Procedure to convert connectors for Euro headlights

[barrie]

Decided to post this as a separate item since it answers questions related to many threads and queries on this subject over the years (hope that's OK, otherwise my apologies).

The pin conversion for replacing USA version headlights with Bosch Euro version is as follows. Since the wiring color code may not be identical on all models I'll provide both the color code and the old 4-pin number code. The color codes are for a W124 which you can confidently use for that model. If you have a different model, I recommend recording the wire colors and corresponding pin numbers before removing the female pins from the socket. If the color codes don't match with the instructions below, then use the pin numbers rather than wire color when transferring pins to the 6-pin socket.

So here's the procedure: 1) remove back cover from old 4-pin connector and note the wire colors and pin numbers, 2) if you need it, MB part # for the 6-pin connector is 0065458028, 3) insert the old pins into the new 6-pin connector as follows:

- old pin 2 (brown) goes into new pin socket 2
- old pin 4 (white) goes into new pin socket 4
- old pin3 (yellow) goes into new pin socket 5
- old pin 1 (green) goes into new pin socket 6

3) replace back cover, plug it in, and enjoy much better lighting!

Barrie

[bhatt]

Barrie,

Thanks for your post.. it answers the exact question I had.

One question though: You posted only one part number for the "new" 6-pin type connector. I understood there were three parts to that assembly (a connector, back cover and some kind of "pin socket").

Did you get by with using just that one part? Is that part number basically an entire connector (the whole unit at the end of the wire) that replaces the existing one?

Thanks
Neal


------------------
-
Neal Bhatt - bhatt@ic.net
'83 300SD 193k

[barrie]

Neal,

You only need two pieces - the plastic 6-pin female socket housing and its back cover. You will transfer the original wires with the female pins attached from the old socket to the new.

I can't say for sure whether the back cover is included in that part number. The cover itself does have a number stamp (23721). Maybe PartsShop can answer your question, or simply specify that you need the back cover when you order the socket.

Good luck,
Barrie

[tomkanis]

Hi Barrie!

Does the US harness have any connections for the "city light"? In my W126, this is a small (5w?) bulb below the main H4. I'd like to use this for DRL's if possible.

Tom Kanis
87 300SDL

[barrie]

Tom,

No, I don't think you'll find a wire in the US harness for that 3rd bulb. You could however, run a 6-inch wire from pin 3 of the main light connector to pin 4 of the corner parking lamp connector. (Assuming same arrangement as on a W124.) This would give you 'city lights' when your parking lights are on.

I use the fog lamps as my DRLs.

Barrie

[chupr98]

Hi, got a pair of euro lights today and I have 2 questions, what kind of lamp to use for the 3rd socket? (socket size and power?)
what is that strange part inside the assembly for? (2 1/2 inch inside the cover)

Thanks

[Tobias MB]

The bulb used is a 4Watt with a normal base. The socket may be removed by sliding the brass base straight back and taken to a AutoZone, PepBoys or NAPA etc. to find the correct replacement.

The 2 1/2" pod you see is probably the vacuum chamber which controls the light height which in Europe is adjustable from the dash. Using this enables you to load your trunk or backseat with weight and adjust your lights accordingly so as to not blind oncoming drivers. Thanks to DOT regulations here we are not 'allowed' to have such a device!! Big Brother is watching you!!

Happy Holidays to All...
Tobias MB
4 MBs

[chupr98]

The part in question has a part number 000 800 51 75 and 03 07 650 002, is that the vacumm leveling device? and how does it work?

Thanks

[JCE]

There is an article in the STAR magazine describing the installation and use of the light leveler. Basically, a vacuum line runs from the black pod in the headlights to a new headlight switch plate that has an additional rotary switch (similiar to the radio fader rotary switch), then to a "T" connection you create in your dash vacuum lines. The new rotary switch controls the up and down aiming of the lights.

[d2bernhard]

One more part number here.
003 545 26 26
These are the tiny plug sockets inside the headlamp plugs. I needed new ones to get power to the city lights. From the side marker plug, I cut the one off the parking light, resoldered a new one with an 18" piece of 18 gauge wire. That wire fed around to the headlamp plug. 18” is enough to follow down from the side lamp and back up the wire bundle to the headlamp. I wrapped it around the outside. On the headlamp, it goes to the only remaining post -- the 3rd socket -- to power the City light, with a new socket soldered on as well. Thank God my wife was interested in this project and was willing to hold the wires out at the car, in 40 degree weather, while I soldered!

Thanks again everyone for the help!!

[limeyb]

the part number 003 545 26 26, is that a MB # ?
My lights came with a holder but will not take a T4W. It requires a thin little bulb with no brass base, no base at all. There is almost light at the end of the tunnel

[Rafi]

limeyb - the lights look great. If it was me I would get frosted silver signal lights that are yellow or amber when they are light and are silver when off then your signal lights would look even better. The frosted lights I saw on ebay they maybe available from other sources. One of these days I may convert.

92 400E

[limeyb]

I agree 100% . The yellow bulb gives it a scrambled egg look.The lights have made a tremendous difference to both the appearance and night driving. Not toooooooo difficult to do. I have JUST hooked up daytime running lights too. Lots of help on the forum in particular Steven Nervig at
[url]http://www.mbcoupes.com (look under 300 coupes)

[limeyb]

My city light bulb holders require wedge bulbs. (DEPO) I had a Range Rover Overfinch and kept the spare bulb kit. I am using a 5W wedge bulb from that kit. Is it worth while changing the holder over to a bayonet type and using a T4W but getting there.

[team adidas]

The part number for the back cover for the 6-pin female socket housing is 009 545 30 28