dtutty

I've bought a 1984 300SD. I'm in Canada, its a Canadian car. It has sealed-beam lights. I'd like to convert the sealed-beams to something that will take a more modern bulb. The local shops have either Hella or Bosch conversion kits. There's a huge price difference: hella's are under $100 while bosch are close to $300.

Neither is in stock so I can't do a visual inspection. Has anyone any experience with either who can comment?

Note that this is just a sealed-beam upgrade, not changing the face of the car to Euro lamps.

Thanks.

Berde

Although, not in my Mercedes, I have used Hella before and are top notch equipment. I replaced seal beams in a car that I kept for about 8 years with no issues and no need for replacement bulbs. I was running 80/100 and the ilumination was very similar to todays HID lights (such as Acura). This was in 1986, so you could imagine the quality I am talking about since it was a decade and a half ago. I just hope they are not outsourced to China since many reputable companies are cutting corners nowadays. Just my 2 cents Bud...

no3withacoke

Cool, a question I can answer--

I used to have a 300sd as well, and I used the Hella vision sealed beam replacements. They were/are about 100/pair, very well worth it imo. The glass is much higher quality: thicker, clearer, crystal-like. the housing is much better built -- it is after all meant to be part of the car and not be thrown out like regular sealed beams. the lamps use h4 bulbs and use a rubber boot to protect the connector. new lamps will come with a set of bulbs.

i don't know what beam patterns hella offers now, but back when I got them, they offered either dot or e code patterns. i got the e code for a variety of reasons and i've been pleased with them. this was over 12 years ago and the lamps still look and work like new!