Crankin

I recently mentioned to a local MB tuner that you can install 2003 headlights on a 2000 S class with the adapter available from Ansonnn. The guy said why not just switch out the lenses, putting on the clear lense from 2003, which are apparently removable?
Has anyone tried this or have any comments?
Thanks

Kerr

I have also wondered about that... I guess it all depens on what the inside of the light looks like.

Crankin

Yeah, I haven't tried to look yet, but the clear would probably look better.

vraa

I think the clear look looks MUCH better than the older one.

Anyone care to explain to me why they did that to the older ones? Making it non clear?

///MB

So they could charge a little more for the 2003s and make the people with the non clear ones buy a new car to have the "freshened" look. hehe

Kerr

i guess some one with out the clear ones need to bust the lins and see what the inside of the non clear look like!

Crankin

Go ahead, Kerr. I can't do mine, as its at the dealer. New wheels tomorrow!

apricotscrub

I DOUBT THE LENSES IS REMOVABLE

Crankin

The tuner at the shop had a set off a car and said the lense is removable. I will be back there tomorrow and will investigate further.

apricotscrub

i say that i doubt it because i seriously doubt there is a part # for the lenses on the headlight, its probably all one part.

vraa

Go to the dealer now! Crack the lens with a sledgehammer and tell us the results.

Kerr

lol... i would but i dont even have a S class yet... still searching for that right one!

You would think it would be easy to find a jet black on black S500 with under 50K miles, with all options!

I bet they come appart, now im not sure if you can orderjust the lenz.... I mean on the 360 ferrari you can get just teh lenz cover.. So one would think that MB would offer that... If not that would suck to get a rock chip. That will be $1,500 for a replacement head light.

Crankin

Oh well, MB doesn't sell lense only. Good try, though.

sportlichE430

Yup it's rape on headlight replacement - don't follow too closely on gravel roads - t'aint no subaru outback

suspension king

they are not real expensive if you order NON xenon type
then install HID kit after , also you will have your dealer turn on the HID in the sam control module so that you dont burn it up.
I will post some photos of this install as soon as I have some time

sportlichE430

Ralph,

Looking forward to your install pics. Have you completed the job? Where'd you get your hid kit? How much $ in total?

ajayz

how much are non-xenon 2003 headlights?

Ansonnn

Non xenon 2003 headlights are about $500 each or $1000 total. I would NOT advise against changing out the headlight covers for the 2003 clear ones. There is a significant reason for this. The lens on the 2000-2002 headlights have lines in them and that is not just there to annoy you; it's there to focus the light beam. The xenon bulb behind it is just a bulb and there is nothing to focus it without the lens. The reason that the 2003 can be clear is that the xenon bulb in the 2003 lights is behind a projector lens and that focuses the beam without using the lines on the headlight lens like in the 2000-2002. Please do not do this. You will scatter your light beam alll over the road and you will lose the beam focus that is currently aimed in front of you. If you're going to do the 2003 headlight, go all the way. Don't be cheap and change out just the lens cause it's there for a reason.

ajayz

is anyone trying to do a full-out 2003 conversion, just wondering? they would have to change headlights, taillights, the little lights in the outside mirrors, and the grill i think. and oh yea, the interior stuff.

apricotscrub

why would any0ne do that, its not a civic

ajayz

coming from a guy who has "2000 Black S430 - Carlsson Body Kit, Wood Steering Wheel, Wood Shift Knob, Lorinser Roof Spoiler, 5% and 15% Tint, 2003 Taillights, Dual Chrome Exhaust Tips, Solid Chrome License Plates and Holders, CD Changer, Xenon Headlights..." in his signature...

suspension king

I have done the install of headlights tail lights HID conversion and side view mirrors on 01 S 430
I will post the photos next week

apricotscrub

wow,id be interested in seeing

vraa

Me too, PICS HURRY!

apricotscrub

btw, how much work/money was required for the signal light covers? cuz if its like a couple hundred dollars, its not a bad upgrade.