Threads on other MB chat lists state that when ordering Euro headlights, specify Euro headlights for a 500E if you want an auxiliary driving light in place of the fog lights. Can anyone verify this, and will these work on my 300E. Also, for cars with headlight wipers, I understand that the existing wipers/motors must be replaced or discarded when Euro lights are used. Any experience with just leaving them in place, or do they obscure the beam? Thanks for any input.

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JCE
87 300E 58,000 miles
Smoke Silver

The 500E light cluster may fit, but the wiring's considerably different. A few things you should know:
* The auxillary driving lights come on when you select high beam headlights; there's no separate switch. Further, they're somehow wired such that they are not tied into the sensor that detects a bulb outtage
* A 500E has elipsoid fog lights low in the chin spoiler that are activated when the light switch is pulled out, just like any W124
* A 500E aux light uses the same bulb as a regular W124 fog light; however, the lens is dramatically different in clarity and focus
* The 500E fog lights are H1 bulbs in 55W
* A 500E has a bigger alternator

Hope all this info helps....I thought about "upgrading" my 300TE but decided against it due to the complexity of getting the switchgear to act correctly.

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Best regards, Michael
'92 500E
'88 300TE

Thanks for the info! Since I did the Sportline conversion, It is a lot easier to "outdrive" my inadequate stock head lamps. The option of overwattage bulbs doesn't seem terribly attractive (brighter light, but still poor pattern, and chance of wiring/fixture damage). Likewise, the suggestion for large guage wires running from the alternator to a relay for the lights would seem to increase light output, but not improve pattern. I am rapidly concluding that the only meaningful improvement is the Bosch Euro MB lights, or does anyone have any other ideas?

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JCE
87 300E 58,000 miles
Smoke Silver

I'd try the higher-wattage bulbs....sure, you'll likely melt/you WILL melt your '88 lightbulb sockets (I melted 2 sets, my bro-in-law who also has an '88 melted his as well), but a replacement socket can be soldered in for about $5 per headlight. I've upgraded the sockets in both of my cars (the '92 never melted but I didn't want to find out the hard way) and run 85/110 (or 80/100?) bulbs in both cars. I haven't attained perfection, but there's been a BIG improvement in my regular beam strength (however, the high beams on the 500 are like friggin' aircraft landing lights, AMAZINGLY bright) so if you really want light then that's the way to go).

Just for your consideration...

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Best regards, Michael
'92 500E
'88 300TE

As far as I know, there are no firms that import the 500E specific euro lens. I just went through this with updating my '92 to a '94 look and had to go with the original '94 lights instead. I tried to use the std euro lights and just change the reflector and outer lens, but these are no longer avail from Mercedes. The fog reflector is different from the aux reflector in that is positions the bulb higher up in the parabolic curve, thus creating a top cut off for the light pattern. The aux reflector positions the bulb at the apex to better distribute the light. Also the outer lens on the 500 is clearer than that of the std W124 to allow less diffusivity of the light.

As far as headlight wipers go, when updating to the euro lenses, you need to update the wipers/motors to '94-'95 parts. The mounting locations are different. The lower trim cover also has to be changed.

Peter Smith
'92 500E