Xenon Headlight issues

[buckstersdad]

I just recently acquired a 98 E300D. Got it cheap with lots of issues. Current situation that I noticed is when I was polishing out the headlight lenses there is condensation on the inside of the driver's side low beam lamp. The lenses polished out fine and I am pleased that is has the factory xenon's, but can't afford a factory replacement.

So, here are my thoughts and questions. There are a lot of aftermarket replacements but most are halogen projector lenses, I would like to keep my xenon's. Will the factory xenon lamp assemblys fit in standard lenses?

I have read on this forum that I could probably remove the lens from the lamp assembly and remove the condensation, but I suspect the reflector is tarnished or at least not as shiny as new. I'm baseing this by comparison with the passenger's side. I understand that the chance of me polishing out the reflector is nil and the coating will rub off?

Should I just scrap both sides and buy replacement lamps? Bear in mind I can't come close to the price of factory replacements, but could probably work with factory halogen's from a salvage yard.

Seems that the simplest solution would be a good used driver's side assembly and insert my xenon lamp hardwarem if it will fit.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.