Can you upgrade headlights from the pre-86 to the 86 and up with wipers? has any one done it.
Regards,
Bryan

Yes you can install the newer "euro looking" 1986 & later lights. They will bolt right in.

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Don't waste your time with the US-spec'd versions.
"The ‘86-up W126s in the US and Canada got really rotten headlamps. 9004 junk. Dim, narrow beam pattern with way too much upward stray light (backscatter in bad weather) and not enough seeing light. There is no bulb that fixes this. European-spec headlamps are the fix. Much wider, brighter illumination with far less glare to other road users and to yourself in bad weather. The inbuilt fog lamps are far more effective than the US items, and the flush/aerodymanic all-glass lens which covers the entire headlamp/fog lamp can be replaced if it is ever damaged."

__________________
Chris

'04 ML500 - 53k, Inspiration Edition, Desert Silver
'11 Audi A4 Avant - Brilliant Black
'87 300SDL sold
'99 C280 Sport sold
'85 190E 2.3 sold

Bill,

This really has me thinking now.

I thought that my only option was to put on the Euro lights (still not even sure what these are )

But you seem to indicate that light assemblies from other models and years will possibly fit.

What options would I have for an '85 300SD? and what kinda money we talking about to do something like this?

You have two feasible options:
1. replace your existing sealed beam units with high performance Hella units.
2. convert to the Euro style lights (Original-equipment Bosch E-code headlamps are $289/side).

Both options can be purchased through Daniel Stern Lighting at You can email him with any questions - he is very responsive.

__________________
Chris

'04 ML500 - 53k, Inspiration Edition, Desert Silver
'11 Audi A4 Avant - Brilliant Black
'87 300SDL sold
'99 C280 Sport sold
'85 190E 2.3 sold

What type of lighting difference could I expect compared to the stock lights?

Are we talking $50 or $500 to do the conversion?

ck42,
See my earlier post and contact Daniel directly with specific questions.

__________________
Chris

'04 ML500 - 53k, Inspiration Edition, Desert Silver
'11 Audi A4 Avant - Brilliant Black
'87 300SDL sold
'99 C280 Sport sold
'85 190E 2.3 sold

Thanks for that info.....a little pricier than what I expected tho

What kind of lighting improvement could I expect for all that cash?

I've already got the euro-spec lights on my '84 SD. Didn't know it tho' till I went to the wrecking yard to get a replacement front glass after a rock did it in. They didn't have any used ones, but ordered me a new Bosch unit. Cost $105.00 for just the glass. Was easy to replace. Just has a series of clips holding it on. Had to first remove the turn signal unit, and then remove the small body panel just below the headlight assy.

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'68 220D
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'67 230
'84 SD
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'06 Lexus RX330
'93 Ford F-250
'96 Corvette
'99 Polaris 700 RMK sled
2011 Polaris Assault
'86 Yamaha TT350(good 'ol thumper)

These the right ones?

I guess I'd just leave the stock blinker assembly in place if I got something like this? Or, maybe get some new blinkers like these

I can get a set of 90 350sdl lights with wipers for free that why I asked. I just wanted to check before I accepted them. MB DOC Any Responce on my trans modulator problem post????
Thanks All
Bryan

Just wondering, besides the cool factor (hey, I like what they look like ), what's the point behind having the headlight wipers?

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Previous oilburners: 1980 IH Scout, 1984 E-350, 1985 M-B 300D, 1979 M-B 300SD, 1983 M-B 300D
Spark-free since 1999

I would think that is 80% of it...they just look cool.......however they really do work in a rainy nasty weather...they do make a difference in your vision on a dark rainy path

Warren
1992 300SD
Columbus Ohio