I actually fixed a reflector in a previous w126 using that aluminum foil tape. Worked well and I couldn't tell the difference between the one I had fixed and the good one. If you can get a set for next to nothing, or have a set with bad reflectors it might be an option worth trying for you.

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2004 F150 4.6L -My Daily
2007 Volvo XC70 -Wife's Daily
1998 Ford F150 -Rear ended
1989 J-spec 420SEL -passed onto its new keeper
1982 BMW 733i -fixed and traded for the 420SEL
2003 Volvo V70 5 Speed -scrapped
1997 E290 Turbo Diesel Wagon -traded for above
1992 BMW 525i -traded in
1990 Silver 300TE -hated the M103
1985 Grey 380SE Diesel Conversion, 2.47 rear end, ABS -Sold, really should have kept this one
1979 Silver 300D "The Silver Slug" -Sold

I've done both Euros and the sealed beam upgrade kits. Unless you feel like messing around with the harness and rearranging pins in a new plug to fit the Euro lights and/or like the look, that's the only real difference between installing Euros and installing a well made upgrade kit.

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'81 MB 300SD, '82 MB 300D Turbo (sold/RIP), '04 Lincoln Town Car Ultimate

Sooner or later every car falls apart, ours does it later!
-German Narrator in a MB Promotion Film about the then brand new W123.

Is there a reputable source to buy a set of 126 euro lights from? Or are they all second-hand at this point?

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Current fleet:
1998 E300 turbodiesel
2008 E320 bluetec - leaky oil cooler seals replaced
2012 S350 bluetec
2015 GL350 bluetec

Sold:
1996 Passat TDI
1997 E300 diesel

There are probably repos available.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

I'd be interested in seeing someone's relay set up. I have several vehicles that could benefit and supplies are under the bench. That project hasn't made it to the top of the list but it's getting close.

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85SD 240K & stopped counting painted, putting bac together. 84SD 180,000. sold to a neighbor and member here but I forget his handle. The 84 is much improved from when I had it. 85TD beginning to repair to DD status. Lots of stuff to do.

I assume you mean Depo. Yes they are still available.

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2004 F150 4.6L -My Daily
2007 Volvo XC70 -Wife's Daily
1998 Ford F150 -Rear ended
1989 J-spec 420SEL -passed onto its new keeper
1982 BMW 733i -fixed and traded for the 420SEL
2003 Volvo V70 5 Speed -scrapped
1997 E290 Turbo Diesel Wagon -traded for above
1992 BMW 525i -traded in
1990 Silver 300TE -hated the M103
1985 Grey 380SE Diesel Conversion, 2.47 rear end, ABS -Sold, really should have kept this one
1979 Silver 300D "The Silver Slug" -Sold

I did put Depo's in the 300SD as all of the plastic up front was trashed and in the greater Seattle area, it's hard to find a place dark enough to even tell if you lights are out of adjustment, or for that matter, if they are on.

The light output and distribution is OK, nothing special. There are a couple of weak flares up high and off to the left that won't blind oncoming traffic but the bigger issue is that the cutoff isn't real flat like a Hella and the kick up on the right isn't well defined. Having said that, they are miles ahead of the standard sealed beams. And the all glass look is very nice. They seem to be well built and fit perfectly.

I started with Cibie and Hella's back in the day when they were illegal in the US so I do have a bit of experience with quality headlights.

Michael

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Usta haves '69 250/8, '76 280C, 1971 250C 114.023, 1976 450SEL 116.033
Current have, 1983 300SD 126.120

The vacuum light switch fits in the same space as the old non vacuum switch. The vacuum tube routing appears a bit more complicated than how you describe it. See diagram.

Attached Thumbnails

 

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'83 SD, 2x '85 SD
You are entitled to your own opinions, you are not entitled to your own facts.

It fits in the same place but you need the switch bezel and I seem to remember it was a pain to change. The fader spot was easier for me.

The diagram is less complicated than it looks. Pretty sure 17 is just the check valve, if memory serves there is already one in the car you can Tee off of. The two 35's are just the headlights, and the reservoir is already in the car.

It really is just vacuum to the switch, then the output of the switch to a tee that splits to the two headlamps.

__________________
2004 F150 4.6L -My Daily
2007 Volvo XC70 -Wife's Daily
1998 Ford F150 -Rear ended
1989 J-spec 420SEL -passed onto its new keeper
1982 BMW 733i -fixed and traded for the 420SEL
2003 Volvo V70 5 Speed -scrapped
1997 E290 Turbo Diesel Wagon -traded for above
1992 BMW 525i -traded in
1990 Silver 300TE -hated the M103
1985 Grey 380SE Diesel Conversion, 2.47 rear end, ABS -Sold, really should have kept this one
1979 Silver 300D "The Silver Slug" -Sold