Euro Headlight, Bosch vs. Hella
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1992 Mercedes 300E
Euro Headlight, Bosch vs. Hella
Hi guys. I have '92 300E and thinking of converting stock headlights to european. There are still a couple of things not clear to me. Which brand of headlights is better, Bosch or Hella? And will clear turn signal lights from 94-95 model fit a '92 model?
Thnx.
Thnx.
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From: Hedgesville, WV
1990 300E 2.6
Bosch vs Hella
I would think either would be OK. Both are O.E.M.s for German cars. I used Bosch for my 1990 because I wanted the best quality. Other "Brand X" makes may not have the same quality. After 1993, front end body style changes make both the side marker lights as well as the headlights different (slightly lower?). Stick w/anything for 1986-93. I used aftermarket side marker lights only because they were cheaper but would go with Bosch or Hella next time. If you stay with USA legal wattage, use Sylvania/Osram "Silver Star" lamps. They are the brightest white available - a step below HID, they claim. Get the headlights aligned after installing them but not before you change bulbs, if you do. Some bulbs do not project at the same angle. I initially used Blue Xenon bulbs (a gift - not my idea) before the Silver Stars. My MB dealer said he uses the machine first, then projects on the wall for a final check because most Xenon bulbs he has seen don't project at the same angle as the Mercedes bulbs. Sure enough, the left had to be raised slightly. When I installed the Silver Star bulbs, I had to lower the left side again.
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From: Maplewood, NJ
1991 W124 300E
I just ordered Euro headlights for my '91 300e ..... I haven't ordered the bulbs yet .....
So what is the verdict on the bulbs for the Euro headlights ......
1) Sylvania/Osram "Silver Star" bulbs
OR
2) Blue Xenon
Also, what wattage H4s/H3s should I order?
(I saw a thread that mentioned that the 80/100 watt H4 and 80 watt H3 melted the connector).
Thanks!
So what is the verdict on the bulbs for the Euro headlights ......
1) Sylvania/Osram "Silver Star" bulbs
OR
2) Blue Xenon
Also, what wattage H4s/H3s should I order?
(I saw a thread that mentioned that the 80/100 watt H4 and 80 watt H3 melted the connector).
Thanks!
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From: Hedgesville, WV
1990 300E 2.6
Bulbs/Wattage
Type of bulb depends on the look you want. I tried the blue look but do not like them for driving. I prefer a bright white light and the Sylvania/Osram provides that. I have had the original stock bulb that come w/the light assemblies, the Xenon and the Sylvania - the Sylvania is by far the best of those.
I also opted to stay w/the street legal wattage of 55/60 for the H7 and, I believe, 55 for the H3. The Sylvania is not available in any other wattage for the H7. While the higher wattage is tempting, they are not kind to oncoming drivers and I paid enough for the Euro light assemblies to not want to risk damage from the higher heat generated by the illegal wattage bulbs. The H3 is not available in a Silver Star. I have a pair of Xenons that were given to me. They are a very light blue tint and seem to be OK. H3s from Sylvania seem to come in standard and "All Weather", yellow light - which is not legal in some states.
I am looking for a pair of bulbs for the clear side marker lights that appear to be clear or silver when not illuminated but are amber when illuminated. I know they are available but have not found the except for on ebay. Anyone know of another source?
I also opted to stay w/the street legal wattage of 55/60 for the H7 and, I believe, 55 for the H3. The Sylvania is not available in any other wattage for the H7. While the higher wattage is tempting, they are not kind to oncoming drivers and I paid enough for the Euro light assemblies to not want to risk damage from the higher heat generated by the illegal wattage bulbs. The H3 is not available in a Silver Star. I have a pair of Xenons that were given to me. They are a very light blue tint and seem to be OK. H3s from Sylvania seem to come in standard and "All Weather", yellow light - which is not legal in some states.
I am looking for a pair of bulbs for the clear side marker lights that appear to be clear or silver when not illuminated but are amber when illuminated. I know they are available but have not found the except for on ebay. Anyone know of another source?
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From: Maplewood, NJ
1991 W124 300E
So, ........ for the W124-300E:
Headlights:
H7 - Sylvania 9004ST - High/Low Beam; Silverstar; 2 Headlight System
Product--Lumens--Watts--Color Temp
9004 ST--700/1200--Max. 50/70--4000° K
$24.99 each on http://www.partsamerica.com
Fog lights:
H3 - Sylvania H3-55W Euro. Halogen Bulb
$7.99 each on http://www.partsamerica.com
H3 - HELLA 88827 Xenon Blue 55 Watt H3 Bulb; Euro. Halogen Bulb 1 Year Limited Warranty
$5.99 each on partsamerica
*******************
* If I install the 9004 silverstar (9004ST), do I need to change the wiring harness?
* Does anybody have better options (recommendations) for the bulbs?
* Does anybody know where these might be available for a cheaper price than above?
* Also, I'm looking for amber/orange bulbs w/ silver tips (looks silver when not illuminated) for the side clear markers - where can I find these?
Thanks!
Headlights:
H7 - Sylvania 9004ST - High/Low Beam; Silverstar; 2 Headlight System
Product--Lumens--Watts--Color Temp
9004 ST--700/1200--Max. 50/70--4000° K
$24.99 each on http://www.partsamerica.com
Fog lights:
H3 - Sylvania H3-55W Euro. Halogen Bulb
$7.99 each on http://www.partsamerica.com
H3 - HELLA 88827 Xenon Blue 55 Watt H3 Bulb; Euro. Halogen Bulb 1 Year Limited Warranty
$5.99 each on partsamerica
*******************
* If I install the 9004 silverstar (9004ST), do I need to change the wiring harness?
* Does anybody have better options (recommendations) for the bulbs?
* Does anybody know where these might be available for a cheaper price than above?
* Also, I'm looking for amber/orange bulbs w/ silver tips (looks silver when not illuminated) for the side clear markers - where can I find these?
Thanks!
Last edited by bd37703; Apr 1, 2003 at 12:48 AM.
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From: NJ
1994 E320
I got a set of Hella headlights and blinkers for my 92 300E 4matic. They are great and were cheaper than the Bosch. I could not tell the difference between the 2 lights. Same weight material, connectors, mounts etc. etc. Some Mercedes came with Hella lights from the factory and some came with bosch so either one would be a good choice.
I decided to go with clear Hella blinkers, but stayed with the US connector. The European connector uses a single filament bulb just for the blinker where as the US connector uses a double filament bulb for markers and blinkers. I used a yellow double filament from Pep Boys.
As for the H4 headlight bulbs I used 90/100 watts Sylvania bulbs with no problems with heat/melting so far and from what I understand the Euro standard bulbs are 80/100 watts anyway.
The fog light was a H3 bulb that I just reused from the US headlights.
The city lights are the same bulbs used in the newer E class so I just went to the dealer and picked them up. I can't seem to get them to light up with the parking lights so I'll have to check the wiring again.
Alan
92 300E 4matic
Hella Euro lights and blinkers
I decided to go with clear Hella blinkers, but stayed with the US connector. The European connector uses a single filament bulb just for the blinker where as the US connector uses a double filament bulb for markers and blinkers. I used a yellow double filament from Pep Boys.
As for the H4 headlight bulbs I used 90/100 watts Sylvania bulbs with no problems with heat/melting so far and from what I understand the Euro standard bulbs are 80/100 watts anyway.
The fog light was a H3 bulb that I just reused from the US headlights.
The city lights are the same bulbs used in the newer E class so I just went to the dealer and picked them up. I can't seem to get them to light up with the parking lights so I'll have to check the wiring again.
Alan
92 300E 4matic
Hella Euro lights and blinkers
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From: Hedgesville, WV
1990 300E 2.6
Silver Star bulbs
bd37703:
If you have the Euro lights, you need the H7 bulb. The Euro lights do not take a 9004 bulb - that bulb was used in the American version of lights. They are quite different.
If you have the Euro lights, you need the H7 bulb. The Euro lights do not take a 9004 bulb - that bulb was used in the American version of lights. They are quite different.
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Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 44
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From: NJ
1994 E320
I got mine from a friend in Greece. They're cheap there because they are just regular lights there. Just like getting US headlights in the US.
Brand new Hella headlights w/ Hella blinkers, connectors $400.00 USD not bad I think.
Alan
92 300E 4matic
Brand new Hella headlights w/ Hella blinkers, connectors $400.00 USD not bad I think.
Alan
92 300E 4matic
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From: Vancouver, BC
Enzo, my Benzo
94-95 signal lights (front ) WILL fit any W124, I had them on my 1990 until I got my full clear corners. My advice: if you have to buy a set, buy the full clears..they look a bit better...if you already have the 94-95 signals, put them in, they'll fit for sure....
They are H4's in the euros I ordered from my MB dealer parts dept by the way...
They are H4's in the euros I ordered from my MB dealer parts dept by the way...
Member
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From: Hedgesville, WV
1990 300E 2.6
Bulb type
Sorry all. I got the numbers wrong!! Must have had a bout of early "oldtimers". Yes, the correct bulbs for Euro headlights are H3 for Hi & Lo, and H3 for Fog. Don't know where I got the H& thing from.
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From: Maplewood, NJ
1991 W124 300E
Philips Silver Vision Turn Signal Bulbs
I wonder if this bulb will work on a '91 300E ........ (I've ordered Euro headlights + Smoked corner lights)
Philips Silver Vision ph-silv01 Silver Vision Turn Signal Bulbs - Single Element PY21W/1156 *Flash Amber, Looks Clear
Available at http://www.evosport.com/product/lig...g_mercedes.html for $25/pair
Philips Silver Vision ph-silv01 Silver Vision Turn Signal Bulbs - Single Element PY21W/1156 *Flash Amber, Looks Clear
Available at http://www.evosport.com/product/lig...g_mercedes.html for $25/pair
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From: Vancouver, BC
Enzo, my Benzo
Silver vision's should work on your car, although if you're getting smoked ones, you may not need them....how dark smoked are they? would you still see a regular yellow bulb?
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From: Maplewood, NJ
1991 W124 300E
Don't know how dark the smoked corners are - they have been shipped (I haven't received them yet) ..... I bought them from importvision.
http://images.andale.com/f2/115/106/...EDESSMKIND.JPG
http://images.andale.com/f2/115/106/...EDESSMKIND.JPG
Member
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Posts: 76
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From: Hedgesville, WV
1990 300E 2.6
Smoked lenses
The amber bulbs can still be seen through the smoked lenses but are far less noticeable than the clear lenses. I have rear tail lights with smoked top portion and can see the bulb but only slightly. Have not seen a 300 w/ smoked front corners. I have wondered how dark they are. My Bosch Euro headlamps have a very slight smoked tint and wondered if the clear or smoked look better w/those.
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From: Los Angeles, CA
1987 Mercedes 300D Turbo
Hello, this is my first time on this site and it seems nice. Lets get to the point. I purchased a 1987 Mercedes 300D Turbo last week and it was missing the left headlight. I went on ebay and purchased a Set of Euro headlamps and i'm wondering if it will fit on my car. Also, will I be able to use xenon headlamps on it too because they would look nicer than the stock headlamps. Thanks
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From: Vancouver, BC
Enzo, my Benzo
Originally posted by SHIFT_diesel
Hello, this is my first time on this site and it seems nice. Lets get to the point. I purchased a 1987 Mercedes 300D Turbo last week and it was missing the left headlight. I went on ebay and purchased a Set of Euro headlamps and i'm wondering if it will fit on my car. Also, will I be able to use xenon headlamps on it too because they would look nicer than the stock headlamps. Thanks
Hello, this is my first time on this site and it seems nice. Lets get to the point. I purchased a 1987 Mercedes 300D Turbo last week and it was missing the left headlight. I went on ebay and purchased a Set of Euro headlamps and i'm wondering if it will fit on my car. Also, will I be able to use xenon headlamps on it too because they would look nicer than the stock headlamps. Thanks
To make a short story long, yes as long as you purchased euros for a w124 1986-1993...the 1994-1995 headlights have a slight cuve at the top inside corner (near the grille) and the car from 1993 downwards doesn't. It's totally rectangular.
The Xenon you refer to, be it a real aftermarket conversion ($300-$800) or just halogen bulbs with brighter output and a bluish color ($15-$100) will also fit the headlights but use a different bulb than US spec.. Euros take H4 and H3 (fog) and US spec use 9004 and H3...either way the lights look better...hope that helps...
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From: Los Angeles, CA
1987 Mercedes 300D Turbo
I have another question: after reading a few sites, it appears that i have to modify the wiring in order to install the euro-spec headlights. Is this true? Or is it just for certain brands of headlights? Mine are Boschs just in case. Also, do i have to remove the headlight wipers or can i keep those on? Thanx in advanced
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Vancouver, BC
Enzo, my Benzo
Yes....
No....
The wiring i believe has to do with changing to diferent plugs for the different bulbs...not too sure on this cause my body guy did it for me
The Wipers wont work..you MAY be abe to leaqve them on but why would you? they do nothing and clutter up the appearance...IMHO
No....
The wiring i believe has to do with changing to diferent plugs for the different bulbs...not too sure on this cause my body guy did it for me
The Wipers wont work..you MAY be abe to leaqve them on but why would you? they do nothing and clutter up the appearance...IMHO
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Euros - Wipers & Wiring - Hot Topic
Actually, I like the wipers, especially the ones made for the euro lights, they look mean. The US ones just kinda look clunky...
I seem to be in exactly the same prediciment (sp?) as shift_diesel. I need some wiring assistance. Some people say I can use the US wiring out of the old headlights, others say I should have received an adapter with my Bosch Euro's (which I did not).
The other thing is I am trying to find the wipers for the Euro lights, but its very difficult. All I need is a part number for the wiper, wiper arm, and possibly the new motors (if I need them???).
I guess its an uphill battle when you have illegal Euro headlights in the US, though...
I seem to be in exactly the same prediciment (sp?) as shift_diesel. I need some wiring assistance. Some people say I can use the US wiring out of the old headlights, others say I should have received an adapter with my Bosch Euro's (which I did not).
The other thing is I am trying to find the wipers for the Euro lights, but its very difficult. All I need is a part number for the wiper, wiper arm, and possibly the new motors (if I need them???).
I guess its an uphill battle when you have illegal Euro headlights in the US, though...
