Finally was able to snag a set of geniune Bosch Euro headlights for my '89 420SEL off of Ebay.

When I install them I want to use the clear or smoked corner lights. There seems to be (on Ebay anyway) a great difference in price on what appear to be the same items. About $15-20 on one end all the way to $40-60+ on the other. What gives? Are the higher priced ones made by Bosch?

Any recommendations on where to buy? Brands to use or stay away from?

Also, my car is the black pearl color (kind of a charcoal-blueish-gray metallic). Should I use the clear or the smoked ones? Decisions, decisions........

Cliff

Clear for that crisp LooK!

__________________
William
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1987 420 SEL - Like a fine wine only better with age

Hello Cliff

As the long time owner of a #199 Pearl Black 1991 560SEC W126 coupe, here is my considered response:

The darker orange factory euro corner lights that come with many Bosch Euro light set ups that are sold new here, are the best way to go with that car.

It is the best look for that color and matches and completes the factory euro headlight set up. Also as a factory corner light, it would seal perfectly, and no moisture or dirt could get in there.

Or you could continue with the ligher orange US specification corner lamps, which are of good quality and would keep out dirt and water.

Smoke lights are silly, it reduces light output, and gives the inappropriate "gangsta" or "ricer" look to these cars. Forget them.

Another problem with aftermarket smoked or clear lenses is that some, especially cheaper ones, are junk, especially from Asia, and WILL let in dirt or water or cloud or crack easily.

For that reason I would avoid both the smoked and clear ones, unless I was dead set on clears, and got German made or Swedish made ones..

******************

I think your BETTER and much more important question you should be deciding is
whether or not you want to

1. Leave the American headlight wipers on the car (cheapest and easiest way)

2. Take them off, and either fill the holes in on the valance where they were and repaint them. For a smooth look that show s off the euro lights well.

3. Buy a set of the inward pointing, Euro headlights and valances, and then decide if you want the different wiper motors, dash thumbwheel adjusters, and lines for them. The ultimate look, but gets very EXPENSIVE fast!!!

A factor in this decision is whether you live in a climate where you would NEED heated headlight wipers.

Only you can decide which of the three looks is best for you, your car and your budget.

Those are my opinions based on 11 years of owning a Pearl Black W126.

YMMV

__________________
1991 560 SEC AMG, 199k <---- 300 hp 10:1 ECE euro HV ...

1995 E 420, 170k "The Red Plum" (sold)

2015 BMW 535i xdrive awd Stage 1 DINAN, 6k, <----364 hp

1967 Mercury Cougar, 49k

2013 Jaguar XF, 20k <----340 hp Supercharged, All Wheel Drive (sold)

Jim,
Thanks for your input and thoughts.

I think for the moment I'll pick up a set better made clears. I had them on my black SEC and was kind of partial to that look. I do agree that the darker orange looks good as well as thats whats on my SL.

Will keep the US wipers for now, but am searching for a set of the Euro versions. They pop up on ebay from time to time, mostly from a seller at Potomac (sp?) out east thats sells MB used parts.

Thanks,
Cliff

I have a set of the cheap clears on my SDL which I got for free, and thats all I would ever pay for them.

Get the real clear ones that cost around $50.

I'm going with those and Bosch euro's when I get the SDL painted.

__________________
2016 Corvette Stingray 2LT
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

Cliff:

Excellent choice on the headlight wipers. I too, did not get them, when my Eurolights were installed, and the US wiper look, ruins them IMO

Please post here or PM when you get them installed, what they cost, where you got them, how much $$ for used, and what components. (I think it may need a different wiper motor and lines. (not sure)

Also, do they always automatically "park correctly" when turned off? I have seen some pointing up, on cars for sale, and it looks just terrible.

I would be most grateful, as I may follow in those footsteps myself.

You may be interested to know I also bought the small fender lights like on the UK/Norwegian cars from a Mercedes dealer while on vacation in Finland, an wondering whether or not to install them or not. They blink in synchro with turn signals. Mandatory in some countries..supposedly an EZ install, but fender needed to be cut and sealed well. Would you do it?

http://www.mbcoupes.com/specialequipment/fenderindicator.htm



I have seen them in clears, also but they may be aftermarket though possibly MB has them..

I saw this actual car in Oslo Norway, a 420SEC and the owner gave us dinner.
http://www.mbcoupes.com/specialequipment/clear.htm

Any opinion on that?
Thank you.
Jim

__________________
1991 560 SEC AMG, 199k <---- 300 hp 10:1 ECE euro HV ...

1995 E 420, 170k "The Red Plum" (sold)

2015 BMW 535i xdrive awd Stage 1 DINAN, 6k, <----364 hp

1967 Mercury Cougar, 49k

2013 Jaguar XF, 20k <----340 hp Supercharged, All Wheel Drive (sold)