kezira

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.

havoc_vulture

Pre-Facelift models have the foggy headlights. Thats how those are
05' facelift models and above have the clear headlights

MW_ATL

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.

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.

Glyn M Ruck

+ 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.

e1000

correct, single beam reflector housing xenons. I beleive they were only offered for a short period of time before they switched to the BIX design.

kezira

Thank you ALL for the answers. It really helps!