In the process of putting DEPO headlights in a 1981 300SD. Car harness has a four pin connector and the new headlights have a 5 pin connector that is incompatible with the headlights themselves. Is there an adapter or another plug that I can wire to the car's headlight harness to make these work. I have searched the forum, but could not find a definitive answer. As always, thanks for the help. Photos attached. First photo is the car wiring harness and the second is the headlight unit itself.

Attached Thumbnails

   

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CW

1991 300D 2.5 Turbo-199,000 mi.
1981 300 SD-79,000 mi.

No Fears, this is an easy fix. I installed these lights on my 300SD 1984 model and it was brilliant good fun. You're going to need a multimeter, and a pair of 6 pin connectors. They look just like the four plug only longer with two more holes. You can split open the box with a flatheat screw driver or a set of picks. The connector coming from the car (female connections) when opened reveals a set of wires with little individual female connectors, there are four (since there are four wires.) To find out what eacxh wire is have a helper turn on various positions of the lights that you call out, ie; "Headlights!" or "Fog Lights" or "High Beams" as you test the female connections for voltage. Write down what wire goes to what light setting.

Next take one of your headlight assemblies. Test each circuit for continuity, meaning identify which of the male connections goes to which circuit by setting your multimeter to read Ohms and placing the red probe on the male connection and the black probe on the actual plug for a headlight. If the circuit reads infinite resistance they don't connect, if it reads close to zero you've found a circuit. Meaning the male plug on the headlight assy. provides power to the plug for the actual bulb. Now you're getting somewhere!! Make a quick drawing of which plug on the headlight assy powers which circuit. Then arrange the female connector wires to coordinate the power from the car when the switch is turned (ie if headlights are the brown wire and the second pin on the headlight assy then make sure the connectors in the box go to the right pins on the headlight assembly.)

Mount the headlights and connect your newly "arranged/constructed" six pin boxes.

Good info. I did the same install on my 85 300SD a couple of months ago with some great help from others here. I can email or fax you the diagrams I was sent. Also the initial adjustment for these is a bit of a pain. So make sure you have the assembly adjusted before you get down to fine adjustment using the knobs. It really was easy.
Alan

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92 500E Silver 66k
82 Porsche 911SC 84K
68 Cadillac ( Gone Now )
03 Suburban Z71 200K
85 300SD 217k From Original Owner ( Dad )

Hey I almost forgot. I have the P/N 's for the connectors from the stealership if you want.
Send me a PM if you need them.
Alan

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92 500E Silver 66k
82 Porsche 911SC 84K
68 Cadillac ( Gone Now )
03 Suburban Z71 200K
85 300SD 217k From Original Owner ( Dad )

Search harder.

http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/W126EuroLights

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'85 300SD (formerly california emissions)
'08 Chevy Tahoe
'93 Ducati 900 SS
'79 Kawasaki KZ 650
'86 Kawasaki KX 250
'88 Kawasaki KDX200
'71 Hodaka Ace 100
'72 Triumph T100R

Or get them from the salvage yard. I found 6 pin connectors were used for tail laights in 123's.

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Charles
1983 300D, bought new, 215k+ miles, donated to Purple Hearts veterans charity but I have parts for sale: http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=296386

ook upHere are the new numbers from stealership however as said above the connectors for 123's as well as 124 and possibly others models will work.
I know on the U.S. 124's it is the tail light connector that you need.
New #s
Cable connectors and cover/lids
006-545-80-28
009-545-30-28
Pin Bushings ( metal contacts/ wire posts)
003-545-26-26
I was sent wiring info from some kind people here including the city lights hook up. I if needed PM me. The biggest pain with the Depos was initial adjustment.
Alan

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92 500E Silver 66k
82 Porsche 911SC 84K
68 Cadillac ( Gone Now )
03 Suburban Z71 200K
85 300SD 217k From Original Owner ( Dad )

I need the diagram as to which line to tap for power to the city lights; thanks for any heads up.


-Carlen

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1987 560SEL (210,000 miles)

I have them as generously supplied by 2 other members here. I will pull them from my car file when I get home and send them to you.
Alan

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92 500E Silver 66k
82 Porsche 911SC 84K
68 Cadillac ( Gone Now )
03 Suburban Z71 200K
85 300SD 217k From Original Owner ( Dad )

Thank you kindly! I'm out to buy some 12 gauge wire and scotch locks now, and will be ready for the install tonight!



Thanks,

Carlen

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1987 560SEL (210,000 miles)

Alan,

No need for the diagram, I figured it out on my own. For future searchers, the Euro city lights are 4W bulbs, 1893 by GE for $2.99. the line you need to tap is the grey/black wire on the left turn signal, and the grey/red wire on the right turn signal.


Good luck out there,


Carlen

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1987 560SEL (210,000 miles)

Cool, They make a big difference in appearance as well as night time driving.
Alan

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92 500E Silver 66k
82 Porsche 911SC 84K
68 Cadillac ( Gone Now )
03 Suburban Z71 200K
85 300SD 217k From Original Owner ( Dad )

Assuming this isnt for "turn signals" but instead is the "Running lamp" circuit, thus not flashing with t-sigs?

I wouldnt want city lights to flash, that would be silly.

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83 300TD (need rear wiper assembly dead or alive)
84 300SD Daily driver
85 300TD almost 400k miles and driven daily.
98 E300D *sold
86 300SDL *sold and made flawless 10 hour journey to new home.

TLN Autoparts has 1 set of headlights left for sale for the S CLASS W126 80'-91' for $125 plus shipping! First one to call or e-mail them will get them, same day shipping.

Their info is:
661-775-0500
customerservice@tlnautoparts.com

(They also have the clear corners and clear/red tail lights)