W124 Euro lights installation - Advice needed
 

So I have my new Bosch Euros and I'm planning my install. I've done some research on this site and others and have read as many of the threads as possible regarding installation. I've learned quite a bit but I also now have some new questions...;) if anyone could help out, I'd really appreciate it. I want to install this weekend, so any timely advice would be welcome!

1. Relays/wiring. Should I just use the existing system (i.e. keep all factory wiring as is and just switch the multi-pin connectors)?
Or is it a good idea/advisable to install the lights with new, heavier gauge (12ga) wiring such that they receive power directly from the alternator through relays (i.e. run new, heavier wiring from alternator, with fuses, into relays to the lights)?

2. Bulbs. From the posts, I've decided to go with a Xenon H4 bulb, 60/55W. If I were to go to the stronger 100/55W can the existing wiring support this?

3. Vacuum control. I'm going to hook up the vacuum levelling control. Can I just tap into the Economy gauge vacuum without screwing anything up?

I think that's it for now. I'll be documenting the procedure with pics this weekend, and I'll send them in to the site when I'm done. Thanks!

Could you pl.s tell me where you got your EuroLights from.
I have been looking at locating some in easter Canada, but so far, the only thing I could find was a set of Bosch at $590CAN plus shipping
Any tips? Thanks
JackD

IF you use the 60/55w H4 bulbs, then the existing wiring will work just fine. However, using the O.E. wiring to connect the 100/55w bulbs is risky from what I've gathered on this board.

Would be wise to re-wire with higher gauge wiring if going with the 100/55w's.

Good luck and enjoy your much improved lighting!

~Paul

___________________
'91 300E, 212K miles

Jackd -

I've done quite a bit of searching for Canadian sources and they're not cheap anywhere. :rolleyes: If you want Bosch or Hella, they will cost at least $550. I paid $275 CDN for each side, so a total of $550, shipping included. I purchased them directly through my mechanic. I've known him for over 10 years, so the markup was minimal. This was for the Bosch Euros, complete with the vacuum hookup and with side markers (orange).

Paul -

Thanks for the tip, that's what I figured. I'm just wondering if it is worth the hassle... Will 100/55W really give a visible difference over 60/55W Xenons? Larry Bible stated that's it's more to do with the reflector in the lights than the bulbs...

lol...so many choices...;)

any more advice out there??

http://lighting.mbz.org/tech/how_to/relays

http://lighting.mbz.org/tech/how_to/aim

http://www.mbca.org/w124.htm

also search this site for a post called "procedure to convert connectors for euro headlights

This was a post by barrie that explains it quite well.

With all that information at your fingertips you should have no problems. I have all the sites I posted plus a couple of threads here printed and ready to be used for saturday's install.

Alon

I printed Barrie's post as well. Very helpful! Thx Barrie...;)

Alon - are you adding the relays/wiring or keeping it stock?

I just installed Hella E-codes in my '92 300D; cost me $293 U.S. + $12 U.S. shipping, and I had them in 4 days. Got them from Paul at PUMA (www.puma-access.com), who also sold me proper 500E E-codes for $350/pair.

I stayed with the OE wiring; if it's good enough for MBZ, it's good enough for me, especially considering I'm running Hella "+50" bulbs, which are 55/60W but reportedly put out 50% more light than their standard bulb.Don't bother with over-wattage bulbs-for the hassles involved there is minimal gain with E-code lights. They are already pretty darn bright, dramatically moreso than the US/DOT crap our US cars come with:rolleyes:

If I were to upgrade my bulbs, FWIW I really like PIAA Xtreme White bulbs (run 'em in my other cars; they are expensive, though, but PUMA has them cheapest)

zeus,

i think you can just tap into another vacuum source and keep your econ guage if you want.

also i agree with michael, i've had over wattage bulbs withseemingly no problems. i may have been lucky.

with the +50 bulbs available i feel more comfortable with them.

try the philips or osram silverstars from www.powerbulbs.com

they have free shipping worldwide.

i recently bought the "blue vision" city light bulbs.

give them a try.

you can easily buy 4 bulbs [2 pairs] h4's, 2 h3's, and new blue vision city light bulbs for what those piaa ones would cost for a pair of h4's.

just a thought

peter

hey you guys...
i got my lights for 260.00 total...
and they're awesome quality built lights....
woo hoo...

mush,

Did you and Alon get together yet and Install?

Where did you get them from?

Thanks

were meeting on saturday for the install.

I am rewiring with relays. to me its well worth it. I bought wire and all, and I plan on doing it just because I want to know I can run high watt bulbs if I want with no worrying about the switch or wiring, if it just happens to become a problem.

Everything will be soldered. I am also thinking of wiring up the city lights to a seperate switch, so I can run them with or without parking lights. :)

In anycase, I'll have pics of the install. I'm planning on going all out and covering the wire too with wire covers to make it look clean.

Hopefully I wont have ot make any trips to pep boys to pickup any extra gear, though I should have everything. although we may have to zoom down to pickup some more wire if we need it for rich's car.

Alon

Damn, I really wish I could join you guys...sounds like fun! Oh well, you'll hear my curses if things go wrong on my end...;)

Thanks for the advice everyone. I'm going to use stock wiring, the +50 bulbs and I'll tap into the vacuum gauge. I'm going the simple route.

Zeus:

Do you have the 'STAR' article on doing the conversion? I have it if you need it.

JCE -

No, I don't have the article. I would really appreciate a copy if you could send me one. Let me know if you need a fax or e-mail...Thanks!

Chris

chris

actually that article was hyper linked by ashman, earlier in this thread.

ignore the part numbers for the vacuum adjuster parts, they are not the authentic ones i sent you earlier.

jce is a good man and he knows his euro lights- if only he'd get the vacuum adjustment feature hooked up.

LOL

peter