Ebay 126 Euro Headlights, worth it? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Oilbrnr · #1 12-14-2005, 01:07 AM

Or are Hella H4 DOT fit (not actual DOT approved, read not sealed beam) replacements better?

I've done a couple of searches but have not really come up with anything as to the actual performance of these replacements. I like the look of the Euros, but if the projection pattern/quality is no better than the the above mentioned Hellas, is there a point?

pawoSD · #2 12-14-2005, 01:55 AM

Be careful with ebay stuff, often times its aftermarket junk. We bought some front 126 blinker lenses on ebay a while ago, and they're definatley far cheaper made than OEMs.

Hit Man X · #3 12-14-2005, 02:01 AM

I'd wait to find some OEM Bosch. I don't have first hand experience with the Taiwan made ones, but I wouldn't run them on my car.

I got a complete set with vac tubes/switch as well as wiper motors for $200 locally. I picked up the wiper arms on ebay for $25 shipped. Just have to find those wiper blades and in they go on the SDL.

#4 12-14-2005, 03:27 AM

Are you talking about H4 upgrades to go purely in place of the sealed beam headlamps and keep the US headlight frames/fogs?

If so...I did this modification BEFORE I did my full euro light setup.

I can tell you, flat out, there is NO DIFFERENCE between the quality H4 sealed beam replacements and the full euro light setup. They have the same pattern, output light beautifully, and I can't find any difference between the two as far as throwing light down on the road.

Check out my website for how I upgraded wiring, etc.

http://brandon.importtransmissionexchange.com/benz_files/lights.htm

BTW I would recommend it...it is worth it for the cost of the lights if you properly upgrade your wiring or make sure your stock is up to snuff.

Oilbrnr · #5 12-14-2005, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brandon314159

Are you talking about H4 upgrades to go purely in place of the sealed beam headlamps and keep the US headlight frames/fogs?

Yes Brandon, that is what I was refering to. I've used both the round and rectangular versions in the past, and always loved them. These are not the DOT approved ones.

I do however, like the cleaner look of the european flush units. Just didn't know what was the best source for them.

IIRC I came across some a thread here that showed the Hella euro flush OEMs (sorry for lack of a better description) coming apart, literally. The lens came unglued from the reflector.

TX76513 · #6 12-20-2005, 01:58 PM

I have used some aftermarkets but some have been a real PIA to adjust and that a quality issue.
Why not just stay OEM?

EBAY OEM

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Euro-Headlights-w-Turns-Mercedes-Benz-300-560-W126_W0QQitemZ8024040962QQcategoryZ33710QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Hit Man X · #7 12-20-2005, 02:00 PM

Wow, that's a pretty good deal for OEMs with free shipping.

TX76513 · #8 12-20-2005, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hit Man X

Wow, that's a pretty good deal for OEMs with free shipping.

Yes, would bet the seller is in the service in Germany! and that's cool for the buyer.

Hit Man X · #9 12-20-2005, 02:03 PM

I have bigger fish to fry before I throw Euros on the SD, otherwise I'd consider scooping them up.

TX76513 · #10 12-20-2005, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hit Man X

I have bigger fish to fry before I throw Euros on the SD, otherwise I'd consider scooping them up.

But it makes the look soooo good

Hit Man X · #11 12-20-2005, 02:19 PM

HA, that's the same color my SD used to be when it was new.

I have a complete set for my SDL (wipers, trim panels, wiper arms, vac lines, etc) I need to install at some point if it would EVER STOP RAINING.

TX76513 · #12 12-20-2005, 02:25 PM

If I could just find the crystal clear corners for the SD - I hate the opaque clear. They look good on the SDL but it's got the stock headlight frames so it sort of blends.

rg2098 · #13 12-20-2005, 02:57 PM

Personally I don't like the old sealed beams on the W126. I would have to put euros on one. Makes em look 10 years newer.

Hit Man X · #14 12-20-2005, 03:08 PM

I did find out why the US received sealed beams, there was apparently some law up until 1992 making all cars have sealed beams... similar to that stupid 85mph speedo business.

MTUpower · #15 12-20-2005, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oilbrnr

Yes Brandon, that is what I was refering to. I've used both the round and rectangular versions in the past, and always loved them. These are not the DOT approved ones.

I do however, like the cleaner look of the european flush units. Just didn't know what was the best source for them.

IIRC I came across some a thread here that showed the Hella euro flush OEMs (sorry for lack of a better description) coming apart, literally. The lens came unglued from the reflector.

Hella and Bosch european w126 and w123 headlights have a glass lense that is seated on a rubber gasket held on by metal clip on "clamps". Remove the clamps and lense and you can put some silcone grease on the rubber to insure a longer gasket life and better seal. If the glass is coming off the headlight frame then the clamps are not present or not enough of them to properly secure the lense. The reflectors are also distinct individual pieces that can be replaced and in no way touch the lense. I've sold quite a few pairs of w126 lights to fellow members and still have a set and spare parts in my shed.