New to MB; question about headlight shell opacity
#1
New to MB; question about headlight shell opacity
Thinking about getting a W203 but notice that some models have a "foggy" opaque quality (like a thick layer of old plastic) to the headlights while others are clear and sharp. I've read that in 2004, MB did some updates but can't tell if this was one of them. Or is this just the nature of the material and it's inevitable no matter what model year I get?
Thanks in advance for reading.
Thanks in advance for reading.
#3
Super Member
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 818
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
2 Posts
'02 C230 Coupe (Me) '03 SLK320 6MT (Wife)
The pre-2005 cars had "frosted" lenses that had flutes inside to help disperse the light. The 2005+ cars have clear lenses.
You also often see the plastic that has actually fogged from age/road-funk/etc. These will actually look dull and feel slightly rough, and a bit yellow. I have seen this with both the "frosted" and the "clear" lenses, but I see it more often on the "frosted" lenses. I don't know if it is a simple matter of age for those, or a difference in the plastic and coating.![nix](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/nixweiss.gif)
The lenses that have aged can be refinished, and of course, if you find the perfect car with "frosted" lenses, you can always swap the headlights.
However, most people are looking for the '05+ cars, which have the clear lenses anyway.
You also often see the plastic that has actually fogged from age/road-funk/etc. These will actually look dull and feel slightly rough, and a bit yellow. I have seen this with both the "frosted" and the "clear" lenses, but I see it more often on the "frosted" lenses. I don't know if it is a simple matter of age for those, or a difference in the plastic and coating.
![nix](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/nixweiss.gif)
The lenses that have aged can be refinished, and of course, if you find the perfect car with "frosted" lenses, you can always swap the headlights.
![Big Grin](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
#4
Super Moderator
![](https://staticssl.ibsrv.net/autocomm/Content/MB/mbwambassador2.gif)
+ all Bi Xenon lights are clear with clear fogs. Clear Bi Xenon lights were available pre the facelift - e.g. my car has them ex factory new.
There were some early Xenon lights with frosted lenses.
There were some early Xenon lights with frosted lenses.
Last edited by Glyn M Ruck; 02-08-2011 at 12:12 PM.