Euro Headlight W126s all the same? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Rooster300SD · #1 02-04-2010, 09:22 PM

Are all W126 headlights interchangeable?

I've read enough about them to go hunting next time I'm
at the PNP. Should I just look for any W126?

As in these models:

280/300SE/SEL, 420/500/560SE/SEL/SEC, 300/350SD/SDL

Thanks,
Jeff

compu_85 · #2 02-04-2010, 09:35 PM

They are all interchangeable. At some point there were some internal changes, but they connect and mount the same.

Good luck finding any! Remember that the lamps fitted to 86+ cars kind of look like euro lights, but are actually useless.

-Jason

Hit Man X · #3 02-04-2010, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by compu_85

Remember that the lamps fitted to 86+ cars kind of look like euro lights, but are actually useless.

true, even with new lenses they are crap.

Just remember W126 coupe (SEC) lamps will not fit.

Lastly, consider just buying new Depo units as they will not have 20+ years of sandblasting/reflector pitting.

MBeige · #4 02-04-2010, 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hit Man X

true, even with new lenses they are crap.

Just remember W126 coupe (SEC) lamps will not fit.

Lastly, consider just buying new Depo units as they will not have 20+ years of sandblasting/reflector pitting.

Or get good used Bosch/Hella units, then replace the lenses with new ones. For the same price of new Depos, you have the originals AND the support if the lens breaks. With Depos, I heard the lenses are not available separately.

Hit Man X · #5 02-04-2010, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MBeige

Or get good used Bosch/Hella units, then replace the lenses with new ones. For the same price of new Depos, you have the originals AND the support if the lens breaks. With Depos, I heard the lenses are not available separately.

I have four sets of used Bosch and all have some degree of pitting on the reflector.

TheDon · #6 02-04-2010, 10:52 PM

if you find SEC euros buy them if they are cheap and sell them to a coupe guy for some profit

MBeige · #7 02-04-2010, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hit Man X

I have four sets of used Bosch and all have some degree of pitting on the reflector.

That's a shame, when I got my w123 Euros, the reflectors were in very good shape.

Hit Man X · #8 02-04-2010, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MBeige

That's a shame, when I got my w123 Euros, the reflectors were in very good shape.

But as you pointed out, my only beef with the Depo is the lack of bottom support. Now if I could install those reflectors into the Bosch housing, I would be set.

MBeige · #9 02-04-2010, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hit Man X

But as you pointed out, my only beef with the Depo is the lack of bottom support. Now if I could install those reflectors into the Bosch housing, I would be set.

I suppose with that statement, they're not interchangeable.

Maybe the next best thing to Depo lights, is to install headlight (glass) protectors.

In terms of visibility, the next best thing to Euro lights is to get the early US DOT lights, then install the H4 replacement lenses in place of the sealed beams. But, you maintain the stock look, which defeats the purpose of upgrading to Euro lights if you're also after the updated/daytime look.

rs899 · #10 02-05-2010, 06:04 AM

Quote:

I have four sets of used Bosch and all have some degree of pitting on the reflector.

Hit Man X's location "HELL" might have something to do with this. I have a mismatched set (one Hella, one Bosch) and there's little difference that I can see between them. I will probably never find a car to use them on, though....

mplafleur · #11 02-05-2010, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rs899

Hit Man X's location "HELL" might have something to do with this. I have a mismatched set (one Hella, one Bosch) and there's little difference that I can see between them. I will probably never find a car to use them on, though....

Hell isn't too far from here (well, not actually here, since I'm in Chongqing, China at the moment, but I mean "home") and I don't see what living in Hell has to do with it.

Dieselkraut23 · #12 02-05-2010, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rs899

Hit Man X's location "HELL" might have something to do with this. I have a mismatched set (one Hella, one Bosch) and there's little difference that I can see between them. I will probably never find a car to use them on, though....

What side is the Hella? i have a bunch of bosch and one set of mismatched as well .....my bosch light is MINT......let me know if you wanna trade (shipping of course included)

Johnt49 · #13 02-05-2010, 03:18 PM

Not all Euros have vacuum adjusters. If you find some that do, be sure to get the vac lines & control from the dash and grab the elec connectors (6 pin) too.

Rooster300SD · #14 02-05-2010, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnt49

Not all Euros have vacuum adjusters. If you find some that do, be sure to get the vac lines & control from the dash and grab the elec connectors (6 pin) too.

I have read about the vacuum control for the euros,
but have never seen one.

I assume it's next to the headlight switch?

Jeff

MBeige · #15 02-05-2010, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rooster300SD

I have read about the vacuum control for the euros,
but have never seen one.

I assume it's next to the headlight switch?

Jeff

For the w124, w126 and w201, yes they're next to the headlight switch. For the w123, they're on the center console, beside the defrost row of switches.