Mike Chandler

I have a '96 C280. One headlight lens has a rock chip and the other lens is cracked. The dealer tells me that the entire headlight assembly must be replaced at over $500 per side. He says the lenses on the '97-'00 can be replaced separately, but the entire unit must be replaced on the '94-'96 models.

What are the differences between the '94-'96 and '97-'00 headlights?

If I can find some cheaper headlights from a '97-'00, could I use those in place of the originals on my '96?

Is it possible to replace just the glass lens on the headlights used in the '96 model?

Any recommendations for dealers?

GDawgC220

Unfortunately, yes, 94-96 you have to replace the entire headlamp assembly. They changed the assembly in 97 with something similar, but now they have two seperate bulbs for lo-beam and hi-beam, whereas 94-96, you only had one H4 bulb for the lo-hi combination.

I have heard tho that you can find lens replacements online somewhere...my right side is cracked with a "bullet effect spider web" at the base and then a line up from there. Hasn't gone through the entire plastic there, just on the surface. But i'm sure someday, it will split open.

Try running a search and look for replacement lens or something like that.

eddieo45

If that headlight were to "accidentally" get smashed, your Mass. insurance would replace it for $0 deductible (just did my 2 lenses, one with crack, one with hole...also got reimbursed for the driver's side heated rear view mirror glass).

ABsC280

that sounds about right. my insurance pays for most windshield repairs from rocks or anything with 0 ded. why not the glass headlight. it saves them money in the longrun.

GDawgC220

Really? That would be very good...cuz my "bullet hole" is smack dab in the middle and you can see it very clearly. The crack has moved upwards all the way around the top of the headlight assembly. I do have a windshield/glass/mirror coverage so I pay no deductable or costs from my insurance to have any of that replaced. Who you got for insurance?

GDawgC220

Really? That would be very good...cuz my "bullet hole" is smack dab in the middle and you can see it very clearly. The crack has moved upwards all the way around the top of the headlight assembly. I do have a windshield/glass/mirror coverage so I pay no deductable or costs from my insurance to have any of that replaced. Who you got for insurance?

eddieo45

Norfolf and Dedham, but $0 deductible on glass is mandatory in Mass. Call your agent (as I did) for the process; my body shop just had to fax a bill.

GDawgC220

Hmmm...I will call my auto insurance tomorrow to make sure and setup something if it's tru Thanks man.

I use electric insurance btw.

eddieo45

electric insurance? I'm from Mass my entire (LONG) life and I've never heard of them. BTW, I lokked at a couple of "00 230K's today in Easton, but I didn't pursue them. I know I'm nuts, but I only want silver, Sport, and 2-tone seats: a twin of my 280!

ABsC280

my insurance is called wawanesa. anybody heard of them. anyways absolutely the cheapest and best in sd. they only take low risk people and advertise by word of mouth. they have paid for 2 of my windsheild repairs so far. 0 ded. not 100% about the glass on the headlight, but it's always worth to ask.

Mike Chandler

I checked with my insurance company (Geico). I have a $1000 deductable, and with the headlights each costing $500.37 from the dealer, an insurance claim won't do much good. I've seen some headlights online for about half the price the dealer wants. I'm not in a rush, so I'll keep an eye on the auction sites too. Thanks everyone for all the help...

sph17

This guy is parting out his W202, and has/had a healight assembly available. May be worth your while to check with him. Also you could check with Junk Yards.

http://www.club202.com/forums/showth...&threadid=3042

Good Luck

GDawgC220

haha. Its a good combo. I guess its kinda like our family....all silver cars with the exception of the audi :p

Yeah, we use to be with Commerce Insurance but then switched. Electric isn't bad at all. www.electricinsurance.com

eddieo45

who drives what in that household, GDawg?

GDawgC220

pretty much whoever takes which car and what's leftover for the other drivers who needs to go out :p

only drivers in my house are mom, pops and me. Usually my pops will take the Audi to work. Almost no one drives the C220 but me. And the S and ML are for whoever. Kinda alternates, lol.