Headlight Replacement DIY?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2010
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94 & 97 E320
Headlight Replacement DIY?
Hello!
I am a new member to this forum, today I purchased a '97 E320 and I need to replace the headlights on the car, I am still in the process of looking for a set of headlights but would like to see if there is anywhere on the site where I can search for DIY on our W210 or is that not an option? I need a guide on how to remove those headlights as I like to work on my own cars.
Thanks in advance!
P.S. How are the parts on our cars? are they all the same through out the years or are the 96 and 97 different than the later models in most of the parts?
I am a new member to this forum, today I purchased a '97 E320 and I need to replace the headlights on the car, I am still in the process of looking for a set of headlights but would like to see if there is anywhere on the site where I can search for DIY on our W210 or is that not an option? I need a guide on how to remove those headlights as I like to work on my own cars.
Thanks in advance!
P.S. How are the parts on our cars? are they all the same through out the years or are the 96 and 97 different than the later models in most of the parts?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 178
From: Seattle WA
99 E320
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atv1zg2G85g
have fun. exceedingly simple process, as far as MB R&R goes.
tip, save this download 400+mb but well worth it!
here is the front end....
http://www.edsoto.com/e320/w210/disassembly.htm
and here is the ISO file which downloads all the videos and supporting
html to create your own standalone of this info on your own PC.....
http://edsoto.com/E320.iso
have fun. exceedingly simple process, as far as MB R&R goes.
tip, save this download 400+mb but well worth it!
here is the front end....
http://www.edsoto.com/e320/w210/disassembly.htm
and here is the ISO file which downloads all the videos and supporting
html to create your own standalone of this info on your own PC.....
http://edsoto.com/E320.iso
Last edited by raymond g-; Jan 16, 2010 at 08:29 PM.
Member
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: Lewes DE
'99 E320 4matic Wagon
You don't mention *why* you need to replace your headlights -- not, I suppose, because they have become opaque through pitting, or yellowed? All that can be polished out. There are threads here and on benzworld.org about that diy.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,803
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From: Charleston, SC
GL450
The 97 has the pre-facelift style headlights, they can be removed without removing the whole bumper. The facelift models (2000-2002) require the bumper to be removed to remove the headlight.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2010
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94 & 97 E320
Sorry, I want to replace them because they are completely yellowed out, I have tried some polish items but nothing worked in the past, is there a special polisher that would work on those? I mean they look like they have never been cleaned in the past 13 years.
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From: Lewes DE
'99 E320 4matic Wagon
Either here or at benzworld, there is *definitely* a thread about repolishing headlights where someone got rid of the yellow very easily with... 
that's what I don't remember -- what he used! Sorry.
Do some searching, and you will find this, however. A couple of things I know: there is a Meguiar kit designed specifically for headlight repolishing, and a 3M kit as well. Others have wet-sanded then buffed. Posted photos show *sparkling new* headlight appearance after this is done.
Save your $$ for the real maintenance work you will no doubt have to do!
that's what I don't remember -- what he used! Sorry.Do some searching, and you will find this, however. A couple of things I know: there is a Meguiar kit designed specifically for headlight repolishing, and a 3M kit as well. Others have wet-sanded then buffed. Posted photos show *sparkling new* headlight appearance after this is done.
Save your $$ for the real maintenance work you will no doubt have to do!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,803
Likes: 12
From: Charleston, SC
GL450
There are different levels of polishing, from least to most aggressive. You want to pick the least aggressive method that will work for your situation (which may mean working your way down the list).
Meguiars PlastX
Meguairs, 3M, or similar Headlight Repair kit
Wet Sandpaper by hand (start fine, go coarser until you get it clear, then go fine to smooth it out)
Sandpaper sheet with a drill or orbital polisher
Also I believe Walmart has a headlight polishing service where they'll do it for you for something like $35. There are people out there that can professionally do it for a lot less than a new set of lights.
Meguiars PlastX
Meguairs, 3M, or similar Headlight Repair kit
Wet Sandpaper by hand (start fine, go coarser until you get it clear, then go fine to smooth it out)
Sandpaper sheet with a drill or orbital polisher
Also I believe Walmart has a headlight polishing service where they'll do it for you for something like $35. There are people out there that can professionally do it for a lot less than a new set of lights.
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Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Malaysia
Mercedes W210 E280
if its a 97 merc, you can actually purchase the OEM cover lenses for cheaps and replace the yellowed out ones..more worth it then polishing IMHO 
ive done it twice in the span of 12 years since owning my car, and it always gives it a fresh look everytime.
ive done it twice in the span of 12 years since owning my car, and it always gives it a fresh look everytime.
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Member
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From: Lewes DE
'99 E320 4matic Wagon
I think we've seen them on this forum made as good as new -- but not for $10. I think the Walmart service, or else using one of the kits -- and especially buffing w/ a rotary buffer not by hand is required.
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Joined: Feb 2007
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99
i have a pair of w210 xenon lights that will fit 96-99 cars. The only thing is that the lenses are halogen lenses. Previous owner did this to swap his old lenses for the ones on my pair. My first purpose was to buy them and restore them by sourcing the xenon lenses for this car and re-do the wiring. I will give them away for free as long as shipping is paid. pm for any questions
thanks
thanks
