HAVE A 1985 300SD.
Right headlight assembly broken today. Someone ran into it.
New headlight assembly very expensive if available. About $400. Not very many used ones available.

Does the headlight assembly of a later W126 1986 and newer fit without modification? Newer ones are easier to find new or used.

Not planning to convert to Euro lights. Just want a simple drop in replacement at lower cost.
Thanks.

Pictures below of someone else's headlights. W126 old on the left and W126 new on the right.

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Yes they do interchange. I have a set from an 89 in my 82. No modifications necessary.

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-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

I have a US set of later ones in a box when I switched to Euro. I am guessing you are not near me, but if you were you could have them. They are not perfect though.

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1991 560 SEL / 185k miles
1992 750il / 17k miles - project car

In the event that these are still looking for a new home, I would like to reserve a place in line! Please know that I am in need, and willing to pay your estimate of a fair price, plus shipping! Bill

I would only do this if you can get the US lights cheaply. Beware of faded, chipped, and cracked plastic fog lamp lenses on the 86+ lights. I've seen replacement lenses for around $90 each. As others noted the wiring is identical between the Gen1 and Gen2 lights.

IMHO it is not worth putting money into new DOT lights. Save up and get Bosch ecodes. They are worth every penny.... excellent output even when compared to some new cars. The plug modification needed is very, very simple and takes about 2 minutes per side.

-J

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1991 350SDL. 230,000 miles (new motor @ 150,000). Blown head gasket

Tesla Model 3. 205,000 miles. Been to 48 states!
Past: A fleet of VW TDIs.... including a V10,a Dieselgate Passat, and 2 ECOdiesels.
2014 Cadillac ELR
2013 Fiat 500E.

I have a set of us spec 85 126 headlights that I will let go cheaply.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

I have a nice set of early W126 headlights from My SD I need to get rid of. Help me with shipping and I will send them to you. They are nice.

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1984 300SD Orient Red/ Palomino
1989 560SEC
2016 Mazda 6 6 speed manual
1995 Ford F-150 reg cab 4.9 5speed manual

I am interested. I am not without lights, just interested to get some frames in that do not have any broken mounting / adjusting hardware! I could also use a new harness (from light frame back to male / female plug set. Let me know your fair price and shipping (zipcode 14127). Some of the other stuff I am looking for, that you might consider, includes: antenna motor, front passenger seat switch, glove box cover with decent / good wood, sun roof felts, hat shelf, front arm rest....