euro headlight question
 

I know guys, I know. "do a search" you'll say. Well, I have done several and I still have a question. I bought a new set of Depo lights to convert my '85 SD. I need to go from a 4 prong plug to a 5 prong plug on the new lights. I have found the wiring conversion colors and number pins. But I am looking to splice my wires directly into a 5 prong male plug. So in the end I can just plug it in and go. Also, I bought a pair of 90/100 watt xenon bulbs. Are these too powerful? Will I melt something? Also, I don't want to lose my fogs.......is there an orange or yellow H3 bulb??????


HELP!!!!!!

You should install relays and heavier wiring downstream of the relays so you don't fry your wires.

I've never seen an orange or yellow H3 bulb but I know some cars have a yellow cup that goes over the bulb so it casts yellow light. The cup goes in the casing and doesn't touch the bulb. It's not like those tips you fit over the gauge cluster bulbs of a Honda to get a green or purple glow.

I've only seen this in original applications. I've never seen the cup available separately or as an add-on.

Sixto
91 300SE
87 300SDL
83 300SD

Here is a great site for lighting products/technical info.
I just purchased 55w Gold H3 bulbs. They cast a yellow light for the fogs. They cost me about $13 each.

http://lighting.mbz.org/home.html

The plug has 5 pins and a dummy. You need a 6 pin connector not a 5. No splicing involved, just open the connector and move the wires and pins into the new plug - at the proper locations of course. All the part numbers are in the archives as is the pin layout for the Euro lights.

The Osram silverstar H4's are more than enough for main bulbs, with no worries of melting wiring. Look at Osram all-season H3's for a yellow/gold bulb. The Sylvanias with the same name are not exactly the same bulb, only buy the Osrams if you can. I recently paid $57 for a pair of H4's and a pair of H3's. Great bulbs and not expensive.

Bob H.

My 86 Euro SE has a vacum head light adjusting switch on the dash just left of the steering colum
it allows you to adjust the headlights depending on the weight in the rear seat and trunk.Should I add Euro lights would they have a vacum fitting on them? the lines from the switch are there but plugged......
William Rogers............

Mr. Tangas,

The plugs on the car are a FEMALE 4 hole with a locator/alignment hole. The new lights have 5 pins (male). Where do you get the 6 pin thing. I have tried to fit my 4 hole plug (from the car) directly to the new lights. I don't see how taking apart the plug on the car and rearranging the pins will get me anywhere. The plug just wont fit the new lights.
Thanks

I have no idea where to get the six pin connector case except for the dealer. You will need a patient parts man. Follow Mikes instructions, don't "cut and splice."

The vast majority of the headlighting quality is due to reflector shape, not the bulb. Your headlighting will be DRASTICALLY improved with your Euro headlights. You will have absolutely no need for high wattage lights. The added current will eventually ruin your wiring and the added heat inside the headlight assemblies will ruin your expensive Euro lights.

Try the standard bulbs first and then start adjusting the lights. After they are adjusted, then if you STILL think you need brighter bulbs, use relays for the wiring, but still expect eventual headlight assembly damage from the added heat.

Enjoy,

Here's the part numbers for the correct connectors:
qty (2) - 006 545 80 28 - six-pin electrical connector, socket
qty (2) - 009 545 30 28 - six-pin electrical connector, cover
qty (4) - 003 545 26 26 - pin, connector

The pins will allow you to resolder/splice a jumper cleanly to each side's parking light to operate the city lights, if so equipped.

(part number corrected, 4/16/03)

Actually one only needs to buy 2 female pin sockets to activate the city lights. No need to replace all of the female sockets.

Mike, I think you are absolutely correct. I was looking at the parts list that came with my eurolight kit and it said (12) pins, but thinking about it, you only need (2) additional ones for the city light wires; you reuse all the other pins from the current connectors - they just pop out of the old connector and pop in to the new. I would suggest getting (2) additional (total (4)), though as it is easier to use a new pin at the parking lot end (for the jumper cable) rather than trying to get all of the solder out of the existing pin when you add the jumper. With a real hot solder gun, reuse wouldn't be a problem, but my gun is rather pathetic, so a new pin made it easier. YMMV.

william rogers: my car had the exact same thing. As far as I know, aftermarket lights do not have the vacuum adjust...only OEM Bosch do. When I got my Bosch lights, they had the vacuum adjust. There is a little plastic nipple on the back of the headlight.

There are not many 86-91 euros over here, other than it being an SE...tell me more about your car...I'd be interested to hear.

TYC brand does have Vacuum adjusters.

The Depo's I bought have a vacuum adjust. Looks like very nice quality.

Alright then :) I have heard of some aftermarkets not having it, so I assumed they all didn't.... guess not!