PUMA Euro Lights - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

JCE · #1 01-22-2003, 11:34 PM

Fastlane sets a pretty high standard for customer service, and it is rare to find it at other stores. So I was pleasantly surprised to receive the same quality service from another vendor on parts that Fastlane didn't have.

When I needed new Euro lights right away to replace a vandalized pair, I didn't find any vendor that had the lenses or correct lights in stock. Paul at PUMA had 500E Euros in stock that would work, and since the price wasn't that much different than discounted 300E Hella euros from most places, I ordered a pair.

Everything arrived great, but the drivers light had a problem - instead of the nice characteristic ___/ beam pattern, it was blurry and had a hot spot in the center (on the left side of the pic, below). Swapping bulbs didn't change anything, so I called Puma. Paul sent me a new Hella/Mercedes 500E lens in the MB factory box to try on the assumption that the lens had some distortion. When that didn't help, Paul e-mailed me that they are sending out a complete replacement light.

No problems or arguments, they just set out to make it right! (This has NOT been my experience with the last 4 major purchases I have made, from digital cameras to a new stove, etc. Any problems were automatically assumed to be my fault/imagination/pickiness, so I am little obsessive about customer service right now!) So when you think about buying Euros, there may be places with genuine Hella lights for less (I didn't find any), but if there are, don't forget to ask them about the support and service policy. BTW, PUMA also stocks euro light parts such as replacement reflectors, while most places only carry replacement lenses.

Arthur Dalton · #2 01-22-2003, 11:45 PM

Did you try the new complete unit yet ??

JCE · #3 01-23-2003, 12:21 AM

Not yet - it will take a couple of days to get here. I expect it to pretty much match the pattern at right, which is about like the old MB grey market car euros I had. BTW, the bulbs from my old euros were nowhere near as bright in the old lights as they were in these units. 15 years of film and oxidation on the reflectors and sand pits on the lenses all must have taken a toll. Even so, they were amazingly better than the US DOT lights - so much so it never occured to me that they suffered degraded performance from aged components. If my daughter doesn't buy a 300E next month, I will probably price replacing the lenses and reflectors on the old ones and put them in the classifieds.

Limited Edition · #4 01-23-2003, 12:58 AM

I bought my W201 Hella Euros from Paul. He had them in stock and shipped they quickly. I could have gotten TYC's or DEPO's for half the price I paid but I guess you get what you pay for.

Regards,

Don

#5 01-23-2003, 01:13 AM

Hey, about those extra headlights you have...

I may be interested in them if you are able to sell but I have a few questions first... are they Euro lights or DOT? I'm guessing euro by your post but I just want to be sure. Secondly, are these Hella units? Once again, I'm pretty sure they are but just checking.

Anyway, I need new headlights for my car because of an unfortunate incident with a fence. The judges are still out but I'm pretty sure the fence won.

Thanks.

Pete

speedy300Dturbo · #6 01-23-2003, 02:05 AM

Sounds good. How much was the pair of 500E Euros?

Arthur Dalton · #7 01-23-2003, 09:38 AM

<<>

I would be interested in what you find with the new driver
side unit.

I have changed a few 94/95 124s and have noticed the same pattern on the drivers side as you have. I have used new E code Bosch lens.
I have a marked aiming wall and have the same pattern you are seeing [ [more cut-off rise focus on right side lens along w/broader beam on left] . Starting to wonder if it may be a design difference of the lens, with the right side covering more road shoulder and left concentration more on road ahead..

???

-fad · #8 01-23-2003, 10:49 AM

I also had good experience with Paul at PUMA.

RE: E500 e-codes (curved glass to fit updated hood line), it was a few months wait for the correct lenses to arrive. According to Paul these are MB Germany- dealer item only- as reflected in the higher pricing vs. 500e e-codes.

Product is fully satisfactory, w/ no hotspots and correct fitting.

-fad

JCE · #9 01-23-2003, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Starting to wonder if it may be a design difference of the lens, with the right side covering more road shoulder and left concentration more on road ahead..

Interesting thought! My old Euro lights that had been on the car were each nice and sharp ___/____/ with no difference between right and left cut-offs. The old lights were off of an MB grey market car, and had the MB logo and part numbers stamped on everything along with the Hella logos and part numbers. Likewise the DOT lights on my 98C230 - their low beams are ___/___/ with no difference between left and right side. Maybe it is unique to the 500E loghts? Anyway, I sent the photo to Paul and he agrees that it is blurry and with a hot spot, and thinks it is unusual. It will be interesting to see what the new light does when it gets here.