Who has successfully modified headlight wipers for use with E-Codes (300SDL) - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Smooooth · #1 12-21-2004, 05:01 AM

Greetings All.................

I would like to communicate with someone - directly - that has installed E-code's and spent the additional time to modify the Headlight Wiper assembly.

My Bosch E-Codes are on their way from Germany and just want to get that gaggle of ducks in somewhat of a row.

I have read many posts and please - no flaming along the lines of 'Why would you want to do that??'

I am willing to try and find the Euro wipers - if needed - and reverse the motors.

ALSO..........

I am looking for Very Good Quality 'Clear Corner' Lights.

ALSO - ALSO.........

With the DRL (City) option - Has anyone tried to run them off of another circuit in the car that comes on with the ignition. Thus eliminating the need to have the parking lights turned on. My thought is a circuit similiar to the front cig. lighter that only works when the key is on. The bulbs are only 5W each - right??

ALSO - ALSO - ALSO.........

I will be looking for the interior trim piece for the vacuum adjust - and the adjuster itself. Someone has the adjustment control up on e-bay for $30-$40.. I'm not in any rush for this portion of the installation - I just know that I am going to do it.

ALSO - ALSO - ALSO - ALSO...........

I have read a few posts that refer to upgrading the wiring and the use of relays. Although these posts seem like a 30,000 foot view - I would be very interested in some more detailed information.

.............also(mentioned very quietly)

bulbs (sorry - it slipped out)

Thank You Very Much in Advance

Stephen

goldenbear · #2 12-21-2004, 11:37 AM

Stephen,

I purchased my OEM Bosch Euros from Capitol West and paid an extra $15 for an adapter kit they sell, with instructions, to use with the existing US wipers. The installation was relatively straightforward. Unfortunately, their web site indicates that one may only purchase the adapter with the purchase of the Euro lights...but you could try. All that stated, I'm actually looking to get rid of the wipers altogether. Anyone know how to order the replacement panel under the lights??

Not sure about running the DRL functionality to another circuit, but I achieved the true euro look by running pin 4 from the side markers into slot 58 in the 6-pin wiring assembly for the euro lights. This effectively allows operation of the city lights ONLY with the light switch turned to the first position AND no side markers (dim function deactivated by moving the pin), however, the rear lights are per normal. Now, when I operate the blinker with the lights on, I get ON/OFF...ON/OFF. I find this much more effective than the ON/DIM alternative. Be advised that this may not be legal where you are located.

I also had my indy run the vacuum lines for the height adjustment function, which works well, and is very functional when carrying full loads (like I did on Sunday with 5 adults to SF). I've attached a pic of the switch setup. I had some initial troubles getting the correct parts, as there are some options. I pulled the switch this morning to try and find some part numbers. Unfortunately, I couldn't locate the part # for the switch panel, but I can tell you that you DON'T want part #126 689 00 80. Regarding the vacuum switch, DON'T get part # 124 800 06 73. It doesn't work properly, for some reason, on the 126. It appears, though odd, that the part # on the CORRECT vacuum switch is 000 800 04 73. Hopefully this helps.

As for the H4's, I'm using Philips VisionPlus +50s 55W from powerbulbs.com. Very pleased with them. I'm also using the Philips VisionPlus H3's for the fogs that put out a yellow light, but not true yellow.

Hatterasguy · #3 12-21-2004, 12:17 PM

Cool I want those, adjustable euro lights with wipers would be real nice. I will keep a close eye on this thread this will probably be my summer project.

#4 12-21-2004, 01:53 PM

I realize that you are talking about a different chassis than my 124 car, but I kept my US wipers by simply making a bracket from strap iron. I put a thread with extensive instructions in here somewhere.

I FULLY expect that the same approach could be taken on your car. It is simply a matter of making a bracket that will offset the motor and move it rearward into the correct position. It was a few hours work, but darn well worth it.

If you don't want to leave the motors running the same direction, then swap them side to side, but you will have to get the correct blades. Maybe you could also swap the blades side to side.

It's just one of those little small engineering projects that you have to work through.

BTW, in my opinion you don't have Euro lights if you don't have the elevation control. I drive 20 miles of winding, hilly farm road to get to the highway in the wee hours. I raise the lights a notch or two to watch for deer and escaped livestock, then when on the highway, lower them to their standard position.

Merry Christmas,

300sdlguy · #5 12-21-2004, 02:28 PM

I have the factory euro lights, the switch and the vacuum hoses, from a 1985 500 SEL that was at a local pick-a-part. Haven't installed them as I was not sure if I needed other items. What controls the vacuum? Can you get new chrome reflectors for the inside, the ones I got are a bit faded or can you refurbish them.

PS: That same 500 SEL also had the rare SEC style 4 place seating option with factory vacuum controlled ortho. front seats in black leather. These will match the black int. of my 300sdl. I hope the $100 I paid for the entire setup wasn't too much

goldenbear · #6 12-21-2004, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 300sdlguy

I have the factory euro lights, the switch and the vacuum hoses, from a 1985 500 SEL that was at a local pick-a-part. Haven't installed them as I was not sure if I needed other items. What controls the vacuum? Can you get new chrome reflectors for the inside, the ones I got are a bit faded or can you refurbish them.

PS: That same 500 SEL also had the rare SEC style 4 place seating option with factory vacuum controlled ortho. front seats in black leather. These will match the black int. of my 300sdl. I hope the $100 I paid for the entire setup wasn't too much

Sounds like you got a steal on some great parts. I've never heard of anyone dealing with replacement reflectors, or refurbishing them for that matter. Are they pitted?

Alan Hamm · #7 12-21-2004, 03:23 PM

Smooooth,

You and I are in the exact same situation. I too ordered some Euro's from Germany and they are hopefully on their way. I also got a set of clear corners from some place in Canada off of Ebay. I am not sure of the quality, I got tired of looking and wanted to make sure I had them when it came time to do the Euros.

I am thinking about going without wipers. I just cannot justify the cost of doing them right. I recall reading Larry's thread about the special bracke a while back. I just do not know if I have the time for this right now.

I was not planning on the vacuum leveler control, but now you have got me thinking........

Maybe I do have time for that

.

Looking forward to better light!

Alan Hamm · #8 12-21-2004, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by goldenbear

I purchased my OEM Bosch Euros from Capitol West and paid an extra $15 for an adapter kit they sell, with instructions, to use with the existing US wipers. The installation was relatively straightforward.

Goldenbear, still have the instructions? That might be a huge help in figuring out how they do the bracket. For $15 each it cannot be that tough.

goldenbear · #9 12-21-2004, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alan Hamm

Goldenbear, still have the instructions? That might be a huge help in figuring out how they do the bracket. For $15 each it cannot be that tough.

Hmmm...not sure if I kept them after the job. I'll look in the boxes (now with the original headlamp assemblies in them) and see what I can find...that is, when I find the time.

Hatterasguy · #10 12-21-2004, 10:22 PM

The problem with the W126 euro wipers is they are complety different than the US ones. The arms are different and the motors are mounted in different places with different shafts. As far as I know to do the proper job you need:

New motors
New arms
Proper brackets
Proper trim below the headlights painted.

The US wipers look stupid on the Euro lights because they don't do anything.

I keep hearing the $300 figure float around. Now I would contact a European member maybe they could go to one of their junk yards and mail you the parts? Or maybe the dealer would be able to help?

300sdlguy · #11 12-22-2004, 12:22 AM

my reflectors are not pitted, one is just dull and the other got some water on it so it has some rust issues.

Nobody is mentioning that the wiper system on the us car has the integrated washer system, were as the euro's had the bumper mounted nozzles.

The parts car I got these off of still had the motors and trim pieces, but the wiper arms were gone.

goldenbear · #12 12-22-2004, 01:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hatterasguy

The US wipers look stupid on the Euro lights because they don't do anything.

Correction: they do the same thing they did on the US spec version. Whether that is "doing anything" is more subjective.

#13 12-22-2004, 01:44 AM

For the dull reflectors, I believe there is a special paint that will bring them back to life...

Alan Hamm · #14 12-22-2004, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hatterasguy

I keep hearing the $300 figure float around. Now I would contact a European member maybe they could go to one of their junk yards and mail you the parts? Or maybe the dealer would be able to help?

yea, that is why I am leaning toward the "clean" look. Honestly, I have never seen my US wipers run. And I am not sure I have ever paid enough attention to see anyones run while driving. They are cool, but there is a limit.

Smooooth, did you get the vacuum part figured out? Keep us posted. When I install my lights I might get everything set up so that I can just add a switch.