Hi,
I ahve a 1990 300e. I wanted to upgrade the bulbs in the headlights to the super white ones. I was wondering if anyone knew the sizes of the headlight bulbs and the corner lights (turn signals) and how many watts should i look for when purchasing the bulbs. Any suggestions are welcome.
THANKS

Paul

Upgrading the light bulbs will not help you see better. The reflector that is in the US model headlights is inferior in comparison to the European headlights. My suggestion is to buy the european headlights, this way your car will not be mistaken for a hot-rod Honda.

I am with CJ. If you really want some improvement in light output, Euro Headlights is the ONLY way to go. But if you still insist on change the headlight bulbs, they are 9004.

Andy Kuo

I put a pair of Sylvania 9004XV bulbs in my US 124 lights. The improvement was probably only measurable with sensitive equipment. The reflectors in these lights are so bad, they should be illegal.

I hope to get some used Euros while in Stuttgart in April.

Have a great day,

Paul:
Lots of discussion on this in the archives, and lots of references for bulbs and headlight suppliers. Basically, according to some of the sites and magazines that have performed tests, the blue super white bulbs are no more powerful than stock, are focused to be slightly brighter in the center, are more dim in the periphery, suffer decreased visibility in the rain, and run somewhat more hot in the reflector. Overwattage bulbs have a chance of damaging your wiring - you should install relays and heavier guage wire. Stock wattage bulbs are available worldwide in "premium" versions that focus more low beam light on the road, but are still hindered by the miserable US lens/reflector.

Bottom line: If you want more light on the road, the only way is with Euro lights. Once you correct the deficient lighting, then worry about what color bulbs, wiring, wattage, or whatever.

w 124 lights
 

hi pops,

i agree wholeheartedly with cj,akry,larry and jce!
the only way to improve is with euro's.
you then have many options on bulb color,output,aiming your beams,etc.
it can be pricey,but you'll love 'em!! it's fun to go out at night.
you have many options new or used, bosch or hella, some places accept your old u.s. lights as a trade in. please make sure you upgrade your wiring,then you can run any h4 bulb you want.

try a search on this subject...

let us know how it goes...

You could compromise and get higher wattage 9004 bulbs that are only 55/80 or 55/100watts. You won't need relays or heavier gauge wiring for that small of a upgrade. However, change the socket of the headlamp. It has a design flaw. It will melt if you use anything over 45/65watt bulb. The US version or aftermarket ones you buy at any auto stores have a open end not a receded end which, tend to melt. You'll notice a small difference but, e-code lights are the best alternative. The HID light kits will make you lose your high beam and you will still be using the original reflector on headlmap.

Euro Lights....
 

first of all, i want to thank all of those who replied.
As for my car, i have the headlights of a 1995 300e. I was wondering if these are considered the Euro headlights you all are talking about. Also, will this affect the lighting if i install the super white bulbs?
THANKS

Paul

Popps,
How do the 94-95 headlights look on your car? I have often thought about doing that to mine. Do you have a picture that you can post/e-mail me? How was the installation?

I had some 80/100 watt Xenon bulbs in my car for a little while. I thought they were brighter, but it turns out they really werent, the light color was just a bit whiter is all.

At first they seemed much brighter, but after taking into consideration the warnings about using higher powered bulbs, I switched back, and since then I have not noticed any difference in light output.

Alon

94/95 headlights on a 300E
 

I have 94 lights on my 300E (well, that's what I was told...). They look GREAT compared to the old ones. If someone will tell me how to post a picture here ;-), I'll post it!

pops
 

I have a 1987 W124 and it suffers from light pooy!
I don't have the Euro conversion but do have the 9004 100/80 watt bulbs and wattage is brighter even without the Euro Lenses.
I have instructions and parts required to increase the lights larger ampere load.
Quite a large number of W124 owners have made the mods and are pleased with the results.
If you are interested E-Mail at dlswnfrd@juno.com
Happy Trails Beep Beep from high wattage Houston!!!
Donald, El Cheapo

I am really interested in putting 94-95 lights on my 91 300D. If anyone has pictures or instructions please post them here or e-mail me and I will try to post them for you. My e-mail is asrosen1@excite.com

94/95 headlights
 

CJ,

I'll get some pix to you this afternoon.

The added heat of high wattage bulbs is not good for your headlights and wiring over the long term.

The euro lights I put on my 240D had high wattage bulbs in them when I installed them. They had a terrible burning smell and the heat had melted insulation on some of the wiring and corroded the adjusment threads.

Euro's with limited wattage bulbs are the thing to do if you are interested in them living for a few years.

My $0.02,