L.E.D. Headlights for a W123??

[Thirdem]

Does anybody know where I can get good LED headlights for a W123? I really want some nice LED headlights that will light up the road really well. I am not interested in some crappy thing that hardly would work as a flashlight. Anyway, if anybody knows where I can find LED headlights that are good and don't cost me $100,000,000,000,000, please let me know! Thanks a bunch!!

[Orv]

You didn't mention whether you have round sealed-beam lights or the later European-style lights. If you have the sealed beams, you might consider replacing them with E-code lights. Granted, they're not LEDs, but they'll have a better beam pattern.

My impression has been that LED headlights aren't quite there yet in terms of beam intensity, but my knowledge may be out of date.

[Thirdem]

Um, I am not sure, to be honest. Let me go look, it is parked right outside. Will it say on the light or not?

[Thirdem]

Okay, they are sealed beam Halogens. They say right on the bulb, sorry I didn't mention that earlier.

[Orv]

Originally Posted by Thirdem

Okay, they are sealed beam Halogens. They say right on the bulb, sorry I didn't mention that earlier.

In that case you could swap the entire lamp for a round E-code lamp. Have a look here:
Daniel Stern Lighting Consultancy and Supply

That site also has a good explanation on it of the advantages of an E-code pattern over the US DOT pattern. Basically it puts more light where you need it and less light where it can get into other drivers' eyes. I've never used them but some people who do a lot of night driving swear by them.

[Thirdem]

WHOA! The '83 300D is the same year, color, and colored foglight as mine!!!! What a coincidence! Anyway, I think those would be a good choice. Thanks!

[Orv]

If they're round and you swap out the entire reflector assembly to replace a burned out bulb, you have sealed beams.

This car is equipped with sealed beams:
http://www.oocities.org/sveinn.geo/gallery/w123_300D_Turbo.jpg

This car is equipped with European-style headlights, where you only replace the inner bulb:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3176/2980395721_5a1938fb98.jpg

Sealed beams were required in the US until some time in the mid-80s; I forget what the cutover year was.

[gatorblue92]

Do a search for posts by mbeige. He has some great write-ups both here and over at benzworld on upgrading the headlights.

[sixto]

These are the only 7" LEDs I've seen - 3/23/2009 - World's First 7" Round LED Headlamp I dont' know if they fit sealed beam buckets. I don't know how well they illuminate but you can do very well for half of what one of those cost.

Sixto
87 300D

[MBeige]

Are those LED 7" replacement units bought as a whole (like sealed beams) or are the "bulbs" replaceable?

You have to also consider other factors.

Since you're in Alaska you also need to consider an easy and convenient way of replacing those lights in case they break. LED lights are not going to be easily available in your local auto parts stores but the regular H4's will be.

Your best upgrade for the money would be Autopal, Hella, Bosch or Cibie 7" H4 E-code replacements instead of sealed beams. Your call whether to upgrade to overwattage bulbs - this board has a TON of info in the archives on which are the best bulbs to use in H4 configuration. Then, aim them properly so you get the light where you need it to be, and none where you don't.

Personally I'm running Bosch European headlights with Osram H4 Night Breaker plus bulbs in 55/60W setup with stock wiring and no relays added. I have more than enough light I need but over here most of the time the roads are clear, weather is nice and it hardly ever snows except on those very rare occasions. You might also want to consider adding some driving lights.

These are the standard Hella H4's (55/60W)


These are the Osram Night Breaker Plus H4's (also 55/60W)


My risk with the Osram Night Breaker is they'll have a shorter lifespan than standard H4's but the whiter light allows me to see better at night.

Ultimately, for the cost of getting those LEDs at $475 a pair:

TruckLite’s 7” LED Headlight - Trucklite Military LED Lamps

Versus getting H4 replacements ($180 a pair for most expensive Cibie's) + cost of H4 bulbs (say $20 for my Night Breakers or $50 for Sylvania Silverstars), plus the factor of having product support when you need it - you can see why the halogens are still at a great advantage over LEDs.

[Orv]

Originally Posted by MBeige

Since you're in Alaska you also need to consider an easy and convenient way of replacing those lights in case they break. LED lights are not going to be easily available in your local auto parts stores but the regular H4's will be.

Also, LED lamps may not produce enough heat to keep the headlights from freezing over during winter driving. Something to think about.

[psaboic]

Go to this link. BusDepot.com - VW Bus / Camper / Vanagon / EuroVan Specialists They have 7" Bosch lenses for $45 for the pair right now!! That is a smokin price. Put some 80W/130W bulbs with relays in and you will have all the light you need.....trust me!

[Renntag]

Rather than spend big money on technology that isnt fully developed, why not get the next best thing? I would recommend either a round lamp replacement with a good high wattage bulb, or a complete swap to Euro lamps. The electrical side of your upgrade will be key. You want plenty of current to the bulbs, so running a couple relays to toggle a higher amp connection will be necessary.

I have seen in many cases where an upgrade of nothing more than relays to control a higher amperage connection made a huge improvement in lamp performance.

If you are on a penny budget, there are cheap options on Ebay for lamp housings. You get what you pay for, but might be worth it for an experiment.

Let us know what you end up doing.

[compu_85]

You can get Cibie drop in lights for not a lot of money. I'd go with that route if I wasn't buying OEM fixtures

Cibie aardvark international

-J

[Simpler=Better]

What's your budget for an LED headlight? I'll whip something up for you