Xenon Headlamp Wiper/Washers

[MB-Dude]

My '96 SL600 has factory Xenon headlamps and am investigating the possibility of installing headlight wiper/washers. The car was manufactured without them.

Question: Is there a technical reason why Xenon headlamps do not seem to have headlamp wipers and washers?

Question #2: If there is no technical disadvantage, has anyone attempted this project?

Arguably, headlamp wipers and washers are not really necessary. Guess I just find them cool looking and am curious. I have no 'need' other than to start another MB project. Thanks in advance.

[MrMajstyk]

I'm no expert...but I think I read somewhere that the xenon headlights have plastic lenses...but the standard lights are encased in glass. So...using the wipers on the plastic lenses could scratch and discolor the plastic pretty easily, and that's why the xenons dont have the wipers.
Personally, I don't care for the little headlight wipers on my car and may remove them at some point.
But to "add" them to a car that doesnt have them...hmmmm..you'd have to get a different reservior and pumps that would feed them, get and mount the motors that make them work...drill holes in the front under the headlights, get the whole assembly working right, which even on cars that have them from the factory seems to be an issue. And then, after all that, you'd still have the plastic lens issue to deal with even if you got them working. Sounds like too much effort for too little benefit...in my opinion.
Maybe someone will correct me if I'm wrong.
Either way...good luck.

[MB-Dude]

Thanks MrMajstyk for the reply. Interesting thought about the lens material, however mine are glass. No yellowing, with road rock 'pits' and they 'ting' when tapped with a screwdriver.

Yes, the headlamp wipers are sort of dumb - I'll admit it. But like old, campy movies they have an appeal. Call it eccentricity if you wish. At this point, I'm only looking at feasibility. If the chassis is not prepped for headlamp wipers, you are absolutely correct - the project is way over the top.

But if the chassis can readily accept headlamp wipers and the chassis harness has connectors, then it’s just a simple matter of procuring parts and hooking it up.