My headlights are the square H6054 200mm ones on the W126....

I figured a relay setup would work, probably what I'd do. and I'd leave the MB fogs alone, that way I at least have some lights if something happened to the relay setup.... I bet the alternator would be fine with the higher bulbs....a 65A alternator can put out over 600 watts at higher rpms....250 or so with lights, radio....fan etc...shouldn't be too much. It holds 13.7 volts even with my rear defroster on high, all lights (fogs too), blower on high, etc...I have a volt gauge so I'd know if it was too much.

Dave,

Is this set up legal (DOT approved) in CA?? :confused:

There are DOT approved Hella units, which throw a part of the light beam upwards to illuminate overhead signs that are not lit, and I think they also have the alignment pins on the glass.

So for Hella, you have two options: full European H4 or DOT approved H4

100000x yes. Although the hot spot brightness of the DOT 7" round is ok the light distrubition is not. Even a stock wattage lamp will be a dramatic improvement.

-Jason

To add to this, E-codes on the left, Vision Plus (DOT legal) on the right

http://www.rallylights.com/Hella_7_inch_Round_H4_%20Headlamps.aspx

Replaced my Wagner sealed beams with the Hella H4 E-codes yesterday. It was very easy to do and, as others have said, the H4s are a huge improvement. Definitely a worthwhile upgrade.

I need to replace a blown Wagner seal halogen beam. Called a friend who owns a high end shop about switching to a Hella H4 55/60 ecode.

His view is that because they do not seal well against the slush and silt of daily driving, the reflectivity diminishes fairly quickly with time and the advantage is lost.

What is the collective experience here?

thanks,

- Neil

I don't want to be rude, but high-end shop for what? Garden tractors? :D

Ok now I've had my little rant, I assume you mean you want to replace the round sealed beams with round H4 lights. I have never heard about any sealing issue with these.

Your friend may be talking about large, square Hella or Bosch "euro" lights that replace the NA-spec headlamp-foglamp assembly completely. These can develop seal issues over age, but old age.

In any event, I would take a dirty H4 over a sparkling new sealed beam any day. No one, and I mean no one, who has ever switched to H4s ever looked back.

Those headlights have a replaceable bulb from the back, of course. They include a boot that fits over the plug, no issues here in over ten years.

They also have different bulbs.

Zacharias;

You are correct, my intent is to replace my round Wagner H3 bulbs.

FYI, I see that Hella sells a 55/60 sealed bulb and the H4 "conversion" is 55/60 watts too. From what I've been able to find, the Hella H4 candlepower > Hella seal beam candlepower. The Hella H4 estimated life < Hella seal beam life.

Do you know of a specific Hella H4 part number that is plug and play? I'm not interested in upgrading the wiring or my alternator.

Our host sells a "conversion" unit that is $60/bulb that are aimed at the Porsche crowd. Someone has suggested Hella 002 395 801. What do you use/recommend?

TooManyMBZ;

I can't read your part numbers. Which bulb do you use/recommend?

Thanks!

- Neil

Amazon.com: HELLA 002395991 7" H4 Type Single High/Low Beam Headlamp: Automotive

There is no need to upgrade wiring, install relays or upgrade your alternator for a basic H4 upgrade like this. I bought these... I note they now don't say they come with a bulb. Mine did.

Some people who live in the boonies run motorcycle-spec bulbs, which (IIRC) are 80/100, in those applications you need to install relays to protect the wiring.

x2!

Had a nice chat with Ray the Wire Guy. Thanks to the List for recommending Ray's outfit. .Ordered a pair of these plus Hella Zenon + 50% bulbs.

H6024 Hella 7" Round E-code Hi-Lo Conversion Headlamp Kit. | Rally Lights

FYI he also builds 12-gauge wiring harnesses for those of you who feel the need to step up to 80/100 watt bulbs.

- Neil