Are these what's called "E-Codes" ? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

compress ignite · #1 11-11-2009, 10:16 PM

Thanks!

MBeige · #2 11-12-2009, 12:09 AM

No, those are just cheap aftermarket lights.

E codes for the W124 are not available, your next step is to get Depo lights unless you really want to get authentic Bosch/Hella units (which are the most ideal IMO). On the W123 they are available, 7" round seal beam H4 replacements. W126 would also have E codes but in rectangular shape (for early/first gen W126). Second gen W126 did not have any E codes available except for Depo OEM quality (but aftermarket) units.

They might make a big difference the first time you put them on, but after a while you grow tired of them because they clash with the design of the car. That's just me.

H-townbenzoboy · #3 11-12-2009, 12:18 AM

If the E stands for Eww, those are E-codes.

compress ignite · #4 11-12-2009, 12:47 AM

Mbeige,

Part numbers?

Jeremy5848 · #5 11-12-2009, 01:04 AM

Hella and other German manufactures make (or used to make) lights for the 124 as in the following picture. They are expensive: about $500 a pair, more or less. They are non-DOT but look (IMHO) a heck of a lot better than the originals. Being glass, they don't yellow with age, either. Being glass, a protective layer of X-Pel or something similar is recommended to prevent rock chips.

They require removal of the headlight wiper, which I didn't like anyway, but you can buy a special version of the headlight wiper to go with the lights -- for a lot more money. The blank panels are available (in primer -- you have to paint them) from Mercedes dealers for about $13 each (cheap for anything that says "Mercedes"). I put X-Pel on them, too.

They take a replaceable bulb that can be purchased in wattages from 60W to 100W or more. The higher powers need a relay to prevent burning out the headlight switch. I stuck with the stock 55/60W bulbs. The "foglight" section can have a yellow bulb but I stuck with clear as I don't often drive in foggy conditions. The foglight section has a Fresnel-type lens to spread the light broadly in front of the car and to the sides; it's great for illuminating dark country roads where there are critters ready to jump out in front of you.

Jeremy

babymog · #6 11-12-2009, 02:23 PM

White bulbs are still fog lights.

The E-Code referrs to being a EEC / European light. Those plastic crap ones you found are junk, and fugly.

Also, as mentioned above, the US wiper mechanism is unique ('87-'93), the European (and '94/'95 US) wiper goes the other way and wipes both lights, needs a new filler panel. Well worth it IMO.

MBeige · #7 11-12-2009, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by compress ignite

Mbeige,

Part numbers?

Sorry I don't have P/N's for the headlights.

Mind you for the W124 there are 4 versions, 2 for the 86-96, 2 for the 94-95.

86-93 = regular & 500E
94-95 = regular & E500

500E lights had the driving lights in place of fog lights, had a different beam pattern and had chrome/shiny surround around the reflectors. Regular lights had gray plastic.

86-93 will NOT swap to 94-95 cars, but the opposite is doable.

muleears · #8 11-12-2009, 03:55 PM

I got some Depo E code clones off of ebay and am quite happy with them. The fit was good and the output better than stock.

#9 11-12-2009, 04:06 PM

The DEPO's are no where near the quality of the Hella/Bosch, but they are also nowhere near the price. They will give you WAY BETTER light than US lights.

The DEPO's that I speak of are the ones that are clones of the standard, pre 93 124 Euro lights. The 93 up versions will look very funny on a pre 93 car.

DEPO might also make some of those cheapie projector looking lights, so be careful in your purchase.

You can adapt your US wiper motors to the Euro lights with a home made bracket. About five years or six years ago, I made a lengthy post on the dimensions and how to make brackets to adapt your US wipers to Euro lights. I expect that this post is still buried deep in the bowels of this mercedesshop site.

Good luck,
Larry