Facelifting the w124
#1
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2011 C300 4Matic
Facelifting the w124
Hi All-
This is my first post, but I know enough to use the search function first, unfortunately to no avail.
I'm picking up a 1991 300CE; a car I have always lusted over.
I'd like to know if there are any complete facelift kits available to update to the 94-95 style, or is it a piece by piece thing?
Also- can someone please list all the exterior parts required for completing a facelift?
I really appreciate the help, so thank you very much in advance!
This is my first post, but I know enough to use the search function first, unfortunately to no avail.
I'm picking up a 1991 300CE; a car I have always lusted over.
I'd like to know if there are any complete facelift kits available to update to the 94-95 style, or is it a piece by piece thing?
Also- can someone please list all the exterior parts required for completing a facelift?
I really appreciate the help, so thank you very much in advance!
#2
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500E Signal Rot
I have done a couple of conversions, so here is what you need.
94/95 hood
94/95 headlights
94/95 grill & grill frame
94/95 headlight trim panels
Everything is straight bolt on and no suprises.
94/95 hood
94/95 headlights
94/95 grill & grill frame
94/95 headlight trim panels
Everything is straight bolt on and no suprises.
#4
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92 500e, 95 E34 525I Touring
Im not sure about the front bumper, but the rear is different. The impact strip on earlier models only goes about halfway to the wheel well, as the updated models go completely to the wheel.
If you look, the trunks are also different. Not sure if thats what you were asking though since its more of an asz-lift than a face-lift. haha
If you look, the trunks are also different. Not sure if thats what you were asking though since its more of an asz-lift than a face-lift. haha
#6
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for the coupe models, the trunks actually aren't different from what I know (above is a comparison of a coupe to a sedan).
The sedans' trunks changed with the facelift, but the coupes didn't. The only think you can do to update the trunk is to get the filler panel behind the license plate, which makes that area of the trunk less recessed.
Ratbike, if you're really hardcore about making it look the same, you will also want to change out the front corner lights and the tail lights. The corner lights are solid amber on the early models, while they're only half amber/half white on the later models. The tail lights have a smoked appearance on the later models while the older models don't.
The bumpers are in fact different as rival4cafe says. There's also another difference- the impact strips on the 94/95 models are painted to match the lower cladding. On the early models, they are black plastic.
My advice to you is to just buy a 94-95 coupe. They might be a little harder to find, but the cost to update the earlier model is greater than the price difference between them. It would save you hassle and get you to real deal to start with. Keep in mind that you'll need to paint the hood and getting a good color match on an older car like this will be nearly impossible.
The sedans' trunks changed with the facelift, but the coupes didn't. The only think you can do to update the trunk is to get the filler panel behind the license plate, which makes that area of the trunk less recessed.
Ratbike, if you're really hardcore about making it look the same, you will also want to change out the front corner lights and the tail lights. The corner lights are solid amber on the early models, while they're only half amber/half white on the later models. The tail lights have a smoked appearance on the later models while the older models don't.
The bumpers are in fact different as rival4cafe says. There's also another difference- the impact strips on the 94/95 models are painted to match the lower cladding. On the early models, they are black plastic.
My advice to you is to just buy a 94-95 coupe. They might be a little harder to find, but the cost to update the earlier model is greater than the price difference between them. It would save you hassle and get you to real deal to start with. Keep in mind that you'll need to paint the hood and getting a good color match on an older car like this will be nearly impossible.
#7
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500E Signal Rot
Correct, the coupes and cabs never received the updated trunk lid with the chrome handle, onlly the sedans did. The sedan trunk won't fit the coupe/cab either.
94/95 did have the impact strip painted bumper color, easy enough to do to complete your update.
Correct also about the front/rear lights.
Good catch on the impact strip, it indeed was changed starting in model year 1994.
Badging also changed from 300E to E320 starting in 94.
Small minor details, but never the less, import facts if you want to do the face lift 100%
94/95 did have the impact strip painted bumper color, easy enough to do to complete your update.
Correct also about the front/rear lights.
Good catch on the impact strip, it indeed was changed starting in model year 1994.
Badging also changed from 300E to E320 starting in 94.
Small minor details, but never the less, import facts if you want to do the face lift 100%
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#9
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500E Signal Rot
86-91 was the old style truck style wheel
92-99 the newer leather wheel was available, with minor changes to the design starting in 94 (contact ring design) and again in 98 when the airbag/wheel mounting changed, although there is no exterior appearance difference.
92-99 the newer leather wheel was available, with minor changes to the design starting in 94 (contact ring design) and again in 98 when the airbag/wheel mounting changed, although there is no exterior appearance difference.
#10
Sorry for hijacking, but this seemed to be a good place for this:
So, just to be sure, if I ordered German tail light assemblies for a 94/95 w124 they will fit my 87 w124 without issues? Both Adsitco and Performance Products say no, they will not fit. Why is that? Slightly different shape? Different wiring? I have some Asian made versions that are not lasting too long that I need to replace; thought I'd just get the German ones this time, but now people are telling me that they won't fit, and I can't return them if they don't so. . . .
Anyone who put in 94/95 factory ones in their older car have problems?
Thanks,
Lui
So, just to be sure, if I ordered German tail light assemblies for a 94/95 w124 they will fit my 87 w124 without issues? Both Adsitco and Performance Products say no, they will not fit. Why is that? Slightly different shape? Different wiring? I have some Asian made versions that are not lasting too long that I need to replace; thought I'd just get the German ones this time, but now people are telling me that they won't fit, and I can't return them if they don't so. . . .
Anyone who put in 94/95 factory ones in their older car have problems?
Thanks,
Lui
#12
Thanks -- yours are zhe German ones per chance, then? - Bosch like one would get from the dealer? BTW my Asian ones don't have good connectors and are fading to pink after only one year.
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Enzo, my Benzo
Mine are 94-95 BOSCH oem lights.
Fading to pink on the smoked part is common with all the tail lights I've seen, including mine, hence why I smoked that portion myself.
I haven't re-cleared my lights in 3 or 4 years, I am due for that but they still look great IMO
Fading to pink on the smoked part is common with all the tail lights I've seen, including mine, hence why I smoked that portion myself.
I haven't re-cleared my lights in 3 or 4 years, I am due for that but they still look great IMO
#18
Im not sure about the front bumper, but the rear is different. The impact strip on earlier models only goes about halfway to the wheel well, as the updated models go completely to the wheel.
If you look, the trunks are also different. Not sure if thats what you were asking though since its more of an asz-lift than a face-lift. haha
If you look, the trunks are also different. Not sure if thats what you were asking though since its more of an asz-lift than a face-lift. haha