OEM Headlight Adjustment? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

retmil46 · #1 08-23-2006, 11:24 AM

Well, I've searched thru the threads on this, but didn't find a clear-cut answer. I have an '87 300D with the original U.S. spec headlights. Couple days ago I drove it at night for the first time, and the low beams seemed like they didn't even go out 30 feet ahead of the car. Put it on high beam, which appeared like the low beams on most other cars I've driven. Drove it home on high beam. Apparently it appeared to everyone else that it was still on low beam as well, didn't get flashed to turn my lights down even once on the 20 mile drive home.

Last night I tried adjusting the center height screw on both headlights. I tried upwards of two full turns, but it made no difference that I could tell in the aim, either during adjustment or while driving.

I have read thru the threads and the Bentley Owners Bible, so I realize these lights are somewhat underpowered to begin with. Given that, here's my questions -

Do the three black adjustment screws work on the original U.S. spec headlights?

If they do, how much adjustment is needed to make a difference? I'd think two full turns on the height adjustment would make some noticeable difference, especially on low beam.

Or am I just plain screwed, in that if I want to be able to adjust them or have better light output, I'm just going to have to ditch the OEM lights and go with something else?

Most of my drive to/from work is thru open country on 2 lane back roads with plenty of twists and turns, 55 mph speed limit. For now, high beam is adequate, but the low beams flat out suck.