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  #1  
Old 11-22-2000, 01:17 AM
chupr98's Avatar
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Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Vancouver BC
Posts: 134
Hi, I recently smashed up my 86 300E and will need new headlights. I read many article about using 500E headlights or eurolights. I have a few question, are they direct bolt on? What model year to use?

Thanks

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Old 11-22-2000, 01:56 AM
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JCE JCE is offline
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Join Date: May 1999
Location: So Kalifornia
Posts: 2,189
Hi:

Go with the Euro lights for your model series - 86 to 90 should work fine. They mechanically are a direct bolt in, BUT, the electrical connecter is different, and the headlight wipers are different. The electrical connectors are not a big problem, just means buying a connector shell and re-arranging the pins. If you are going to run non-stock wattage bulbs (I didn't), you will have to add new wiring and relays. The headlight wipers are a BIG problem - the mounting bracket is in a different place on the Euros. You will either have to make an adapter, or buy the proper motors and wipers ($$$$), or leave off the wipers (I left mine off). Check the search function on Euro lights. A lot of comments have been made on where to buy, how to wire, bulb and relay articles and links. Regards,

------------------
JCE
87 300E, 65k miles
Smoke Silver

[This message has been edited by JCE (edited 11-22-2000).]
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  #3  
Old 11-22-2000, 02:36 PM
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Location: buckhorn, ontario, Canada
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Check under 'Headlight Wipers' and 'barrie' for a post dated 02-08-2000. Adapting your old wipers to the Euro lights is really very easy, and literally no cost. This post describes the procedure.
For the procedure, pin conversions and part no. related to the electrical connector for Euro lights, search 'Procedure to convert connectors for Euro headlights', barrie 08-15-2000.

Good luck, it's an easy job and a very worthwhile conversion.

Barrie
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  #4  
Old 11-22-2000, 08:54 PM
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Location: Vancouver BC
Posts: 134
Hi JCE & Barrie, thanks for the reply, I read many postings about wipers conversion but I must admit making my own adapter is properly too much for me. How about using 93-95 headlight wiper motor or do they have original wiper motor for 'european headlight'?
Also do you know who sell 'european headlights' and how much do they cost?

Thanks again

[This message has been edited by chupr98 (edited 11-23-2000).]
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  #5  
Old 11-24-2000, 02:37 AM
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Hi Barrie and JCE, do you know if the factory US & Canada 93-96 E320 uses european headlights or a inferior US version?
My insurance company is allowing me a new hood as well, I am thinking about changing to 93-96 look, what do you think?

Thanks
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  #6  
Old 11-24-2000, 11:33 AM
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JCE JCE is offline
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Location: So Kalifornia
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Hi cupr98:

The 500E headlights differed from the other w124 bodies in that the fog light became a driving light, with a different clear lens and re-positioning of the bulb in the reflector. I am not sure, but I believe the later headlights 93-95 headlights were a different, Euro type headlight, but not Euro beam pattern specification. Maybe someone else can comment.
You can tell the difference between US spec and Euro lights by looking at the lens and bulb. The Euro is 1 smooth section of glass from the grill to the turn indicators. The US light is a roughly 7"x5" glass faced head light "floating" in and framed by a cheap looking plastic frame and fog light lens assembly! The early US lights had a 9004 plastic base bulb, the Euros use a metal base H4 bulb.
The hood/grill/lights on the newer w124 looks pretty clean, but I personally like the traditional look of the older hood and grill. Painting the plastic grill insert a matte black makes it look more clean and modern, yet retains the traditional "this-is-a-radiator-not-just-a-grill" look of the older MBs.
If you want to modernize the car by using the newer hood, don't forgrt to monochrome the bumpers and side trim strip, otherwise it will look like an older car with a newer hood . Good luck!

------------------
JCE
87 300E, 65k miles
Smoke Silver

[This message has been edited by JCE (edited 11-24-2000).]
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  #7  
Old 11-24-2000, 11:39 AM
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Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Hurricane, West Virginia
Posts: 878
churpa98,
i recently did the euro conversion on my w124 '92.i am thrilled! i am delighted! it was some of the best money i have ever spent on any car,ever.
the are numerous places they can be obtained. if you e-mail me i know i can be of some help & info.
the lighting output with standard bulbs is very sufficient,your foglights can ad greatly.the euro fogs are clear not yellow.
if & when you get them make sure you have your "city lights" hooked up too?
i chose to temporarily lose the wipers.in my research,i found for about $200 i can once again have the them.
you might consider clear turn signal covers.i don't mean the ones on the later w124s.these do not have the amber strip in them.
good luck.
regards,

------------------
mckeige@netscape.net


*1992 300e
*euro lights
*clear turns
*white/grey blue guts

*98 Explorer
*goodrich all terrains
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  #8  
Old 11-26-2000, 08:50 PM
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Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Orlando, FL, USA
Posts: 149
I did the conversion on my 90' 300CE about a year ago, I have been very pleased. Incredible difference from the US lights. I also installed the clear turn signal lens. Found that if you get the wiper motors and arms from a 95 E320 they worked perfectly with the Euro headlight kit. Mostly just plug and play the wires and installation is the same as the original wiper motors. Looks great as well as functional. Interested in a Zenon kit but have found them to be a little expensive, and not sure if they work with the Euro lights or if they replace them.

Great Site. Been an onlooker for a while now, thought I would put in my 2cents.

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