Euro Headlight Conversion - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

dubadxx · #1 01-12-2013, 01:58 PM

I'm switching the headlights from my 83 Euro 240D to my 82 US 240D. As usual, it's not just plug n play! I've changed the 4 prong to the 6 prong plug by splicing into all the wires that matched up. There's one extra, a black and pink, on the passenger side harness of the 82.
I've plugged everything back up, and guess what? No fogs, hi-beams and the turn signall indicator is much faster, but works. side markers work. Any suggestions?
I thought it might be related to the light switch on the dash. I looked up in there on the 83 and can't figure out how to get it out. I'd like to use that switch anyway, as it allows you to use just the fogs, and it also has a back-up fog, as well as the ability to use the fogs with the hi-beams. Sure sounds like a mess i've gotten myself into.

Air&Road · #2 01-12-2013, 05:27 PM

I did this conversion many years ago with no problem, but of course I do not remember particular wires.

Use an ohmmeter on the light to see which wire in the connector is which and make a diagram or list. Then use a voltmeter on the source wires and turn switches until you have identified the function of each wire. Then take the cover off the connector and switch the locations so they match.

Hope this helps.

ROLLGUY · #3 01-12-2013, 05:32 PM

All I did was switch the position of the wires inside the plastic connector. No need to cut and splice.

MBeige · #4 01-13-2013, 01:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dubadxx

I'm switching the headlights from my 83 Euro 240D to my 82 US 240D. As usual, it's not just plug n play! I've changed the 4 prong to the 6 prong plug by splicing into all the wires that matched up. There's one extra, a black and pink, on the passenger side harness of the 82.
I've plugged everything back up, and guess what? No fogs, hi-beams and the turn signall indicator is much faster, but works. side markers work. Any suggestions?
I thought it might be related to the light switch on the dash. I looked up in there on the 83 and can't figure out how to get it out. I'd like to use that switch anyway, as it allows you to use just the fogs, and it also has a back-up fog, as well as the ability to use the fogs with the hi-beams. Sure sounds like a mess i've gotten myself into.

First, make sure you got the correct wires moved to the correct pin number on the 6-pin plug. Agree with previous response, no splicing involved. If you want to include the city lights, you can tap the park light from the turn signal assembly, and insert this to #3 pin, so that #3 pin on the 6-pin plug has power for the city lights. If not, the park lights turn on the usual way and the low beam units do not have the city lights activate. I prefer to have the city lights work.

Wiring diagram:

City lights:

I think the Euro switch is the same switch in the US models, but the wiring on the fuse box will be different. The Euros are wired so the fogs tap the park lights, so there is no need for the low beams to be on to have power to the fogs. The US, on the other hand, taps power from the low beams. This is also why when the US high beams are turned on, the fogs turn off, because they tap the low beam, which consequently turn off also. In the Euro models, you can have the high beams but also have the fogs, because the park lights, which the Euro fogs tap power from, do not switch off when high beams are selected.

Adriel · #5 01-13-2013, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MBeige

First, make sure you got the correct wires moved to the correct pin number on the 6-pin plug. Agree with previous response, no splicing involved. If you want to include the city lights, you can tap the park light from the turn signal assembly, and insert this to #3 pin, so that #3 pin on the 6-pin plug has power for the city lights. If not, the park lights turn on the usual way and the low beam units do not have the city lights activate. I prefer to have the city lights work.

Wiring diagram:

City lights:

I think the Euro switch is the same switch in the US models, but the wiring on the fuse box will be different. The Euros are wired so the fogs tap the park lights, so there is no need for the low beams to be on to have power to the fogs. The US, on the other hand, taps power from the low beams. This is also why when the US high beams are turned on, the fogs turn off, because they tap the low beam, which consequently turn off also. In the Euro models, you can have the high beams but also have the fogs, because the park lights, which the Euro fogs tap power from, do not switch off when high beams are selected.

I tried searching, but this is the only post that comes close.

Thank you for the information, especially on the fog lights. We do get dust storms and heaven forbid I am in one, it be nice just to have fogs alone, I would think?

What are city lights and how do they differ from low beam headlights? I can't imagine it is just taking power from the parking lights to the headlights, as you mentioned a 4 watt bulb, so where is it?

Thanks in advance!

Adriel · #6 01-13-2013, 10:44 PM

Now I understand how city lights are made operational, by actually taking a risk and looking at the plug. The city light pin is there, so guess that means the bulb is also present.

What I don't see is how one could swap the fog light power from low beam to the turn signal position. Only way to get to the back side of the fuse box is from under the dash. What makes it even more a challenge is the wires are screwed on!

Mercedes once again over engineers...

Guess better to leave what works alone!

tram · #7 01-13-2013, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adriel

Now I understand how city lights are made operational, by actually taking a risk and looking at the plug. The city light pin is there, so guess that means the bulb is also present.

What I don't see is how one could swap the fog light power from low beam to the turn signal position. Only way to get to the back side of the fuse box is from under the dash. What makes it even more a challenge is the wires are screwed on!

Mercedes once again over engineers...

Guess better to leave what works alone!

I can't remember if yours have the bulbs or not. I know for sure it has the sockets. Annette didn't want them operational, and it was her car, so....

MBeige · #8 01-14-2013, 01:28 AM

This is how you wire the front fogs to turn on with only the park lights:

Fog light wiring modification (US wiring to Euro wiring)

dubadxx · #9 01-14-2013, 01:50 AM

if I just switch out the light switch to the euro one, do i have to do anymore wiring? and how do I get that switch out? all my lights are working now, but not Euro style. has anyone bought the wiring kits offered on ebay?

MBeige · #10 01-14-2013, 01:56 AM

IIRC you remove the switch knob (pull back, hard!) then remove the 24mm nut holding the switch to the dashboard. I've never completely removed mine but I've had to remove the 24mm nut before to adjust the bezel. You'll need to access it from the back, with the underdash panel removed.

I'm not sure if a Euro switch will allow you to bypass the fuse box modification as mentioned in the thread.

Adriel · #11 01-14-2013, 10:49 AM

Thank you all for the help!

Quote:

Originally Posted by tram

I can't remember if yours have the bulbs or not. I know for sure it has the sockets. Annette didn't want them operational, and it was her car, so....

At this point I would just get the bulbs as if they are in there, nothing says they are still good.

I thought it had the sockets since it had the pins.

If it was yours, would you have hooked up the city lights? I was noticing how many folks around here have some sort of driving light on or headlights. Does make sense as a lot of nutty drivers and helps a bit with visibility.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MBeige

This is how you wire the front fogs to turn on with only the park lights:

Fog light wiring modification (US wiring to Euro wiring)

That was about what I was doing, but the fuse box wasn't coming out. I have a job interview, so was scared to made the auto non-operational!

Plus, didn't realize I would need new ring terminals. Now knowing how involved this is, rather knock out the Volvo and come back to this. It is something fun and the auto works as is. I might even add a circuit for the C.B. radio and add a rear fog light which I feel be an insurance policy of not needing it.

We do get some bad dust storms so think the more visible one is the less likely someone will rear end me (done with hit and runs). Oh, and would be on a dedicated switch like the Volvo so as it will not come on with the front fogs and blind drivers behind. I had that experience from another later Volvo...

Beastie · #12 01-14-2013, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROLLGUY

All I did was switch the position of the wires inside the plastic connector. No need to cut and splice.

When I get home I will forward you what you need. I got help when I installed mine as well.
So I will pay it forward.
Alan