Euro OEM Headlights...Hella or Bosch?
 

Wondering if anyone has noticed any difference between the OEM 85-93 W124 or 201 Euro spec Headlights? I have a source for both and wondered if one was better than the other? Thanks! Clip

I have had both & like the look of the Bosch reflector better.

I ran the Bosch Euro lights on my '91 from new, never had any problems and was always happy with the performance. I've never had Hella on a 124, but the UR quattro Euros were Hella, excellent lights also so I'd say whichever suits your taste.

The lights for the W124 are different from the W201. What car do you have?

Generally speaking, the W124 pre-94 Euro lights have 2 versions. One for standard vehicles and one for the 500E.

Not sure if the 500E variant had Bosch and Hella variations. Difference lies in fog light reflector. In the 500E version they're actually driving lights, not fog lights. The surrounding portion of the reflectors are also shiny unlike the flat gray on the standard European headlight.

The 500E versions were this way because they had the fog lights on the bumper skirts from the factory.

On the other hand, W201 lights - Bosch are not as common as Hella. Haven't tried Bosch but it seems both are just as equal. Could be wrong. I have Hellas on mine and the foreground lighting, plus the beam pattern, is excellent.

On my 87 300D I have Hellas, with the vacuum height adjustors. I am very happy with them.

The prior owner spent over $600 on the lights and sourcing the parts to make the height adjustors work with the proper dash dial.

I just scored & picked up 10 minutes ago a pair of Bosch euros.
For me it had to be Bosch, cause I wanted to swap out the chrome fog reflectors with yellow fog reflectors which I have already...I prefer that look.

Fo you, which ever one that is in better condition.

No real difference ...
 

MB buys parts from numerous suppliers. They issue a specification and Hella, Bosch, Beru, Bilstein, Sachs, whoever is expected to adhere to that spec.

I try, whenever possible, to buy genuine MB parts, but with the biggest discount I can get. That way you know that they are full spec parts and not a batch of rejects bought from the back door of a factory.

RayH

These are both quality choices. It's when you economize and use Depo's or even cheaper ones that you compromise quality.

I have some less than perfect condition Bosch units on my 5 speed 300E.

That's easy! I spent a lot of time shopping prices on them in '91, and still ended up spending over $700 (in 1991!) on the Euro Bosch lights with wipers and all necessary hardware (all OE).