Is there such a thing as vacuum adjusted euro headlights? I heard someone mention something about them and I was wondering a) if they existed? and b) what the difference is between the vacuum adjusted type and the "regular" type. Thanks

Alex

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1983 300D (parked for four years)
2012 VW Sportwagen TDI Manual
2001 Miata SE
1962 Chevrolet Corvair Rampside

On the "regular" type, you use knobs to adjust the height of the headlights. The vacuum adjustment (euro headlights only) allows you to control the headlight height from the cockpit. However, left and right aiming are still done with knobs. Neat feature, but I haven't had the time to run the vacuum lines, etc.

So then all eurolights are vacuum adjustable?

Alex

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1983 300D (parked for four years)
2012 VW Sportwagen TDI Manual
2001 Miata SE
1962 Chevrolet Corvair Rampside

Yes, both the old style (round look, similar to US models) and the much preferred new style (1 piece rectangular) can be adjusted via vacuum as long as you hook things up properly. There is a switch that goes on the dash, and I would imagine that it is just connected inline with the main vacuum supply. (yellow line from vacuum tank).

Not all euro lights had vacuum adjust.. I have a pair of euro lights in my 300D that did not come with the vacuum diaphram.

John

I installed Euro lights on my S-Class and they are vacuum units but they still have horizontal and vertical aiming screws.

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1995 S-350
370K + SOLD
1952 220B Cabriolet
39K kilometers + SOLD
1998 E300D
310K +
2012 E350 BlueTec
120K

Yes, those with vacuum diaphragms, still have vertical adjustment knobs. You should adjust them carefully with the knobs. There are only four positions available via the vacuum control.

Good luck,

Vacuum adjustment for headlights is meant to compensatefor varying loads and weights in the car (hence people & luggage). The added weight in the back causes the car to teiter-tauter and the back goes down a few cm and the frong goes up a few cm making the unadjusted lights shine higher than normal, making people think you have your high (main) beams on. The switch causes lights to reaim downward to compensate (at varying degrees, four: 0-3) for the different angle of transmittance. That is why the switch is on the dash, so you can easily adjust from an emply car (only driver, pos 0) to a full car when you pick up your friends at the airport (and their luggage, pos 2) easily without oppening the bonnet. Also has a setting (pos 3) for trailer use. I'm proud I have this feature on my Euro 85' 300D but would rather have a turbo. Can't win em all.

Dr. Adam T. L. Delecki

The idea of having a switch inside the passenger compartment that can control how high/low the headlights point sounds really intriguing to me. So, I'm going to go ahead and buy a pair of the euro headlights despite the price (yikes). Where could I find one of these switches that controls the vacuum to the lights? Also, how difficult will it be to connect all the vacuum lines properly? I assume there must be diagrams for the installation and souces to buy the switch from if all the european cars came with this nifty feature. Thanks!

Alex

__________________
1983 300D (parked for four years)
2012 VW Sportwagen TDI Manual
2001 Miata SE
1962 Chevrolet Corvair Rampside

And also, for clarification, how many types of euro headlights were made for these cars? (240D, 300D)

Alex

__________________
1983 300D (parked for four years)
2012 VW Sportwagen TDI Manual
2001 Miata SE
1962 Chevrolet Corvair Rampside

There's nothing to the stringing of the vacuum lines. I saw in a post somewhere within the last month or two that someone had the part number for the switch. If you get the part number, you can order it from the dealer.

A vaccum line goes to the switch, there are sources in the instrument panel area close enough to tee into. Then out of the switch there are two ways to go. I've seen both ways done on factory European cars. One way, you tee or y a the switch and run one line through the left firewall and down the left fender well to the light. The other line through the other firewall and along that fender well.

The other way is to run to the left light, tee it there and run across under the core support to the right light. Nothing to it.

The switch simply fits in one of the rectangular holes in the upper center of the dash.

I wouldn't take anything for my adjustable headlights. I drive 20 miles of winding, narrow, farm road that is infested with deer and escaped livestock, just to get to the highway. I raise the lights a little on that stretch because there is no traffic, then put them in normal position once I get on the highway.

Good luck,

Oh yeah. Also have adjustable lights on my 85' BMW 745i. The switch on that car is hidden though, in a pop out compartment under and to the left of the steering wheel (but illuminated). Neat to show friends; makes them jealous.
How nice.

Dr. D