Quote:
Originally Posted by Homeline
Finally was able to snag a set of geniune Bosch Euro headlights for my '89 420SEL off of Ebay.
When I install them I want to use the clear or smoked corner lights. There seems to be (on Ebay anyway) a great difference in price on what appear to be the same items. About $15-20 on one end all the way to $40-60+ on the other. What gives? Are the higher priced ones made by Bosch?
Any recommendations on where to buy? Brands to use or stay away from?
Also, my car is the black pearl color (kind of a charcoal-blueish-gray metallic). Should I use the clear or the smoked ones? Decisions, decisions........
Cliff
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Hello Cliff
As the long time owner of a #199 Pearl Black 1991 560SEC W126 coupe, here is my considered response:
The darker orange factory euro corner lights that come with many Bosch Euro light set ups that are sold new here, are the best way to go with that car.
It is the best look for that color and matches and completes the factory euro headlight set up. Also as a factory corner light, it would seal perfectly, and no moisture or dirt could get in there.
Or you could continue with the ligher orange US specification corner lamps, which are of good quality and would keep out dirt and water.
Smoke lights are silly, it reduces light output, and gives the inappropriate "gangsta" or "ricer" look to these cars. Forget them.
Another problem with aftermarket smoked or clear lenses is that some, especially cheaper ones, are junk, especially from Asia, and WILL let in dirt or water or cloud or crack easily.
For that reason I would avoid both the smoked and clear ones, unless I was dead set on clears, and got German made or Swedish made ones..
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I think your BETTER and much more important question you should be deciding is
whether or not you want to
1. Leave the American headlight wipers on the car (cheapest and easiest way)
2. Take them off, and either fill the holes in on the valance where they were and repaint them. For a smooth look that show s off the euro lights well.
3. Buy a set of the inward pointing, Euro headlights and valances, and then decide if you want the different wiper motors, dash thumbwheel adjusters, and lines for them. The ultimate look, but gets very EXPENSIVE fast!!!
A factor in this decision is whether you live in a climate where you would NEED heated headlight wipers.
Only you can decide which of the three looks is best for you, your car and your budget.
Those are my opinions based on 11 years of owning a Pearl Black W126.
YMMV