124 Euro Headlight Conversion - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 11-16-2002, 09:09 AM

Hi,
I finally installed Euro lights on my 1988 300TE. I want to keep the headlight wipers/washers. I have already shimmed the motors. My question is will the panels under the headlights and the wiper arms from a 94 E320 work with this conversion? Also, where can I get the headlight height adjustment switch/panel? Part numbers would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Steif1

#2 11-16-2002, 09:26 AM

Do you get the Star Magazine from the MBCA? If so, there was an article about a year ago with all procedures and part numbers including the switch and trip panel PN's.

They did NOT, however, use the wipers.

I am about to do mine and I know that the lower panels are different. From posts I've read by others in the past, you can use a piece of heavy sheet metal to fabricate a bracket to offset the wiper motors to match their US location so that the lower trim panels will work.

If you do not have the Star and no one else chimes in with the numbers, let me know and I will dig out the old magazine.

Good luck,

drbrandini · #3 11-16-2002, 10:27 AM

This may help Click Here

ebennz · #4 11-16-2002, 01:09 PM

steif1

the part numbers for the switch are a little off in the star article.

rosette/dial 124 800 06 73 in stock at parts shop

switch panel 124 680 21 65 in stock at parts shop

this is the correct switch panel IF you have telescoping steering.

these are exact part numbers in this picture.

peter

BJ300SDL · #5 11-16-2002, 10:18 PM

Peter, I am about to get my e-codes for my w126. Will that dial and panel work on my dash as well? It does have the telescoping wheel. Thank you!!

#6 11-16-2002, 10:59 PM

Thanks for all the info guys. I just got in from the garage. I made a few modifications and installed the US wiper motors/arms and drilled new holes in the panel. It actually looks pretty decent, but I will order the 94 E320 panels since they are pretty cheap < $10 at the dealer. Below are FYI tips:
- The motors need to be swapped left to right and vice versa to compensate for the opposite rotation pattern. When the wipers are parked on US models-they point outwards towards the turn signals. On Euro models they park towards the grill.
-The shaft on the US motors are approx 1/2" longer and the wiper blades will not touch the lenses. They must be shimmed by approx 1/2" to work properly.
- If you swap the motors, the control wire will need to the spliced to reach the original right side motor which is now on the driver side. the control motor(pass side) has 4 wires. The follower motor (driver side) only has three wires.
- I will eventually order the 94 E320 wiper arms and blades to complete the Euro look and also make the headlight ajduster operational .....but these will have to wait.
-The car actually looks pretty sharp as it is.
Steif1

Holson Adi · #7 11-16-2002, 11:05 PM

Congratulations!

Any pictures of your updated TE?

rmasteller · #8 11-16-2002, 11:34 PM

When the stock US headlights changed (in '93?), did they get any better, or do they just look different?

DEPRIEST · #9 11-17-2002, 01:42 AM

Well, it looks like I'll be doing the European Headlights this week as well. They just arrived today!

I was watching TV while messing with one of the new clean light fixtures when I noticed what apears to be a socket for a small bulb under the H4 Bulb. This reminds me of the small light that my old 61 Volkswagen bug used to have in with the headlight. My BMW motorcycle also has one. It's like a parking light or something.

Is that what this is? If so, how can I hook it up and which bulb should I use. I guess I'll need a new switch, or is it more trouble than it's worth?

Also, about the headlight wipers. I'm not particularly attached to them. In fact, I've never used them. I guess they're ok to have and all, but...

Are some of you guys just ditching them, or is the switch fairly easy to do and worth it?

Just curious.

ebennz · #10 11-17-2002, 07:06 PM

bj300sdl

you will need the switch panel from a w126. i do not know the part number. the rosette/dial should be the same.

actually parts shop may have these for your car. call phil.

rmasteller

in '94 they changed the lights. they were considerably better than previous years. still under euros somewhat.

depreist

those are "city lights". do a search on them. you definetly want to hook those up! i think you have to run a jumper from the turn signals for them to work in tandem. also they can be set up "true" euro way and come on without turn signal/ parking light.

peter

#11 11-17-2002, 08:37 PM

Holson Adi
I can email you a pic of my 300TE with the Euro headlights and modified U.S. headlight washer/wiper/panels. I will take another pic when I get the 94 S320 panels/wiper arms/blades. I tried posting a picture here, but I can't seem to get it to show.
Steif1

BJ300SDL · #12 11-17-2002, 10:30 PM

Thanks for the info on your install. Do you know if the Euro arms will fit the U.S. motors?

#13 11-18-2002, 09:26 PM

BJ300SDL

I took one of the Euro wiper arms from my 190E-16V and it seems to fit the shaft on the US motor. Of course the shape of the arm is different on the 300E. I'm pretty sure the arm from a 94 S320 will work, but I haven't tried it yet.
Steif1

Holson Adi · #14 11-18-2002, 11:55 PM

Yeah send me an email! I wanna see the wagon with 500E headlights

holsonyap@rcn.com

rjcarrasquel · #15 08-25-2003, 04:54 PM

Guys:

I am new in this website. The headlight lens in my S320 is damaged and I wonder if any of you had one for the headlight of the pilot side. It is of my understanbding that you can not buy the lens individually, by law after 1994 or so, it is necessary to get the entire headlight assembly. I would appreciate if someone could help me with this. Best regards.