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Well I did my Euro install yesterday. It took me the better part of 3 hours but I took my time and had some interruptions. A couple of observations. After reading for a month about all of the installations people had done, I all becomes much clearer once you start taking things apart. You really only need an 8mm socket and wrench plus a flat blade screwdriver. Plus a few things to make the electrical tap for the city lights. Anyway, here are the things I learned that may help others.
1. It was never really clear to me that the lights hold the wipers and the wipers hold the lights. Kind of a weird set up, but hey the Germans know more than I do.
2. The right side and left side each have their own challenges. The right side is easy to access the wiper bracket (which holds the lights) from below. But the top access to the back of the lights if very tight because of the coolant overflow tank. The left side has the oil cooler obstructing the access to the wiper motor bracket. I farted around for a good 20 minutes getting more and more frustrated until I took the valance plates off and that made it a snap. Lesson learned - take the valance off FIRST.
3. All the discussion of special brackets and moving things around might vary per brand of lights. I found it pretty simple (after a few screw ups) to drill a couple of new holes in the existing brackets to align with the closest available screw holes in the lights. The Bosch lights have three possible locations to attach from the bottom. I was able to move the receiver clips around and drill new holes in the existing brackets.
4. As I have for 3 months, I continued to scratch my head for quite a while and ponder the wipers. I finally decided to defer the decision and to continue to use the existing wipers in the existing locations. I did not do the swapping of sides and re-engineering of the wiring. In retrospect, I personally do not find the US wipers that objectionable. I am not a purist and really don't pretend to be. I came to the conclusion that if they function at all they are doing more that if they were not there. I do reserve the right to change my mind though.
5. Perhaps the biggest bonehead decision I made was leaving the wiring till last. Since the clear corners are the last thing to go in and the wiring harnesses are joined about 6 inches apart, I simply dangled the connectors out of the opening for the corners. The lights were bolted in place and the valance re-attached. Then I converted to the six pin sockets, put the connector on the corner lights and put them in place. Well the pin connectors on the lights are tucked up under the bottom on the outboard sides. Took me forever to get the pins lined up. Then I realized I had reversed a pin on one side and had to undo the corners, redo the pins and reattach the socket. This time I reached up thru the corner holes which was a little easier. Lesson Learned - Wire the puppies up before you attach the lights permanently. I really struggled making the connection on the right side because of the limited space from above.
6. Also, if I did it again I would wire it up and plug the lights in and check everything first. I was lucky that everything worked including the bulbs, considering they were used lights. Again, this is especially true for the right side where I believe you need to take the lights out to replace a bulb anyway. They are real tight.
So I am happy it is done and that the wiper decision is done, for now.
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Alan Hamm
'87 300SDL 277K Miles
'89 560 SL 68K Miles
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