clean projectors head lamps
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I believe (but stand corrected) you will have to remove the entire assembly to clean. You also have to ask yourself why the inside is dirty. Those things should be airtight so if it gets dirty or clouded then air or moisture is getting in from somewhere. Find out where and fix that first. Also be aware that if water or anything touches the inside reflector, it leaves a streak and the reflective features of the inside mirror like material is lost to some extent. It's best to just replace.
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From: Long Island, NY
W220 S65 AMG
Originally Posted by kenstudios
I believe (but stand corrected) you will have to remove the entire assembly to clean. You also have to ask yourself why the inside is dirty. Those things should be airtight so if it gets dirty or clouded then air or moisture is getting in from somewhere. Find out where and fix that first. Also be aware that if water or anything touches the inside reflector, it leaves a streak and the reflective features of the inside mirror like material is lost to some extent. It's best to just replace.
I don't know how airtight it is, but in one of the corners of that cloudy headlight, I have a dead spider...
Pictures to follow tonight...
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From: Germany
'00 S320 W220, '98 A160 W168/ sold in 2005 '86 260 E W124 '90 260E W124
The lenses of the headlights can be removed. I have the same cloudy thing, which can be noticed when the lights are on. I guess the clouds come from very small dust particles entering the housing when they experience temperature changes. To remove the lenses you need to unsrcew the headlight and snap open. But be careful the little brackets tend to break easily and then it's over. You can also buy the lenses as spare parts.
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From: Tampa, FL
2005 S500 4-Matic, 1978 450SL
Originally Posted by kenstudios
I believe (but stand corrected) you will have to remove the entire assembly to clean. You also have to ask yourself why the inside is dirty. Those things should be airtight so if it gets dirty or clouded then air or moisture is getting in from somewhere.
That would explain the dust, perhaps some foggy cloudiness, and the spider. However, weathering due to sun (and heat from the bulbs) can cause a clouding of the plastic. If it is just on the outside, some plastic cleaners can help (see the forum related to car care; several posts cover this). However, if damage has gone too far, replacement of the cover will be necessary.
Last edited by Skylaw; May 12, 2006 at 03:58 PM.
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AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
Originally Posted by bamberger_1
The lenses of the headlights can be removed. I have the same cloudy thing, which can be noticed when the lights are on. I guess the clouds come from very small dust particles entering the housing when they experience temperature changes. To remove the lenses you need to unsrcew the headlight and snap open. But be careful the little brackets tend to break easily and then it's over. You can also buy the lenses as spare parts.
Earlier response:
Actually, the covers on projector headlights can't be removed, at least not with normal tools like a screwdriver. The clear covers are sealed with a sticky seal-glue. You can actually remove them (very carefully) with a hot air blower or hair dryer which softens the glue. There is, however, a risk of breaking it and MBUSA only sells the whole assembly.
Also, keep in mind that in the inside of the lens cap is actually covered with an anti-fog coating. That coating will not react well with cleaners or a rag. Clear water may be the best thing.
Good luck, but be careful. Could be an expensive endeavor...
Wolfman
Last edited by Wolfman; May 12, 2006 at 04:27 PM.
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From: Long Island, NY
W220 S65 AMG
Originally Posted by Wolfman
Just re-read the question after I already replied. The text below is for the "projector head lights" starting 2003 or later. You stated a 2000 model and projector lights in the title. Did you upgrade the headlights? If not, the same procedure should work as mentioned below, but the covers of a 2000 are made of glass and can easily be cleaned from the inside.
Earlier response:
Actually, the covers on projector headlights can't be removed, at least not with normal tools like a screwdriver. The clear covers are sealed with a sticky seal-glue. You can actually remove them (very carefully) with a hot air blower or hair dryer which softens the glue. There is, however, a risk of breaking it and MBUSA only sells the whole assembly.
Also, keep in mind that in the inside of the lens cap is actually covered with an anti-fog coating. That coating will not react well with cleaners or a rag. Clear water may be the best thing.
Good luck, but be careful. Could be an expensive endeavor...
Wolfman
Earlier response:
Actually, the covers on projector headlights can't be removed, at least not with normal tools like a screwdriver. The clear covers are sealed with a sticky seal-glue. You can actually remove them (very carefully) with a hot air blower or hair dryer which softens the glue. There is, however, a risk of breaking it and MBUSA only sells the whole assembly.
Also, keep in mind that in the inside of the lens cap is actually covered with an anti-fog coating. That coating will not react well with cleaners or a rag. Clear water may be the best thing.
Good luck, but be careful. Could be an expensive endeavor...
Wolfman
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From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
Originally Posted by Oxygen
But the guy above just said that the plastic cover is a spare part and can be removed with tabs?
Either way, they cannot be removed or are being held back by tabs. This is something that was typical on older model Mercedes. I am not certain if this includes the early xenons, like the 2000 model.
Wolfman
