Like many of us in this forum, I am considering changing to Euro lights in my car (Heck, what else can I possibly do with my half of the tax rebate check. I say half, because California being a community property state, my better half gets half of the rebate. )

Anyhow, I did a search (JCE, aren't you proud of me?) but alas, the information that I found relates to Euro conversions on W124 cars. So here are my questions:

1. Does the conversion to Euro headlights in a W126 sedan involve the same issues with the headlight wipers as the conversion in a W124 sedan? In other words, will I have to change my headlight wiper assembly in order to accommodate the Euro headlights?

2. If the answer to #1 above is yes, then what does the process involve? Do I have to get new wiper motors? New wiper blade arms? New wiring? New fascia?

3. Does anyone know of a "fix" to this issue (for W126 sedans) so that I, the original Mr. El Cheapo, may avoid having to spring for a new wiper assembly for each light? (I briefly considered doing without the wipers, but I sort of like having them.)

I'd like to hear from W126 owners who have actually swapped the U.S. issue headlights for the Euro ones.

Many thanks in advance.

EJ

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Current Benzes

1989 300TE "Alice"
1990 300CE "Sam Spade"
1991 300CE "Beowulf" RIP (06.1991 - 10.10.2007)
1998 E320 "Orson"
2002 C320 Wagon "Molly Fox"

Res non semper sunt quae esse videntur

My Gallery

Not in this weather!

You don't have to change the wipers but they won't wipe as much of the headlight as Euro wipers. They'll also 'float' in the beam since the Euro headlight fills the cavity whereas the US headlight has some surrounding trim.

Just as in a W124 conversion, you'll need the valence panels below the headlights and the longer Euro wipers to do a full conversion. I don't know if you also need the Euro motors. You'll need a couple more rebate checks to do the full job.

Someone I just met did the headlight conversion and fit Euro wipers to his US motors. He switched the wipers side for side. The wipers stick out over the corner lens a little bit, but works well and doesn't look bad. You might try US blades on Euro arms if neatness counts.

Sixto
91 300SE
... I drive my wife's car at night

The US wiper motors work for the Euro wipers on the W124. Should be the same on the W126. I would defenitely change the wipers, looks a lot better. Or you can just get the panel without the holes and leave the wipers out.

Check out this source for a good deal on the headlights:
MERCANTILE EUROPARTS Inc.
6747 S.W. 8 Street Miami, Fl 33144
Fax (305) 266-1130
E-MAIL: europart@bellsouth.net

I got mine there for the w124, they should also have them for the W126.
Good luck,
F.J.

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F.J.
81 300 SD grey/palomino 168K miles
84 190E 2.3 black/grey 64K miles (wrecked)
85 190E 2.3 maroon/palomino 92K miles
88 300E desert red/palomino 204k miles
(made to look like a '94-95)
92 400E desert taupe/creme beige 120K miles
(converted to 94-95 E420 looks)

benz-lgb
i'm not a w126 owner as we speak,however in my quest for my euros i came across this. i hope it helps.

inquire @ capitol west about a conversion kit they have for w126 euro wipers vs u.s. wipers. the page is attached below.

http://www.capitolwest.com/mercedes_exterior_accessories.htm#Euro%20Lights

keep us posted.

peter

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*92 400e 124.034, SOLD

*92 300e 124.030, SOLD

I have converted both 126 "S" cars and 126 Coupes. Both with and without wipers. The US wipers are just fine, and if toy re-set them to park low and along the edge they look fine and if the car is so dirty that you need to wipe more of the lens, you need to stop and clean everything. Apply a good coat of RAIN-X to the lens and there is no need for the wiper. (The euro lenses are glass!) COnversions of the 126Coupe is a pain, the lamp assembly si so critical to the lines around that bonnet, but once completed it is great. (Especially when re-wired and fitted with 100/130 watt lamps!)

On the connections, the existing headlamp plug can be reused with only a clearance hole for the additional terminal. Open the plug and re-arrange the leads to conform to the euro lamps wiring configuration. I do NOT recommend installing the vacuum headlight adjustment. This is far to tempting to play with and with high wattage lamps a great way to get into trouble. Remember that the euro lamps are NOT legal in the US, but it used responsibly you will have no problem. (Here in Cobb County Georgia they will burn you for out of olace headlights.

Good luck, you will find that the conversion is a piece of cake taken in a realisitc manner and the light is great.

Be careful when buying euro headlights.Reproduction units are available for about half the price of originals.Original units were made in germany by Bosch and are the quality you would expect from mercedes.Expect to pay $450-$650 for New ,original,german Bosch headlights (for 126).Or ,you can get used on ebay for about $250 a pair plus shipping.When buying used,beware of desilvered reflectors, rock chipped lenses,and unadjustable lights,(plus burnt bulbs.) I have to say,I think the best way is to buy New,German Bosch units.Its well worth the investment.In fact,you will find yourself staring at your car because of its Beauty!:p

Most definitely buy the new BOSCH lights.

Are there any legal issues in changeing to the Euro lights? Do they conform to the highways act in Ontario? I have seen a few w126 around here with them, but I know the cops are stopping people who have modifications that don't conform to the act. Anyone in Canada had any problems?

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Jason Priest
1999 E430
1995 E420 - retired
1986 420SEL - retired