Headlamp Upgrade Advice Solicited - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

tangofox007 · #1 08-09-2007, 08:18 AM

I am considering upgrading the headlamps on my W123. What should I buy?

I have just about decided to put some IPF units on another vehicle. If they work well, I might buy a set for the 300D also.

TX76513 · #2 08-09-2007, 08:56 AM

I bought a sample case of IPF (like) drop in 7" lights this summer and put one set in the Holden. Excellent upgrade both in visibility and looks. These are a crystal clear projection type sealed beam. Had thought these would be a great alternative in 123's in keeping with that famous front end look but with a splash of modern without going to the expense of Euro swap outs.

miljohnj5 · #3 08-09-2007, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tangofox007

I am considering upgrading the headlamps on my W123. What should I buy?

I have just about decided to put some IPF units on another vehicle. If they work well, I might buy a set for the 300D also.

As a college commuter, lights constitute an important investment for me and to upgrade my W123 I wanted to do it right. I luckily found exactly the kind of guy you want in the business; http://www.danielsternlighting.com/products/products.html
I told him up front that as a poor college student I would need time to save enough money for lighting and he still gave me ALOT of important free advice for choosing the right lighting including clear lights for replacing the fog lights. In another 2/3 weeks I'll have the money for 2 sets of Cibie's

If the pricing isn't worth it to you another option is;
http://www.autobahnpower.com/products.asp?recnumber=422 Flat lens Hella's are pretty cool but the quality of Cibie lighting for me takes precedence over aesthetics. Hope this helps...

vstech · #4 08-09-2007, 09:36 AM

http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/Browse/tf-Browse/s-10101/N-111+10201+600002824/c-10101
or
http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/Search?catalogId=10101&storeId=10101&sku=headlight+adapter&searchbtn.x=0&searchbtn.y=0
just another source for this kind of thing.
several have used the conversions, and it is interesting...

#5 08-09-2007, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by miljohnj5

Flat lens Hella's are pretty cool but the quality of Cibie lighting for me takes precedence over aesthetics. Hope this helps...

I've used Cibie lights in the past, good lighting without the "pimp my ride" look. The only problem is they are expensive when they are broken with a rock.

TX76513 · #6 08-09-2007, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vstech

http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/Browse/tf-Browse/s-10101/N-111+10201+600002824/c-10101
or
http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/Search?catalogId=10101&storeId=10101&sku=headlight+adapter&searchbtn.x=0&searchbtn.y=0
just another source for this kind of thing.
several have used the conversions, and it is interesting...

I really feel good about what I paid

Mine look pretty close to those Pilots on JC

WINGAS · #7 08-09-2007, 09:47 AM

I need to do this for my square light W124. Upgrade. Cheap Kat eurokits are over $200 on Ebay.

tangofox007 · #8 08-09-2007, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craig

I've used Cibie lights in the past, good lighting without the "pimp my ride" look. The only problem is they are expensive when they are broken with a rock.

IPF's are sold for off-road applications and are alledged to be more impact resistant than the competition.

dmorrison · #9 08-10-2007, 12:45 AM

I got the Hella lights as posted here, with pictures of the light beam pattern.

Dave

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=174444&highlight=hella+lights+dave+240D

#10 08-10-2007, 12:51 AM

I would say to go for the square Euros or Hella drop-in upgrades for the stock assembly.

ichbineinekrous · #11 08-10-2007, 12:18 PM

I bought some H4 autopal lights on ebay. I think I paid about $40 all told, including bulbs. They are easily 3 times brighter than the stock sealed beam lamps, and if I want to go even brighter, there are numerous H4 halogen options that just pop in.

rrgrassi · #12 08-10-2007, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ichbineinekrous

I bought some H4 autopal lights on ebay. I think I paid about $40 all told, including bulbs. They are easily 3 times brighter than the stock sealed beam lamps, and if I want to go even brighter, there are numerous H4 halogen options that just pop in.

You have to watch the wattage of the H4's. Too much will stress the charging system, over heat the wires thanks to current draw, or pop fuses.

JHZR2 · #13 08-10-2007, 01:23 PM

I had bosch H4 lights in my old w123, and they were great, I have hella H4/H1 5.75" lights in my E30 BMW, and theyre great too, though they dont seem quite as efficient as the H4 7" lights...

My new w123 has 7" Marchal lights.. $$$ compared to others, but they really blast nice bright white light. More or less as good as the lights in my 04 saab, which have the best power, beam design and crispness that Ive seen in any car.

Ive heard great things about cibies, and would likely buy them if I needed to again, since you cant get Marchal, and my bosch ones showed a little rust after sitting a while.

JMH

mobetta · #14 08-10-2007, 01:30 PM

I got the $40 autopals from ebay, too. they are very nice for the price. only complaint was shipping took better than 5 weeks. and the bulns sent w/ them didnt last too long before one of the sockets actually melted. this was a faulty bulb, not the cars wiring. replaced them w/ sylvania xtra vision +30's, and the lighting improved a bit. so $40 for the lamps, $18 for new +30's, and great lighting.

the stock wiring is fine unless you up the wattage, then you'll want bigger wires, relays, etc- in that case, daniel stern can hook you up w/ all the wiring and good bulbs.

What ever you do, make sure you aim them properly.
http://www.danielsternlighting.com/tech/aim/aim.html

tangofox007 · #15 08-10-2007, 01:36 PM

Thanks to everyone for the great input. Researching the options has certainly been an education; my headlight knowledge has increased about 10 fold.

I just ordered a pair of IPF's and their "magic" bulbs for my Jeep Cherokee. I will see how I like them before making a decision on the 300D.