Smashed Headlight - Time to Go Euro - Help and Advice? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

stephenson · #1 10-25-2006, 02:46 PM

Deer impact pretty thoroughly smashed driver's side headlight assembly ... going into body shop next week ...

Now is the time if there ever was one, to do swap with Euro lights ... I followed several posts a few years ago, but never took the jump.

Have informed body shop will be swapping and they said no problem, but did ask the right questions about wiring harness and plugs, the wiper and motor, and the ability of the current wiring to handle increased current drawn by the additional bulb load.

I would appreciate the benefit of someone else's experience on this topic!

1. Bosch or aftermarket (as my wife says, "it's a 16 year old diesel!" when I try to high end ... would the aftermarket be "good enough?" Supplier options?

2. Should I simply remove the wipers and motors and replace with new panel without the holes? The arm and motor are trashed on one side ... if I don't really "need" the wipers, I may be able to trade off the cost back into the price of the lights.

3. How much labor should I expect to have to pay for the rewiring that body shop will be doing to modify - or, should I just have them do the physical installation and I do the wiring? Didn't sound hard previously, but sometimes is easier to just "get 'er done" while other activities are occuring ....

Here's one of the offerings ... have no idea is good, bad, or what ...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Mercedes-W126-300SD-420SEL-560SEL-European-Headlights_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33710QQihZ004QQitemZ140044938698QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

Would like to know what my near term options are - need the assemblies by next week ... they can go in last ...

Thanks!!!!

stephenson · #2 10-25-2006, 02:52 PM

Late add ...

The side lamp assembly smashed also - is there law requiring the amber side marker or what? Looks like some of the complete assemblies are all clear with different color bulbs ...?

Thanls, again!

sixto · #3 10-25-2006, 03:44 PM

There's some debate on whether Bosch or Hella is better. Then Depo then TYC. I haven't heard of any functional problems, just comments on build quality. All depends on what you want to spend and how hard you want to work. You can get used OE on eBay for the price of Depo or TYC but you have to deal with eBay.

Depo and TYC sets usually come with clear corners. It's a matter of taste. I believe DOT requires an amber reflector in the front corner visible from the side. The lens can be clear but the light should burn amber. Something like that.

Blank valence panels are $12-13 retail from MB. DOT wipers don't fit properly or look right over Euro headlights, IMO, but they serve the function. A set of Euro wipers will probably cost you more than you'll pay for Euro headlights. Euro valences have wiper holes in different location than US valences.

The are wiring guides in the archives. You have to have the 4-pin connectors (might come with Depo and TYC sets), then pop open the old connectors and move pins around. No soldering or crimping unless you want to activate the city lights.

There's the option to have vacuum headlight vertical adjustment. OE will have mechanisms for sure. Depo might, TYC doesn't come equipped but might be able to retrofit. You'll also need a Euro headlight switch panel with a headlight adjustment thumbwheel.

Euro headlight fitment on a US SDL is tight. You might have to trim the airflow meter slightly for clearance. The headlight or the airflow meter has to come off to change bulbs.

Sixto
93 300SD

sixto · #4 10-25-2006, 03:45 PM

If you go without wipers, disable the headlight washer pump at the rerservoir. I believe it's the pump closer to the fender.

Sixto
93 300SD

stephenson · #5 10-25-2006, 04:00 PM

Thanks, Sixto ...

Given my circumstances, value of the car, and mileage (190K plus) ... I would like to do the lower cost, but not at the expense of good quality ...

Do I really even need the wipers? The blank panels would just need to be painted (they are replacing one side anyway)

What would you do in like circumstances?

Jim's500E · #6 10-25-2006, 04:57 PM

Buy a used set of genuine OE euro-lites off eBay.de. Just my 2 cents. About the same price as the new knock-offs. Many sellers take PayPal now and will ship to the USA for a few extra euros.

You can put on whatever side marker lite you wish: amber, US clear (with amber rectangle reflector, full euro-clear (no amber side reflector), or euro-amber (no side reflector). I don't beleive there is a law in any state that mandates (or enforces) amber trun signals anymore, or the side reflectors in them.

ScotzBenz · #7 10-25-2006, 05:18 PM

I put a set of TYC's purchased from Katmak in my 400E because I was on a budget. Fit was fine, improvement in lighting was dramatic, wiring none too hard (15 minutes). I know that the purists out there will Poo-poo the aftermarket-ness, as well as me having modified my US spec wipers to work(not too easy), but it was this or new plastic doors - which in my opinion are a huge wa$te. If you can source OEM parts, all the better-on-you. However, I bid on them and got a really great price , so I can't complain on any front...Scotz

sixto · #8 10-25-2006, 07:03 PM

I put plain valences when I put Euro headlights in my 300SDL (sold). I got used OE headlights a friend was selling for $160. I'd go TYC if I had to do it again. As mentioned, the improvement over DOT lighting is dramatic.

Sixto
93 300SD

stephenson · #9 10-27-2006, 05:36 PM

Took a look at lots of photos - the totally clear look is pretty cool (just taste issue, I guess) ... since I need BOTH heads and sides, have to fit under the top line for replacing one set with a used set (about 300 from insurance company) and need them now, think will have to go aftermarket ... TYC or Depo?

Can you guys provide best sources for direct ordering? Need to get them ordered this weekend!

Always appreciate opinions on best look, too - my W126 is white ... whatdoyathink?

Thanks!!

stephenson · #10 10-28-2006, 11:08 AM

OK - found what appear to be TYC from Katmac for $249 .... and, an undescribed version from Importvision (IVD4401102LDCOMBO for $205 for lights and clear sides, or IVD4401102 with "real glass" for $195 for lights only).

Looks like the Katmac products comes with connectors, wiring for city lights and instructions - can't tell if the Importvision comes with anything other than the lights themselves ...

stephenson · #11 11-04-2006, 03:49 PM

Change 52!

Found new Bosch fronts and sides and will be swapping out valences (eliminaing need for the wiper and arm replacements will help offset cost of Bosch units) ... car is in bodyshop now - will let everyone know how it goes ....

Thanks for all the advice - I just kinda got cold feet on the KYC and Depo options ...

STORMINORMAN · #12 11-04-2006, 09:39 PM

...he's an O-E-M Man!

Cheers!

brewtoo · #13 03-06-2007, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim's500E

Buy a used set of genuine OE euro-lites off eBay.de.

Hmmm...My German is a little rusty.

Is there a way to see that site in plain Amercan English?

Thanks

Jim's500E · #14 03-06-2007, 12:34 PM

Knowing some German helps but is not necessary IMO....many if not most Germans speak some English these days. If you did find something you wanted, best would be to contact the seller directly before bidding to see what is up. I do not know if the eBay.de site can be viewed in English, prolly not.

Try Paul here; he may be able to get you new OE euro-lites...http://www.puma-access.com/online-store/scstore/

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