Brian McL

Hi: I've ordered the euro headlights from Ken @ Importvision and also the H4 superwhite 80/100 and the H3 80watt for the fogs, as suggested in another thread. I am concerned that they maybe too hot or draw too much power for the wires in the 1990 300E they are intended for. Haven't got the lights yet and would like to get a little feedback on success/problems other have had with this installation using these bulbs/wires/housings. Anyway modification or precautions to take? Thanks

soldsep

i had 80 watt super whites. They melt the connectors causing the lights to not work anymore.

chupper

They melt the connectors in the Euros? I heard the Euro's were supposed to prevent this "Melting" problem!?!?

bamberger_1

The Euro lights are designed for 55/60W which is the maximum allowed wattage in Germany (at least) In case you increase the wattage in Germany it costs $$$$ in fine, you loose the insurance coverage (at least partly) in case of an accident, and the car is outside the specs causing tons of trouble when get caught. This may be the reason, just already the design does prevent the operation of increased wattage bulbs.
The Amperes rise about 60%, which causes the components to fail. I dont know whether the specs in the USA allow higher Wattage, but than you need other bulb sockets, maybe relays and wires.

pkmaven

The standard bulb for Euros is 80/100. Your wires won't melt but to get the most out of them visit Daniel Stern Lighting. They sell a wire and relay kit that will give you the full white brilliance. P.

oliverb

Brian:

I opted to stay w/the legal wattage on my 1990 300E/Euro lights. Sylvania/Osram makes a bulb listed as the Silver Star that is supposed to be about the brightest without using higher wattage bulbs. I installed these in my Benz and am satisfied. A good headlight alignment at a shop after installing the light assemblies gets them in the proper range. You can them "tweak" their alignment to suit your needs. I purchased my bulbs from "Advance Auto" on a sale plus rebate. Got both for $27.50. Usual list is $20-25 each.

I am in the process of installing the Euro headlight level adjuster now. All that remains is to make the connections behind the instrument cluster.

OliverB

soldsep

NONONO my stock headunit melted. not the EUROS! hahah calm down dont freak out.

bamberger_1

The standard Euros have 55/60W, they might hold more than that. However, that a set of relays and wires give you a brighter light is physically not supportable. The bulbs draw whatever Amps they supposed to (acc. to the wattage and the voltage of 12V) and these Amps make the lamps glow whaterever color they were designed for. The color of the light is determined by the gases the bulbs are filled with and the surface preparations of the glas bulbs.

soldsep

is it advisable to continue using a bulb that has been touched?

chupper

It is advisable, however clean the bulb with alcohol and a very clean rag or paper towel. Just make sure oils from your skin or any other mineral thats on there is off before you flip it on, or else it might explode.