headlight help - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

1911diesel · #1 04-19-2013, 10:08 PM

ok i have searched for the diy for headlight change on a w126, 300sd a combo of the two and have came up with nothing. i see the diy for w123 but w126 has different headlights. and i could spend 4 hours trying not to break anything while pulling it apart, but im impatient and would start breaking things like the PO did and thats proly why its in the poor shape its in.(head light has been out since we bought it.) and so is the one on the new w126 we bought. and i would rather look like a tool who is to lazy to search long enough to find his answer then "that guy" who breaks what he doesnt understand. oh 82 or 85 300sd. if i wasnt clear on what car i was trying to change the headlight in. thanks guys. a link to the diy or maybe some clear instructions would be much appreciated.

Partscarver · #2 04-20-2013, 12:52 AM

if your just changing bulbs the use a small phillips screw driver
and remove the chrome surround around the rectangular bulb
don't drop the screws, they are small, pull out and replace bulb

1911diesel · #3 04-20-2013, 01:19 AM

ok, back side or front side?

compu_85 · #4 04-20-2013, 10:25 AM

First you remove the plastic "door" by removing the nuts on the back of the fixture. Then you can remove the chrome retaining ring and exchange the sealed beam.

-J

Partscarver · #5 04-20-2013, 10:50 AM

well that would have made it easier

coolram62 · #6 04-20-2013, 02:34 PM

I did this yesterday and realize the W126 headlight setup looks well weird. This applys to the 4x6 sealed beam headlight setup on my '83 300SD. I would do one side at a time so you have a reference.
1) There are 4 large white thumb wheel bolts on the back side of the housings. Don't turn the black square bolts as they adjust the headlight and fog light beam pattern. The bolts are plastic threaded onto metal studs and they can be very stubborn to remove. The one on the side is for the side marker light. Remove that and slide the marker light housing forward. It also has two tabs that slide into slots in the headlight door. With that removed it also makes it a little easier to access the other bolts.
2) With all the bolts are off you will probably have to gently pry the headlight door - I tapped on the retaining studs enough to loosen so it would slide out. Remeber this is 30 year old plastic and not to friendly at times. The stud arm next to the fog light is flexible.
3) With the headlight door is out it uses a standard retaining ring held in place with four (philips head original). As stated they are small - might want to place a towel under the car just in case. The lamp itself will come out. There is a three prong plug on the back. Again 30 year old plastic so be gentle in prying it off (most light housings have a center stud that helps prying it off). You might want to use dilectric grease on the connector.
I would test them before completly reassembling. I hope this helps.

1911diesel · #7 04-21-2013, 09:40 AM

thanks! yes it does! your awesome!

compu_85 · #8 04-21-2013, 11:30 AM

Of course I've said it before and I'll say it again, the best solution is to take the DOT fixture, deposit it in the trash can, and install an OE Bosch euro fixture

THe output from the euro fixtures is really quite good, well worth the $$$ if you do a lot of night driving.

-J

Stevo · #9 04-21-2013, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by compu_85

Of course I've said it before and I'll say it again, the best solution is to take the DOT fixture, deposit it in the trash can, and install an OE Bosch euro fixture

THe output from the euro fixtures is really quite good, well worth the $$$ if you do a lot of night driving.

-J

X2, ...Makes a world of difference when driving at night.

coolram62 · #10 04-21-2013, 02:43 PM

1911 you are most welcome. I've only owned my '83 since Febuary and have learned a lot on here. One thing I should have added is I upgraded to Sylvania Silverstars lamps. It's the best thing IMHO that can be done short of what Stevo and compu_85 suggested. I would light to do that sometime in the future for lighting and appearance improvement.

coolram62 · #11 04-21-2013, 02:46 PM

1911 you are most welcome. I've only owned my '83 since Febuary so still learning. One thing I should have added as a suggestion is using Sylvania Silverstar lamps. They are the best upgraded for forward lighting short of what Stevo and compu_85 suggested.

1911diesel · #12 04-21-2013, 09:28 PM

OE botch euro fixture,(scratches chin, rolls cigarette to other corner.) how do i go about acquiring these? i need two sets. lol i have just about learned my lesson with ebay...

RavenTBK · #13 04-24-2013, 12:58 PM

Euro (composite) lamps are for the birds. I have had less than zero positive interactions with any composite lamp I've had to deal with.

My solution was to get ECE sealed beams to replace the DOT sealed beams. Similar light pattern as the Euro deals, but much cheaper, and leaves the classic look up front.

I used Autopal branded lamp housings, and Osram bulbs. Works wonders. Got my goods from Rimi Inc on eBay years ago. Getting prepared to do it again to my (new) 85 300D. He's got a "storefront" at rimiusa.com.

Then again, you could go LED.

Truck-Lite 27450C 5'' x 7'' Rectangular LED Headlamp, Complex Reflector Optics : Amazon.com : Automotive
These suckers are sweet. Most of the garbage trucks around here have switched to them... am curious to how long they will last under that much abuse. I know the gubbimint is running them on the HMMVs so they're either a godsend, or they're simply priced like the old $1500 toilet seats and $800 hammers the gubbimint is known for.

compu_85 · #14 04-24-2013, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RavenTBK

Euro (composite) lamps are for the birds. I have had less than zero positive interactions with any composite lamp I've had to deal with.

My solution was to get ECE sealed beams to replace the DOT sealed beams. Similar light pattern as the Euro deals, but much cheaper, and leaves the classic look up front.

And usually inferior quality, and a smaller reflector which is inherently worse. Cheaper, yes. But not better output.

-J

Stevo · #15 04-24-2013, 03:48 PM

I have a set of 7 inch Bosch, a set of 7 inch Hallis (sp?) and a set of rectangle euros in my three 123s and they all preform about the same, super good with "Phillips plus 50" bulbs. I would never go back to a sealed beam.