panel Light Bulb
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Osram-6211...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649
vic