Anybody got pics of 94-95 w124 grille?

[Badinfo]

Yea. Does anyone have a pic of that grill? I am thinking about getting a 94-95 style hood, and I wanted the avante guard grill style, but I can't seem to find it. So I was wondering what the 94-95 stock grill looks like?

[Badinfo]

Yea, just a pic of the front end of the car, including the lights, and top of hood if possible.

[rockjockjh]

Here is a pick of my 1994 E420 W124. Hope it helps.

[Badinfo]

Hey. Thanks a bunch. I guess the only difference is the grill surround...

[suginami]

I have a 93, and I examined the picture real closely and compared it to mine, and the only difference I see is the grill. It appears sort of 'recessed', whereas mine looks like it's added on the end of the hood. I also read in a Mercedes book that the change was in the grill to share the new family grill as the new C-class and S-class.

I've been told that the shape of the hood is also different, but I don't see it. I've looked at 94-95's when I've see them in a parking lot, and I couldn't tell the difference either.

Also, this book lists the only differences between the 93 and 94-95's are: the grill, the headlights, rear tail lights (red and clear only, no yellow), and the trim on the trunk (a small chrome strip below the star, instead of the black plastic strip that runs the whole length of the trunk between the tail lights.

I've read repeatedly many members wanting to update their cars visually to the 94-95's. I think replacing the hood to the updated grill is not worth it. The changes in the grill are so small even under close inspection that I don't think even owners of 94-95's could tell the difference if you didn't tell them what to look for.

In my opinion, the items I'd change that would have the greatest visual impact are, in order: headlights, trunk, tail lights, hood. Naturally with the new trunk I'd put on the E320 numbers as well. I've already replaced the 300E to E320 on my car. It really bothers me that Mercedes added the new 3.2 liter engine to my year, gave it the updated interior with the airbag, but didn't change the badge on the trunk. If they would've called mine a 300E 3.2, like the 300E 2.8 or the 300E 2.6, I wouldn't mind.

I guess I'm too anal retentive...

[Ashman]

There is a good difference wbetwen the chrome bolt on grill frame of the pre 1994 cars, and the newer design of the 1994-1995 cars.

The changes from what I know are as follows:
Hood and grill
Headlights
Taillight lenses
Chrome handle on trunk
Impact strip on rear bumper goes almost allt he way tot he rear wheels
Front bumper impact strip is smoother and color matched to lower trim.
Different wheels
Different naming I.E. E320/E420/E500 vs 300E/400E/500E

Other than that, some minor interior changes may have been done, but probably not noticable, but there is a big noticable difference between the look of a 1994 model fornt and a pre 1994 model front.

I like them both as long as they have euros.

Alon

[suginami]

I still can't tell the difference between the shape of 94-95 and earlier hoods, other than the grill.

I'd like to add that I just noticed the star hood ornament is actually placed on the hood, instead of placed on top of the grill.

Either way, I like both grills.

Ashman pointed out some additional changes, including the bumpers, wheels, etc. that the book failed to point out.

All of the interior changes to the W124 were implemented for the 1993 model 300E.

It's interesting that all of the dealer receipts for service that I have list the model description of my car as 93 300E / E320.

I've also heard that even though the E400 changed to E 420 in 1994, the E400 engine was actually 4.2 liters. I could be wrong, though...

I also agree with Ashman, Euro headlights seem to make a huge difference to the appearance of these cars. The illumination is also apparently vastly superior.

They have them for sale of E-bay right now for $260.00. Anybody know if these are any good?

[rockjockjh]

I've looked at the Euros on Ebay, also, and I am not sure if they are totally Euro. They look no different from the semi-Euros that I have on right now(1994 E420). The true Euro headlights should look like the ones on the site listed below. I would research the ones on ebay right now (sold by mercedes991) if you are thinking about getting them.

http://www.hella.com/produktion/HellaPortal/WebSite/Internet_en/ProductsServices/ForWholesalers/Lighting/Specific/MercedesW124.jsp

[suginami]

I've looked at Hella's and the pair on E-bay, and it's too hard to tell the difference. I'll post the link, but the description does say they are European headlamps and that they are made of glass.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=600085320&r=0&t=0&showTutorial=0&ed=1010852829&indexURL=0&rd=1

He also says that they can be used with the already pre-wired MB system, but later says included are installation instructions and connectors.

I've heard that the European lights require a 6-pin? or 5-pin? connector. I wonder if this is what is being referred to.

I will go to European when I save the money, I just want to make sure I get the real deal.

[Badinfo]

I bought my set of euros from Tigris Intl in houston for $300 shipped... their number was 713-628-1362. They are supposed to come in on Tuesday, I will keep you guys posted.

[need2speed]

Funny thing about that grille....when people see it in their rearview mirror they tend to get out of the way!

[suginami]

I've done some research on the Euro headlights.

The lights from Tigris Intl are made by a company called (Ziggler?) in Germany, are apparently 'real' Euros, made of glass, and are identical to Bosch's when compared side-by-side.

The lights available on e-bay are also made in Germany by a company called 'Depo', and the importer mentions that they are one of the leading manufacturers of head lights in Germany, and are competitors with Hella and Bosch. Again, he commented that the quality is superb, and are indistinguishable from original units. These can be had apparently for $250.00 delivered to me in California. They are in Florida.

Does anyone have experience or heard anything about either of these companies?

Parts shop has original units also for sale, and if I remember correctly, they were about $225.00 per side, approx. $450.00 for the pair.

[Ashman]

DEPO = Made in Taiwan actually.

My front clear corners are made by depo, and on the box, it has a stamp that says - made in taiwan.

So I am going to assume the ones that you saw by depo were made in taiwan and not in germany.

I could be wrong, but Just letting you know what my depo box from my front indicators says about where it is made.

Alon

[suginami]

Thanks for the heads up. I'm hoping that the fellow on e-bay was simply confused or perhaps misspoke. I would hate to think that he was actually trying to deceive me...

Even though your clear corners were made in Taiwan, are you happy with the quality?

I've noticed some comments about clear corners, but don't understand what they are for. I've looked at a lot of cars recently, looking to see if the corners were clear or amber, and there is not pattern. In fact, I've noticed most Japanese / American cars don't have clear corners. Why are they preferred? Do most people like the look better? I'm also assuming that if the glass (or plastic) is not amber, then the bulb must be amber.

I'm just trying to figure out if I should jump on clear corners when I buy the Euro lights.

If you haven't already noticed, I tend to be obsessed with every detail and scenario and analyze the hell out of every aspect before I decide what to do.

It's both a curse and a blessing...

[Badinfo]

Hey, I just got my euro lights from Tigris. I payed 300 shipped, and I was very happy with the service. They shipped promptly and the lights actually came in yester, which means they shipped out the day I ordered... not a bad deal. The units themsleves appear to be of high quality. The front is all glass, they seem to have the chromed out main beam reflector, not just painted silver. They also have the vacuum adjustment system. The build is excelent, all the seals fit tight, and the unit feels very solid. I am going to have to wait untill the front of my car gets put back together before I can see the results of these lights, but they seem to be a good deal so far...