Quote:
Originally Posted by MBeige
This link should be helpful: http://danielsternlighting.com/tech/lights/light_color/light_color.html
And I quote,
And in particular, this is the study Daniel Stern was referring to:
http://www.lightingresearch.org/programs/transportation/pdf/SAE/2001-01-0320.pdf
I'm debating on whether to paint the reflector yellow, or just get yellow bulbs. Don't want to ruin the Euro lights. There's a third option to, if it's similar to the W124/W201/W126 setup, to get the yellow "caps" that cover the fog light bulbs to give the illusion of a yellow reflector. The car currently has "standard" white fog lights, but I like the yellow light better, because it's more pleasing to the eye. Doesn't make me want to squint. I suppose that's what Daniel Stern mentioned above.
I was able to get a pair of brand new European Bosch (square) lenses for slightly more than a pair of brand new US DOT headlight covers. I might also invest on some headlight protectors (those thin plastic "shields" on the lenses) if they won't ruin the look.
Mark, we have the same view of the bumpers - practical and decent enough and won't ruin the look as much. |
I recently found out that my local aftermarket MB parts supplier has the Euro lenses for about $60 each, but at the time, I already had the $24 pair of US headlight units, so they were the quickest, cheapest way to get the wagon throgh VA state inspection. I did have to make up harness adapters, as unlike the Euro conversion on my early Fintail, the W123 Euro to US swap wasn't 'plug-n-play'. I also had to change the sockets and add wiring adapters to my amber fromt corner lamps to provide legally-required parking lights in addition to the Euro-only turn-signal lights.
Where did you find plastic lens protectors for the rectangular Euro lights? Next time I'm out his way, I'll ask my MB parts guy about them.
It's hard to tell by looking, but I didn't notice any obvious signs that rocks damaged my Euro lights.
Some of the local W123 diesel guys I talked to claimed that the Euro lenses can crack because of the diesel engine vibration, though my TD vibrates far less than my pair of 240Ds, expecially compared to my automatic 240D!
Happy Motoring, Mark