300E headlights - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

mwood · #1 08-09-2006, 01:37 AM

I just bought a 1993 300E and found the headlight plugs are melted; is this common? This is my first Benz so it's all new to me!

G-Benz · #2 08-09-2006, 06:33 AM

No, it's not normal.

My initial guess would be that the previous owner was not happy with the candlepower of the current bulbs (US spec headlights on these cars ARE pathetic IMHO) and went for some high-watt xenon-type bulbs or something in an effort to improve nighttime visibility. The circuit overheated from the current draw, hence the melted leads.

I also suspect that the OEM fuse probably blew when they were first switched on, so the PO "wisely" replaced the fuse with one of a higher amperage...surprised your car didn't just catch on FIRE!

mwood · #3 08-09-2006, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G-Benz

No, it's not normal.

My initial guess would be that the previous owner was not happy with the candlepower of the current bulbs (US spec headlights on these cars ARE pathetic IMHO) and went for some high-watt xenon-type bulbs or something in an effort to improve nighttime visibility. The circuit overheated from the current draw, hence the melted leads.

I also suspect that the OEM fuse probably blew when they were first switched on, so the PO "wisely" replaced the fuse with one of a higher amperage...surprised your car didn't just catch on FIRE!

Higher watt bulbe were indeed used but not xenon. I'll keep an eye on things and check the fuse amperage to make sure it's not too high. Thanks for the reply.

'91 300CE · #4 08-09-2006, 11:46 AM

If it were actual xenons it definitely would not have overloaded as they draw less power than stock 55w halogens and use a ballast to ignite the gases.

He was talking about those high-wattage, blue tinted crap bulbs in the aftermarket world that "look like HID"

You should be fine once you put stock wattage bulbs back in the car... and perfect reason to purchase new euro lights... which have MUCH better illumination.

mwood · #5 08-09-2006, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by '91 300CE

If it were actual xenons it definitely would not have overloaded as they draw less power than stock 55w halogens and use a ballast to ignite the gases.

He was talking about those high-wattage, blue tinted crap bulbs in the aftermarket world that "look like HID"

You should be fine once you put stock wattage bulbs back in the car... and perfect reason to purchase new euro lights... which have MUCH better illumination.

What are the Euro lights to which you refer? Do you have a link?

G-Benz · #6 08-09-2006, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mwood

What are the Euro lights to which you refer? Do you have a link?

Here's a link for a 300E for sale with Euro headlights installed. Compare the front facia of this car against yours...most here agree that along with the improved lighting, the Euro headlights look better...

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=123934

mwood · #7 08-11-2006, 01:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G-Benz

Here's a link for a 300E for sale with Euro headlights installed. Compare the front facia of this car against yours...most here agree that along with the improved lighting, the Euro headlights look better...

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=123934

Those lights do look nice, I'll do a search and see what they cost.
PS The place I bought my car fixed the plugs yesterday (kind of Jerry rigged them) but the fix didn't last so they put new plugs on today at no charge.

BENZ-LGB · #8 08-11-2006, 02:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G-Benz

No, it's not normal.

My initial guess would be that the previous owner was not happy with the candlepower of the current bulbs (US spec headlights on these cars ARE pathetic IMHO) and went for some high-watt xenon-type bulbs or something in an effort to improve nighttime visibility. The circuit overheated from the current draw, hence the melted leads.

I also suspect that the OEM fuse probably blew when they were first switched on, so the PO "wisely" replaced the fuse with one of a higher amperage...surprised your car didn't just catch on FIRE!

G-Benz and others are correct. The previous owner must have put higher wattage bulbs.

Go to the link below and then click further on the small picture at the bottom of the linked page. that will give you an idea of what the light assemblies look like.

I put them on my 1989 300TE and the difference is amazing.

http://www.performanceproducts4benz.com/productpage.aspx?pid=102238&name=European+Headlight+Assembly

brandob9 · #9 08-11-2006, 11:55 AM

What's the collective opinion on the Katmac jobs? They look like they might be alright.

Some of the ones one Ebay crack me up. Some of them are ok looking, but

.
I don't think these are too bad:

But then again, I'm using my 300e as a kayaking and skiing rig, so I don't care about looks. I only care about how well things work. The back view looks as though they are least using H4's, so the light output should be decent. Again, it's just an odd opinion from a guy who uses a 300e to go whitewater kayaking 4-5 times a week. I can't wait for ski season!

This meanwhile, is just plain hideous:

BENZ-LGB · #10 08-11-2006, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brandob9

What's the collective opinion on the Katmac jobs? They look like they might be alright.

Some of the ones one Ebay crack me up. Some of them are ok looking, but

.
I don't think these are too bad:

But then again, I'm using my 300e as a kayaking and skiing rig, so I don't care about looks. I only care about how well things work. The back view looks as though they are least using H4's, so the light output should be decent. Again, it's just an odd opinion from a guy who uses a 300e to go whitewater kayaking 4-5 times a week. I can't wait for ski season!

This meanwhile, is just plain hideous:

Many of the off-brand lights, including DEPO and TYC have problems with the lenses. Do a search here.

If you are concerned with good light output I would get Bosch lights.

mwood · #11 08-11-2006, 09:42 PM

I was also wondering about the lights offered on Ebay; are any of them good quality?

BENZ-LGB · #12 08-11-2006, 10:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mwood

I was also wondering about the lights offered on Ebay; are any of them good quality?

Do a search and you will find lots of info on Depo and TYC lights and the other off-brands.

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