Lighting

[BAd124]

Hello All,
As anyone who owns a 124 with the DOT lights knows, light output is pretty pathetic at best. I have been looking at some after market fog/driving lights from PIAA to try to help. I was wondering if anyone has done anything similar and if so what they used. Is there a limit to watts I should be looking for so not to burn anything out ? I figure if I can get the look that the 500E has that would be the safest way to go to keep it looking natural. Thanks for any input.

[bobbyv]

i expect that i will not be the only one to recommend a conversion to European lamps. They will not only substantially enhance your night driving, but will do wonders for your car's looks. And that is Euro-stock - all-natural.

[JCE]

True fog lights are short range. Real driving lights are longer range than your high beams. Either will require a seperate switch, wiring, relays, etc. You will come close to spending the cost of Euro lights, which have longer range and better patterns than the USDOT lights, and can be adjusted with the vacuum controls to fine tune their range. You will be amazed at how much light and distance vision you can get out of Euro lights without blinding oncoming traffic, and staying with a good stock wattage bulb like the Philips Vision Plus.

[BAd124]

Thanks for the replies,
How much does it cost to do a Euro light conversion? I know they sell somewhere around $500 or so. Does this include everything? Can I keep the wipers if i convert? How are the conversions for a mid-level tinkerer? The part I would be worried about would be installing the level switch and making the interior look bad in that spot.

[JCE]

Euro Lights are anywhere from $250 (used off of grey market cars or new import from Asia) to $500 (new, usually with side marker/turn indicators). You also need an inexpensive plug for the Euro lights described in the archives, along with the wiring color codes, references to installation articles in the STAR magazine, modifying your stock wipers to work or what Euro wipers to buy (expensive). Detailed installation instructions are there as well. Try a search on Euro lights, Headlight wiring, Euro wipers, etc. - dozens of threads and tips.

A Euro conversion is definitely the way to go.....then use PIAA Xtreme white bulbs in H4 fitting. Ive just put some in my 230 ce and it makes a great difference. Also put PIAA H3s in the foglamps.....