Depo Headlights - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Adriel · #1 10-12-2014, 09:25 PM

Has anyone had issues with the Depo headlights getting condensation? Its not like I live in a high humidity area.

Further, lost high beam on both, and need them since I can't have a horn. Turns out both plugs on the headlight itself are now so loose that the plug just falls enough that the high beams quit, but thankfully have low beams. Any ideas?

Thank you so very much in advance!

mach4 · #2 10-12-2014, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adriel

...lost high beam on both, and need them since I can't have a horn.

I can't help you with Depot headlights, but wondering why you "can't have a horn"? I always thought horns were required equipment.

Mxfrank · #3 10-12-2014, 10:08 PM

I've had Depo headlights on my 190DT for the last two years. No problems, and the weather in NY is always wretched.

leathermang · #4 10-12-2014, 10:15 PM

Loose connections mean too much current draw and will burn out stuff like lights... and it makes sense that the high beams went first....
Having a horn is not really a substitute for high beams...LOL... I am sure that is not what you meant... but it sounded funny...

Zacharias · #5 10-12-2014, 10:21 PM

Have had Depos on my 300d for going on three years.

Had condensation once on one, after driving through near-hurricane downpour and high winds. I popped the back cover off on a sunny day and it cleared up.

The hardware and connectors are poor quality on mine. I had to re-crimp the connections and the speednuts that came with the lights were junk.

You mean the actual connector into the H4 bulb is loose? Then expand the prongs on the bulb a bit and it should stay in place. If not then those plugs can be had separately from general auto parts sources.

Bear in mind we are talking about a knockoff product that sells in the $200 range for the pair. The original Bosch list for $480 per side.

Adriel · #6 10-12-2014, 10:29 PM

Wow!

Can't believe I got so many replies! Thank y'all so very much!

On the condensation, one headlight. Will try the sunny day trick when out (she lives in the garage). Though how about a thin bead of gasket maker over the existing seal?

The connector from the main harness doesn't sit right because of the molding in the plastic. I still have high beam filaments, and come on if the connector is in the right spot.

I use high beams instead of a horn. Is that bad?

I have had three shops and put in many hours myself trying to resolve what emissions connection or device is shorting to ground. Still haven't found it, so very open to further ideas or actual help.

leathermang · #7 10-12-2014, 10:44 PM

Why can't you have a horn also ?

Adriel · #8 10-12-2014, 11:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leathermang

Why can't you have a horn also ?

I don't understand. I put a fuse into 14 and soon as you turn the ignition key, BAM! Fuse blows because direct short to ground. Since can't be fixed, use my high beams to make drivers are of my presence.

leathermang · #9 10-12-2014, 11:27 PM

UH.... I assume you are being funny about ' can't be fixed'......
and what about in the daytime when turkey vultures are sitting on road kill.... you need a horn to scare them off the road...

Adriel · #10 10-12-2014, 11:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leathermang

UH.... I assume you are being funny about ' can't be fixed'......
and what about in the daytime when turkey vultures are sitting on road kill.... you need a horn to scare them off the road...

I am serious. I can't count how many hours spent trying to fix it.

Please don't get me wrong, I would love to have a horn! I was planning this break to get a set of Fanfare Alpine horns and installed. They apparently go in the blank position, so that was the plan so as could have horns. However, just not enough time.

leathermang · #11 10-12-2014, 11:44 PM

If you have a short.... not having a horn is not your only problem.... a short can develop into a FIRE.....

mannys9130 · #12 10-12-2014, 11:46 PM

If I remember correctly, this short has caused some trouble for many months Adriel. Electrical issues are irritating sometimes. You'll find it, keep your chin up.

I have Depo Euro headlights on my 190D. They're great. I have no complaints. I also installed them on my 93 190E as well and again had no complaints back then either. They look fantastic compared to the FUGLY NAM lights, and they work 10x better at illuminating the road ahead. The beam pattern and design are far superior to the NAM buckets of the W201, even the facelifted version. I haven't had any connection issues or build quality issues. Maybe the quality varies from chassis applications...

Adriel · #13 10-13-2014, 12:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leathermang

If you have a short.... not having a horn is not your only problem.... a short can develop into a FIRE.....

Thus why the fuse blew to protect, right?

Do you want to help?

Quote:

Originally Posted by mannys9130

If I remember correctly, this short has caused some trouble for many months Adriel. Electrical issues are irritating sometimes. You'll find it, keep your chin up.

I have Depo Euro headlights on my 190D. They're great. I have no complaints. I also installed them on my 93 190E as well and again had no complaints back then either. They look fantastic compared to the FUGLY NAM lights, and they work 10x better at illuminating the road ahead. The beam pattern and design are far superior to the NAM buckets of the W201, even the facelifted version. I haven't had any connection issues or build quality issues. Maybe the quality varies from chassis applications...

Manny, thanks for clarifying!

Yes, been at least that, if not a year or more! Guess you are right and will see about getting to it tomorrow.

Looks like the W201 units are of better quality. Depo works for a daily driver, but not for me, as want high beams. I am not the only one having issues with them.

leathermang · #14 10-13-2014, 12:20 AM

Electricity is the bane of my existence .... I think funola is an electrical engineer...and there are some others...
I do not know that you can count on the problem being sequestered safely forever by the fuse blowing... just safer to keep on it till you find and fix it....