I currently have a '95 S-class and the headlights seem to have a coating on them behind the lens. It almost looks like a light coating of soap, and they appear cloudy. Is there a way to remove the glass fronts and cleam them. I did see some clips on the housing adn the clips on the top of the lens have clear glue overtop of them.

1.) Any tips for removing the glass lens to clean them?

2.) Does the whole housing need to be taken off to do this?

3.) If and when I do get it off, what should I use to clean them?

Thanks,

Jason



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Jason,

I am not sure about the 95 S-class, but these headlights should be sealed (lens to reflector) with a hardened epoxy. Therefore, the lens should not be removable.

The 'soapy' film inside the reflector and lens is due to gassing from the headlamps' weld points (flux residue), O-rings, and other impurities. Also, after 6 years of the elements and heat, the epoxy will also gas out.

There are cleaners out there that will clean the film, but these will just make matters worse. They will break down the Aluminized coating on the reflector, causing black spots and flaking. Also, you can't get it all out of the housing which compounds the problem.

Your best bet is to live with it or replace the entire housing with new headlight assemblies. Hopefully the cost will not be so great in the aftermarket, that you have to take up bank robbing as a second job. :)

Good Luck,



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William
76 240D (W115) - 550K miles
78 300D (W123) - 200K+ miles

Hmm, where would I find these in the aftermarket world? They are pretty bad.

I do have an extended warranty up to 100k but it covers major components only.

This could come down to a safey issue couldn't it? Maybe that would be a good argument?

If you have anymore ideas, let me know.

Thanks,

Jason

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Jason,

I can't help with finding these in the aftermarket.... however, you do bring a good point. Your extended warranty covers 'major components only', which usually means engine and drive line. I would certianly press the issue of headlights being a 'necessary' and 'major' component because without them, you can only drive 10-12 hours in every 24 hour period. Also, the fogging of the reflector and lens could be blamed on improper curing or the epoxy... when the lights are on, the epoxy gasses and fogs the assembly.

Try sweet-talking your dealer first, you may be suprised on the action you receive once you plead your case NICELY about the lack of SAFETY in your SAFEST CAR ON THE ROAD!

Good Luck,

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William
76 240D (W115) - 550K miles
78 300D (W123) - 200K+ miles

I appreciate your help. I already talked with the dealer a few months ago, but they just said it's out of warranty. You can't sweet talk this dealer. Everytime there is a problem they blame the OWNER, not the car!

Maybe contacting a rep form Mercedes and explaining this safety issue will have some bearing. I will also try the extended warranty again.

I will let you know what happens...

Thanks,

Jason

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[This message has been edited by Jason B (edited 08-30-2000).]