A new look - 123.133 - Page 4 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Mark DiSilvestro · #46 08-16-2008, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MBeige

This link should be helpful: http://danielsternlighting.com/tech/lights/light_color/light_color.html

And I quote,

And in particular, this is the study Daniel Stern was referring to:

http://www.lightingresearch.org/programs/transportation/pdf/SAE/2001-01-0320.pdf

I'm debating on whether to paint the reflector yellow, or just get yellow bulbs. Don't want to ruin the Euro lights. There's a third option to, if it's similar to the W124/W201/W126 setup, to get the yellow "caps" that cover the fog light bulbs to give the illusion of a yellow reflector. The car currently has "standard" white fog lights, but I like the yellow light better, because it's more pleasing to the eye. Doesn't make me want to squint. I suppose that's what Daniel Stern mentioned above.

I was able to get a pair of brand new European Bosch (square) lenses for slightly more than a pair of brand new US DOT headlight covers. I might also invest on some headlight protectors (those thin plastic "shields" on the lenses) if they won't ruin the look.

Mark, we have the same view of the bumpers - practical and decent enough and won't ruin the look as much.

I recently found out that my local aftermarket MB parts supplier has the Euro lenses for about $60 each, but at the time, I already had the $24 pair of US headlight units, so they were the quickest, cheapest way to get the wagon throgh VA state inspection. I did have to make up harness adapters, as unlike the Euro conversion on my early Fintail, the W123 Euro to US swap wasn't 'plug-n-play'. I also had to change the sockets and add wiring adapters to my amber fromt corner lamps to provide legally-required parking lights in addition to the Euro-only turn-signal lights.

Where did you find plastic lens protectors for the rectangular Euro lights? Next time I'm out his way, I'll ask my MB parts guy about them.
It's hard to tell by looking, but I didn't notice any obvious signs that rocks damaged my Euro lights.
Some of the local W123 diesel guys I talked to claimed that the Euro lenses can crack because of the diesel engine vibration, though my TD vibrates far less than my pair of 240Ds, expecially compared to my automatic 240D!

Happy Motoring, Mark

MBeige · #47 08-16-2008, 09:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark DiSilvestro

I recently found out that my local aftermarket MB parts supplier has the Euro lenses for about $60 each, but at the time, I already had the $24 pair of US headlight units, so they were the quickest, cheapest way to get the wagon throgh VA state inspection. I did have to make up harness adapters, as unlike the Euro conversion on my early Fintail, the W123 Euro to US swap wasn't 'plug-n-play'. I also had to change the sockets and add wiring adapters to my amber fromt corner lamps to provide legally-required parking lights in addition to the Euro-only turn-signal lights.

Where did you find plastic lens protectors for the rectangular Euro lights? Next time I'm out his way, I'll ask my MB parts guy about them.
It's hard to tell by looking, but I didn't notice any obvious signs that rocks damaged my Euro lights.
Some of the local W123 diesel guys I talked to claimed that the Euro lenses can crack because of the diesel engine vibration, though my TD vibrates far less than my pair of 240Ds, expecially compared to my automatic 240D!

Happy Motoring, Mark

I have yet to look for lens protectors, but I'm sure they can be bought and cut to fit.

As for the shaking damaging the headlights, if you get Euro lights, a pair of mounting kits is critical. I just got my set installed last night, they come with two rubber washers for the inboard mounting points. The outboard mounting points are allen-wrench types so I didn't bother, and just used a matching set of screws and a washer each. The rubber washer for the inboard mounts help prevent transmit the vibrations to the lamps.

Yes, the swap isn't plug and play. I have a friend who gave me a set of 6-pin sockets from the yards and the diagram to swap them over was simple enough. I've also went ahead and wired the city light function and disabled the park light on the signal lenses, as they should be. I miss the distinguished park lights but I'm loving the city light effect around dusk before turning on the main lights.

I got the lenses for $49 each. The other one is due to arrive on Monday, but I already have the right side lens. It's perfect, and the packaging was really good.

Also, for those being picky, there's a plastic "cover" behind the front bumper, just below the radiator grille. This gets faded over time. I used Meguiar's Exterior Trim Detailer (the spray can type) as suggested by a member here on the detailing section (for their application), and it is now much darker and much newer looking. Just don't forget to wipe off the excess. It won't ruin anything else, but have it done in a well ventilated spot. The smell gets a bit overwhelming.

Waiting on the Euro headlight seals, so when I swap the old lenses for the new ones, the new seals go in, and cover the darkened plastic inside as well as the cleaned reflectors. I'll document the swap for future reference.

Mark DiSilvestro · #48 08-16-2008, 11:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MBeige

I have yet to look for lens protectors, but I'm sure they can be bought and cut to fit.

As for the shaking damaging the headlights, if you get Euro lights, a pair of mounting kits is critical. I just got my set installed last night, they come with two rubber washers for the inboard mounting points. The outboard mounting points are allen-wrench types so I didn't bother, and just used a matching set of screws and a washer each. The rubber washer for the inboard mounts help prevent transmit the vibrations to the lamps.

Yes, the swap isn't plug and play. I have a friend who gave me a set of 6-pin sockets from the yards and the diagram to swap them over was simple enough. I've also went ahead and wired the city light function and disabled the park light on the signal lenses, as they should be. I miss the distinguished park lights but I'm loving the city light effect around dusk before turning on the main lights.

I got the lenses for $49 each. The other one is due to arrive on Monday, but I already have the right side lens. It's perfect, and the packaging was really good.

Also, for those being picky, there's a plastic "cover" behind the front bumper, just below the radiator grille. This gets faded over time. I used Meguiar's Exterior Trim Detailer (the spray can type) as suggested by a member here on the detailing section (for their application), and it is now much darker and much newer looking. Just don't forget to wipe off the excess. It won't ruin anything else, but have it done in a well ventilated spot. The smell gets a bit overwhelming.

Waiting on the Euro headlight seals, so when I swap the old lenses for the new ones, the new seals go in, and cover the darkened plastic inside as well as the cleaned reflectors. I'll document the swap for future reference.

I had to figure out the difference in the wiring pins arrangement myself.
For my Euro to US adapters, I used a pair of round-socket Mercedes headlight connectors with shourt wires, left over from my Fintail headlight project, to which I fastened individual round-pin male terminals so I could move connectios around at the car-end harness in case of errors. If I decude to reinstall the Euros, I'll simply remove the adapters.
I believe there were remnants of some rubber grommets at the inboard ends of my Euros, though it shouldn't be too hard to find, or even fabricate some new ones.

Happy Motoring, Mark

MBeige · #49 08-17-2008, 06:54 PM

That's interesting. When I did the swap from US to Euro wiring, I just downloaded one of the diagrams that showed how to swap them over correctly.

The rubber washers aren't hard to replicate, but the screws that hold the inboard mounts in are, to my knowledge at least, a bit specialized. Any screw would work, maybe I was just being picky so I got the correct ones for them.

Can't wait for the new headlight gasket and left side lens to arrive!

gatorblue92 · #50 08-17-2008, 08:30 PM

honestly i like the before better but it does look much better after the grille paint

MBeige · #51 08-27-2008, 02:58 AM

Hmm, now I'm itching for your opinion

These:

Or these:

I have both sets and won't sell either, just want to know which one to start with...

Mark DiSilvestro · #52 08-27-2008, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MBeige

Hmm, now I'm itching for your opinion

These:

Or these:

I have both sets and won't sell either, just want to know which one to start with...

Overall, I still prefer the matching painted hubcaps on these cars.
I like the alloys on your car, though they obviously aren't 'factory'. I probably won't exchange the ones on my '84 TD but I never was that fond of the bundts. I find them to be overly fussy-looking, a pain to clean, and the painted surface resembles a plastic hubcap. (In fact I have a couple of 14" plastic hubcaps that look just like bundt wheels)
I do have an extra set of bundt rims that I may try on my '72 250C for an alternative look to the OE hubcaps. (Or maybe I'll try those bundt hubcaps first to see if I really like the look)
To me the bundts always seemed to look more at home on the 2-door bodies, than on the sedans or wagons.

Happy Motoring, Mark

MBeige · #53 08-27-2008, 11:36 AM

Would it change your mind of those were 15" Bundts?

JimmyL · #54 08-27-2008, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MBeige

Would it change your mind of those were 15" Bundts?

Totally!!!

ndz77-240D · #55 08-27-2008, 11:50 AM

I personally like the first wheel option. I saw those on StaggerLee's wagon at a recent gtg and was envious. I too have euros and have painted my grille black, and would love those wheels on my car. I'm running my painted hubcaps right now but have a set of bundts (sadly not 15"s) that I will swap on soon. But, if I had those first wheels, I'd put those on in a second.
I wasn't sure, are those wheels off a CLK?

79Mercy · #56 08-27-2008, 03:22 PM

You all know im all about keeping things original but I have to say those W208 wheels look SWEET!!!! Id put alittle more air in them though.

Lexxani · #57 08-27-2008, 03:36 PM

I agree with Mark, go for the painted to match stainless hubcaps. save the 15" bundts for a an early 126 or something, a perfect reason to get another MB.

Mark DiSilvestro · #58 09-10-2008, 12:42 PM

Well, since I had to de-Euro the headlights on my 300TD, I decided to paint my rough spare set of headlamp surrounds to a matching ivory body color. Tested 4 different spray-paints and the closest match was Wal-Mart's Color-Place brand in Almond. And of course I'm saving my good unpainted original surrounds.

Happy Motoring, Mark

SwampYankee · #59 09-10-2008, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark DiSilvestro

Well, since I had to de-Euro the headlights on my 300TD, I decided to paint my rough spare set of headlamp surrounds to a matching ivory body color. Tested 4 different spray-paints and the closest match was Wal-Mart's Color-Place brand in Almond. And of course I'm saving my good unpainted original surrounds.

Happy Motoring, Mark

Got any pics, Mark? Mine should really be replaced, they're all cracked and hazed. But replacement is a ways down on the priority list. The thought of painting them had crossed my mind.