Quick 123 headlight question - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Wodnek · #1 12-30-2004, 08:49 PM

Does my 85 300D use the standard round 7 inch headlights or does it thake H4 style bulbs? I really can't tell by looking due to the way the housing is made. It is the standard 123 with two amber and two clear not the euro style.
Thanks

H-townbenzoboy · #2 12-30-2004, 08:53 PM

It uses standard 7" sealed beam lights... although... you can swap out the 7" sealed beams for some H4s without spending big bucks to get Euros. I'll find the thread somewhere.
-Joe

Wodnek · #3 12-30-2004, 09:03 PM

Thanks for the quick response. That is why I asked, I am thinking about the H4 style ones. I wnt better lighting for the back roads but I dont like the look of the euro lights. If it already had H4s then I would asume getting H4s to replace wouldn't be effective. I am looking at Hella or Cibie units.
Thanks

Russmeister · #4 12-30-2004, 10:35 PM

Hella units are easier to find. Cibie units are a little less common. Although the Cibie beam pattern is better. I have the Hella 7" round lamps on my 300D. Those light up the road well enough. Especially with 80W H4 bulbs and a relay with heavy gauge wire harness.

#5 12-30-2004, 11:42 PM

The hella's are good, but I have heard that some of the Cibie's are much better, however I don't know the difference that well. I've heard the Bosch's are good too, however they can be somewhat hard to find

Wodnek · #6 12-31-2004, 10:52 AM

I can get a used pair of Cibie for $60. Or I can get new Hella or Bosch for around $90 shipped. Tough decision. Don't know which way to go. I know I don't want a cheap $20 set though. Its likely that they wouldn't be better then the sylvania sealed beams.

Luke · #7 12-31-2004, 04:21 PM

I just installed Hella H4's on mine as a replacement for generic Sylvania's. I am very impressed with the improved lighting and beam pattern. My Hella's were around $74 for the pair at www.rallylights.com I have heard good reports on the Bosch lights too. I think they are similarly priced. With either choice, correct aiming is critical.

Wodnek · #8 01-04-2005, 08:10 PM

Well, I made up my mind and ordered the Hella H4s E-code. $81 and change delivered. Should get here in time to install this weekend. Next question are these easy to change?

rwthomas1 · #9 01-04-2005, 09:59 PM

Very easy to change, just like swapping in a new sealed beam. As long as you use the standard 55/60watt bulbs you won't have any problems. Please make sure you aim them correctly. Follow this http://www.danielsternlighting.com/tech/aim/aim.html article and it is quite easy. RT

phidauex · #10 01-04-2005, 10:11 PM

Well, I bought a set of Autopal (yes, made in india), 7" H-4 replacements for 24$ that include bulbs and city lights. I've actually heard pretty good things about Autopal, so I thought I'd give them a try. For 24$, I'm not out much if they don't work out.

I'll post once they come in and I install them, so you know how they work. In general I'd agree that Bosch and Hellas would be better, but in this world, its so hard to tell. Its not as clear cut as it used to be, some Indian made things are far better than their german or american counterparts, and some of it is still crap.

Anyway, don't discount the 20$ units yet, I'll post a report when I get them fitted.

peace,
sam

deeph8 · #11 01-04-2005, 10:40 PM

where did you buy the autopals? that is less than what the local parts store charges for silverstars (each).

phidauex · #12 01-04-2005, 10:53 PM

I bought them on ebay. There is a guy with a big autopal store:

http://stores.ebay.com/Autopal-Lights

You want one of the 7" H4 conversions, there are a few varieties. I bought the Euro Style with City Lights version.

peace,
sam

deeph8 · #13 01-04-2005, 11:17 PM

I think I will buy a pair. But there are too many choices. Are "city lights" street legal in the U.S.?

JimmyL · #14 01-05-2005, 12:47 AM

Is this one of the correct products?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&tc=photo&item=7945339949&category=33710

and this one

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&tc=photo&item=7939052880&category=33710

phidauex · #15 01-05-2005, 01:05 AM

These are the exact lights I purchased:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&tc=photo&item=7939052880&category=33710

I'm not sure if city lights are legal, persay, but I think you can use them as parking lights and daytime running lights. At least, that is a common use for them.

peace,
sam