Euro headlights for 1987 300E

I'd like to replace my standard headlights with euroheadlights for my '87 300E.One supplier says that modifications have to be made to the headlight washer system when installing these headlights.A merchant said that he knows noone that was able to keep the headlight washers after the conversion.Some internet site mentioned the difficulty also.I really want to retain the headlight washers after the conversion.In fact, if I can't retain the washers, I wouldn't want to do the conversion.Could someone either give me a definitive answer to this question, and instructions on how to retain the washer system, if possible?Also, a merchant mentioned he could install xenon headlights.Wouldn't this just give me low beams only, since this isn't a dual headlight assembly?Could I retain both low and high beams if 2 headlights (one low beam xenon bulb and one standard halogen high beam bulb per side--if you could fit them there) were installed--wouldn't I have to give up the foglight in this case?

[300EVIL]

you can get the euro wiper kit from southern star inc.
its around 300.00 but is MB original. here is thier phone no. 864-288-7544
good luck!
adam

[barrie]

Adapting your old wipers/washers to the Euro lights is really very easy and effective, at literally no cost. I earlier posted the procedure on this site. Search under 'Headlight Wipers' and 'barrie' for a post dated 02-08-2000.

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.

If you're unable to find either of these posts, let me know and I will repost.

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

Barrie

[ebennz]

hi emr50,

i recently did the conversion on my '92 300e.

i love my euro lights SO MUCH and most importantly the GAIN in lighting was soooo superior to the crappy u.s. ones.IMHO

i miss the wipers but there is really no comparison.

i think there is an old post on options for using your old wiper motors,a bracket,and the longer euro/later w124 wipers to work w this conversion. you might do a "search" on this subject.

dipstick me sold the old units w the motors still attached.if you still have yours...

also i currently use the standard 55/60 watt h4 bulbs,they're great ! i ordered some 80/100 watts just to see. i should have them glowin' by wednesday.

let us know what you decide...

I understand that you will be able to fabricate a bracket for the wipers.

I love my 300E, but I believe the headlights are worse than the 6 Volt lights that were on my '48 Chevy.

This will be the best upgrade you could do to this car.

Good luck,

Barrie, could you please repost "Headlight Wipers"(2/8/2000)and "Procedure to convert connectors for euro headlights"(8/15/00)? Thanks.

[Pbalias]

Barrie...

I would love that info as well...let us know were to find it...a search is giving me NO results....



thanx.....Peter

[JCE]

The connector description is at:
Procedure to convert connectors for Euro headlights

The bracket adapter description is in the thread:
Headlight Wipers & Euro Headlights

Thanks barrie for the tips and shortcuts - I Love My Euros!

[barrie]

It appears that the earlier of the two posts has been eliminated from the search process. (I couldn't find it either, but JCE did. Is there a trick to it JCE?) In any event, I’ve attached below something that’s an improvement on the original. You can still get the later post through the search process (try barrie, with a small ‘b’).

---------------------------------------------------------
When I replaced the headlights on my ’86 300E with Euro versions, I also made a simple bracket to attach the old motor to the headlight assembly. This is necessary because the location and angle of the mounting hole on the Euro frame is not correct for the US motor.

The old wipers/washers work perfectly well with the Euro lights. One limitation of the US arrangement, is that they won’t fully clean the fog lamp section as do the Euro wiper arms/blades. Although I haven’t yet tried it, one could probably use the Euro arms/blades on the USA motors.

The ‘bracket’ is simply an L-shaped piece of aluminum plate that you attach to the underside of the light assembly to hold the motor shaft (same as your old version). The size and location for your mounting bracket will be evident when you align the motor on the light assembly. Line-up the motor for an appropriate sweep and mark the location. A piece of aluminum (approx .07”) with one bend is all that’s required to make the bracket. Attach it with a few metal screws. All of this can be done on your workbench.

If you optimize the wiper location for the best sweep area you’ll also need to drill a new hole in the fascia plate (plug the old one with a plastic grommet).

This job will take you a couple of leisurely hours (that’s with a beer in one hand).

If you need more, let me know.

Barrie

[DMITRY]

I am a liltle bit confused ...
Why can't we just buy new front panels (for the euro's or 94-95) . Tkae old motors, shorten the shuft on them by sowing it of. Buy new euro/94-95 whiper arms and put the hole thing together the way it supose to be on euro cars ?
I understand that they turn in oposite directions than euros but I think switching them side to side will solve that problem. New arms are $27, panels are $7 plus paint. Looks like an under $100 projekt wich will get you the original european look.

[barrie]

I've discussed these questions in other posts, but still a good idea to revisit them here.

Ø Yes, you can buy new fascia plates and paint them. But there's really no advantage - just extra cost. Drilling a hole in the old plate takes 1/10th the time and effort of painting a new one, and the grommet-cover is virtually invisible behind the wiper. Your call!

Ø The US and Euro wipers use a different 'rest' position (pointing-in vs pointing-out). You can do the same thing with the US motors by switching them to the opposite side (they are labeled Left and Right).

Ø Do NOT cut the shaft to shorten it. You'll get two nasty surprises: 1) the US motor will still not mount on the Euro lights, and 2) you'll no longer be able to attach a wiper arm to the shaft because the required threading has been removed. You'll either have to get a new motors, get the shafts replaced, or find some other fix.

Ø Shaft length is not the problem. The location and angle of the mount on the Euro frame is simply not correct for the US motor. To utilize the US motors you'll need new mounting brackets as per description in the earlier post. They are easy to make in less than 5 minutes. As I indicated earlier, the whole Euro light conversion including the wiper/washer stuff takes about 2 hours (probably LESS if you don't have to figure it out as you go). If you use the US wiper arms the parts cost is a small piece of scrap aluminum..

Ø Using the 1" longer Euro arms/blades would complete the Euro look. One proviso, I have not tested the longer wipers so I can't guarantee their compatibility with the shaft diameter of this motor. My guess is that they'll work fine.

Hope this helps,

Barrie