Who has successfully modified headlight wipers for use with E-Codes (300SDL)
 

Greetings All.................

I would like to communicate with someone - directly - that has installed E-code's and spent the additional time to modify the Headlight Wiper assembly.

My Bosch E-Codes are on their way from Germany and just want to get that gaggle of ducks in somewhat of a row.

I have read many posts and please - no flaming along the lines of 'Why would you want to do that??'

I am willing to try and find the Euro wipers - if needed - and reverse the motors.

ALSO..........

I am looking for Very Good Quality 'Clear Corner' Lights.


ALSO - ALSO.........

With the DRL (City) option - Has anyone tried to run them off of another circuit in the car that comes on with the ignition. Thus eliminating the need to have the parking lights turned on. My thought is a circuit similiar to the front cig. lighter that only works when the key is on. The bulbs are only 5W each - right??

ALSO - ALSO - ALSO.........

I will be looking for the interior trim piece for the vacuum adjust - and the adjuster itself. Someone has the adjustment control up on e-bay for $30-$40.. I'm not in any rush for this portion of the installation - I just know that I am going to do it.

ALSO - ALSO - ALSO - ALSO...........

I have read a few posts that refer to upgrading the wiring and the use of relays. Although these posts seem like a 30,000 foot view - I would be very interested in some more detailed information.

.............also(mentioned very quietly)

bulbs (sorry - it slipped out)

Thank You Very Much in Advance

Stephen

Stephen,

I purchased my OEM Bosch Euros from Capitol West and paid an extra $15 for an adapter kit they sell, with instructions, to use with the existing US wipers. The installation was relatively straightforward. Unfortunately, their web site indicates that one may only purchase the adapter with the purchase of the Euro lights...but you could try. All that stated, I'm actually looking to get rid of the wipers altogether. Anyone know how to order the replacement panel under the lights??

Not sure about running the DRL functionality to another circuit, but I achieved the true euro look by running pin 4 from the side markers into slot 58 in the 6-pin wiring assembly for the euro lights. This effectively allows operation of the city lights ONLY with the light switch turned to the first position AND no side markers (dim function deactivated by moving the pin), however, the rear lights are per normal. Now, when I operate the blinker with the lights on, I get ON/OFF...ON/OFF. I find this much more effective than the ON/DIM alternative. Be advised that this may not be legal where you are located.

I also had my indy run the vacuum lines for the height adjustment function, which works well, and is very functional when carrying full loads (like I did on Sunday with 5 adults to SF). I've attached a pic of the switch setup. I had some initial troubles getting the correct parts, as there are some options. I pulled the switch this morning to try and find some part numbers. Unfortunately, I couldn't locate the part # for the switch panel, but I can tell you that you DON'T want part #126 689 00 80. Regarding the vacuum switch, DON'T get part # 124 800 06 73. It doesn't work properly, for some reason, on the 126. It appears, though odd, that the part # on the CORRECT vacuum switch is 000 800 04 73. Hopefully this helps.

As for the H4's, I'm using Philips VisionPlus +50s 55W from powerbulbs.com. Very pleased with them. I'm also using the Philips VisionPlus H3's for the fogs that put out a yellow light, but not true yellow.

Cool I want those, adjustable euro lights with wipers would be real nice. I will keep a close eye on this thread this will probably be my summer project.

I realize that you are talking about a different chassis than my 124 car, but I kept my US wipers by simply making a bracket from strap iron. I put a thread with extensive instructions in here somewhere.

I FULLY expect that the same approach could be taken on your car. It is simply a matter of making a bracket that will offset the motor and move it rearward into the correct position. It was a few hours work, but darn well worth it.

If you don't want to leave the motors running the same direction, then swap them side to side, but you will have to get the correct blades. Maybe you could also swap the blades side to side.

It's just one of those little small engineering projects that you have to work through.

BTW, in my opinion you don't have Euro lights if you don't have the elevation control. I drive 20 miles of winding, hilly farm road to get to the highway in the wee hours. I raise the lights a notch or two to watch for deer and escaped livestock, then when on the highway, lower them to their standard position.

Merry Christmas,

I have the factory euro lights, the switch and the vacuum hoses, from a 1985 500 SEL that was at a local pick-a-part. Haven't installed them as I was not sure if I needed other items. What controls the vacuum? Can you get new chrome reflectors for the inside, the ones I got are a bit faded or can you refurbish them.

PS: That same 500 SEL also had the rare SEC style 4 place seating option with factory vacuum controlled ortho. front seats in black leather. These will match the black int. of my 300sdl. I hope the $100 I paid for the entire setup wasn't too much <grin>

Sounds like you got a steal on some great parts. I've never heard of anyone dealing with replacement reflectors, or refurbishing them for that matter. Are they pitted?

You too!?
 

Smooooth,

You and I are in the exact same situation. I too ordered some Euro's from Germany and they are hopefully on their way. I also got a set of clear corners from some place in Canada off of Ebay. I am not sure of the quality, I got tired of looking and wanted to make sure I had them when it came time to do the Euros.

I am thinking about going without wipers. I just cannot justify the cost of doing them right. I recall reading Larry's thread about the special bracke a while back. I just do not know if I have the time for this right now.

I was not planning on the vacuum leveler control, but now you have got me thinking........ :sun_smile Maybe I do have time for that :rolleyes: .

Looking forward to better light!

Goldenbear, still have the instructions? That might be a huge help in figuring out how they do the bracket. For $15 each it cannot be that tough.

Hmmm...not sure if I kept them after the job. I'll look in the boxes (now with the original headlamp assemblies in them) and see what I can find...that is, when I find the time.

The problem with the W126 euro wipers is they are complety different than the US ones. The arms are different and the motors are mounted in different places with different shafts. As far as I know to do the proper job you need:

New motors
New arms
Proper brackets
Proper trim below the headlights painted.

The US wipers look stupid on the Euro lights because they don't do anything.

I keep hearing the $300 figure float around. Now I would contact a European member maybe they could go to one of their junk yards and mail you the parts? Or maybe the dealer would be able to help?

my reflectors are not pitted, one is just dull and the other got some water on it so it has some rust issues.

Nobody is mentioning that the wiper system on the us car has the integrated washer system, were as the euro's had the bumper mounted nozzles.

The parts car I got these off of still had the motors and trim pieces, but the wiper arms were gone.

Correction: they do the same thing they did on the US spec version. Whether that is "doing anything" is more subjective. ;)

For the dull reflectors, I believe there is a special paint that will bring them back to life...

yea, that is why I am leaning toward the "clean" look. Honestly, I have never seen my US wipers run. And I am not sure I have ever paid enough attention to see anyones run while driving. They are cool, but there is a limit.

Smooooth, did you get the vacuum part figured out? Keep us posted. When I install my lights I might get everything set up so that I can just add a switch.

I think one time my headlight wipers actually cleaned some dirt so they did do something once, maybe. :D

Well I think the US ones don't look right with the euros because they don't wipe the full surface of the light.

Good Morning..........

Still working on all the parts needed - not in a big rush at the moment.

As far as the wipers effectiveness, currently on the US lights, mine work great!!!! The road grime is removed nicely - plus - it's not just the wiper itself but putting a good spray of fluid on helps. Better than rubbing snow on them.

It seems like sourcing the bulbs means ordering them from Europe. Just reading about the Philips Vision Plus series.

Caught this thread regarding the DRL's being on with the ignition versus having to turn the switch........

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/tech-help/62816-w126-420sel-euro-head-light-installation.html?highlight=w126+city+fuse

Vacation is not a good thing when it comes to doing massive searches.

Must spend time with the wife - Must spend time with the wife - Must spend time with the wife - Must spend time with the wife - Must spend time with the wife - Must spend time with the wife

Need to work on the Windshield Washer Nozzles

Must spend time with the wife - Must spend time with the wife - Must spend time with the wife - Must spend time with the wife - Must spend time with the wife - Must spend time with the wife

Stephen

This is the effect I am looking for.............

Stephen

P.S. - Hattie!!!!!!! This is the car we spoke about at the GTG - Note the Black grill.

SPS

Except for the wheels that is pretty much what my car will eventually look like. I'm not a big fan of that AMG wheel, except on the W140's.

Those turn signals on the fenders are nice to.

I just need to fix my bumper, a new black grill is going on in spring once the roads improve. Euro lights are a summer project. By next year except for the nicer paint mine will be looking like that. I like the clean euro look. :cool:

It is my understanding that the wipers only work when the headlights are on, the windsheild wipers are on and you use the windsheild washer and the headlamp washers will spray and wipe only at that time. I do not believe they opperate at any other time.

You are correct sir..................

Think these are still there and in operating condition. I do not mind replacing the arms if I can get the brackets, motors and valance panels.

Please let me know.

Well I did my Euro install yesterday. It took me the better part of 3 hours but I took my time and had some interruptions. A couple of observations. After reading for a month about all of the installations people had done, I all becomes much clearer once you start taking things apart. You really only need an 8mm socket and wrench plus a flat blade screwdriver. Plus a few things to make the electrical tap for the city lights. Anyway, here are the things I learned that may help others.

1. It was never really clear to me that the lights hold the wipers and the wipers hold the lights. Kind of a weird set up, but hey the Germans know more than I do.

2. The right side and left side each have their own challenges. The right side is easy to access the wiper bracket (which holds the lights) from below. But the top access to the back of the lights if very tight because of the coolant overflow tank. The left side has the oil cooler obstructing the access to the wiper motor bracket. I farted around for a good 20 minutes getting more and more frustrated until I took the valance plates off and that made it a snap. Lesson learned - take the valance off FIRST.

3. All the discussion of special brackets and moving things around might vary per brand of lights. I found it pretty simple (after a few screw ups) to drill a couple of new holes in the existing brackets to align with the closest available screw holes in the lights. The Bosch lights have three possible locations to attach from the bottom. I was able to move the receiver clips around and drill new holes in the existing brackets.

4. As I have for 3 months, I continued to scratch my head for quite a while and ponder the wipers. I finally decided to defer the decision and to continue to use the existing wipers in the existing locations. I did not do the swapping of sides and re-engineering of the wiring. In retrospect, I personally do not find the US wipers that objectionable. I am not a purist and really don't pretend to be. I came to the conclusion that if they function at all they are doing more that if they were not there. I do reserve the right to change my mind though.

5. Perhaps the biggest bonehead decision I made was leaving the wiring till last. Since the clear corners are the last thing to go in and the wiring harnesses are joined about 6 inches apart, I simply dangled the connectors out of the opening for the corners. The lights were bolted in place and the valance re-attached. Then I converted to the six pin sockets, put the connector on the corner lights and put them in place. Well the pin connectors on the lights are tucked up under the bottom on the outboard sides. Took me forever to get the pins lined up. Then I realized I had reversed a pin on one side and had to undo the corners, redo the pins and reattach the socket. This time I reached up thru the corner holes which was a little easier. Lesson Learned - Wire the puppies up before you attach the lights permanently. I really struggled making the connection on the right side because of the limited space from above.

6. Also, if I did it again I would wire it up and plug the lights in and check everything first. I was lucky that everything worked including the bulbs, considering they were used lights. Again, this is especially true for the right side where I believe you need to take the lights out to replace a bulb anyway. They are real tight.

So I am happy it is done and that the wiper decision is done, for now.

Here are 2 more photos

Looks fantastic, Alan. The clear corners look perfect with the Burgundy.

Whose clear corner did you get? I've been reluctant to buy the cheap plastic ones. Are they better quality then the Taiwan specials on e-bay?

I see that you also cannot change the right side bulb without removing the headlight. I'm disappointed about this. A five minute job will take 45 minutes. :mad:

Thanks Brian.

I ended up with TYC clear corners. They are no worse than the orange ones I took off. I don't know if real Euro ones are glass or not.

Can you change your bulbs in your Depo's without taking the unit out?

But I can assure you that as many times as I had these in and out yesterday that a bulb change would take no more than 15 minutes. On that side the bottom is accessible and I can get the light out be removing 4 nuts. Not sure I even need to do the valance.

I can remove the left side bulb, but not the right side. To take my right side headlight out requires removal of the corner, removal of the valence, removal of the screw that holds the bracket to the body on the bottom, and removal of the two screws on the top. Yes, I suppose that I can do it in 15 minutes now.

Alan,

Nice job; they look great. ;) Thanks for posting the details of your installation.

W O W ! ! ! !

And thanks for the little push........ Love the photos and descriptions.
I am looking forward to doing mine. Please feel free to pass along who you purchased the Clear Corners from. For some reason I'm just not in a trusting mood looking at all the different suppliers on Ebay.

Stephen
Still collecting EURO Parts.... (Pssst - My Triangle should be on it's way :cool: )

I am pretty happy with it. I have not adjusted the lights yet and since I do not have a large wall in front of a huge level area readily available (per Sterns(?) site), I may just take it to my indy and get it done.

I went with the risky ebay vendor, but I will send you the info tomorrow. The seem to be fine. Just realize that you need to keep your old bulbs and sockets as the connectors are different on the new ones.

Fun project. Looking forward to the next one. Will likely be the vacuum switch for adjusting the lights, but I am in no hurry.

Thank You!!!!!!!

If you have a friend at a local Volunteer Fire Dept...... Head for one of their bays. I am a past member of our local one and going to aim my lights in the Wash Bay.

I did receive my Switch Trim Panel - complete with markings for the Rear Fogs and all the Light Piping (don't know what else to call it - Like fiber optics so you can see all the symbols..........) and also the Thumb Wheel adjuster ........... The box of parts is just getting fuller.

Another Question......... Your 'City Lights'??? Did you wire them to the Corner Lights and did you pick up a 'Ignition On' circuit???

Stephen

I just wired then to the corner lights. I was not interested in "daytime running lights". Not even new Mercedes have those, and I am a purist ;) :D

bracket
 

here are the bracket numbers for the wiper motors on the 126 euro sedan, they appear to be avail seperate.
126-824-05-14 they are the same for both sides
Ray
mercedessd@cox.net

I think the brackets that you reference are for the euro wipers which (I think) are different than the us wipers. After digging into this during my project, I can now see how someone could fairly easily engineer an adapter to make us wipers work with Euro lights.

Whoops. Sorry, Alan. I never could dig up the instructions to my install as you requested. I suspect I still have them, they're just lost somewhere in all my parts boxes. :o

No problem. This was less intimitating once I got into it. Just buy drilling some extra holes in the existing brackets I was able to make this work. maybe not ideal, but it worked. Having a pre-made bracket that just bolts on would be better, of course.

Last night I actually saw my wipers work!. I used the reflection of my lights in another cars bumper and hit the washers. I had never seen them work or paid any attention, but after making the decisioni to keep then during the Euro install, I now pay more attention. Glad I kept them!

Regarding the right side of a 126, does the wiper motor bracket attach under the headlight so that the headlight has to be removed? I bought a right-side wiper motor and bracket but can't figure out how the bracket attaches.

Thanks
David

I do not think there would be any way to replace the wiper motor and/or bracket without removing the headlight. But, if I recall correctly, you have to remove one or two nuts that connect the bracket to the headllight.

Strange, but to remove the headlight, you have to remove (part of) the wiper bracket and to remove the wiper bracket (completely) you have to remove the headlight.