SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: 2003 Headlights
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 376
Likes: 12
From: Atlanta, GA
SL550 Designo Crystal & Red Interior - SL55 Silver & Black Interior - E550
2003 Headlights
Hello All,
It looks like I may be getting some moisture in one of the headlights on my R230. My question is, is this a "sealed" unit or is it a two piece thing? It appears to be on the main lens but I can't see any damage so I'm thinking that it could be a seal? Cheers.
It looks like I may be getting some moisture in one of the headlights on my R230. My question is, is this a "sealed" unit or is it a two piece thing? It appears to be on the main lens but I can't see any damage so I'm thinking that it could be a seal? Cheers.
Member
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 168
Likes: 1
From: Scottsdale AZ
sl55 widebody - built viper - ls1 turbo 350z
it is 2 piece. i just took mine apart the other day, painted black chrome and added leds.
i can offer assistance or do it for you (as i do alot of headlight work on alot of cars), pm me
i can offer assistance or do it for you (as i do alot of headlight work on alot of cars), pm me
Member
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 168
Likes: 1
From: Scottsdale AZ
sl55 widebody - built viper - ls1 turbo 350z
the headlights are easy to take apart and reseal. I always use the factory glue (oxybutyl glue) and conforms well with heat applied and is very pliable. taking them apart is as simple as:
removing the lights
removing the black trim piece on them
taking off the 4 metal clips that squeeze the lens cover to lens backing together
applying heat via heat gun along the seams
gently pulling them apart
add sealant, and reverse
also check to make sure the headlights did not lose any of the bottom tabs that let moisture in. there should be one breather vent that must remain open
removing the lights
removing the black trim piece on them
taking off the 4 metal clips that squeeze the lens cover to lens backing together
applying heat via heat gun along the seams
gently pulling them apart
add sealant, and reverse
also check to make sure the headlights did not lose any of the bottom tabs that let moisture in. there should be one breather vent that must remain open
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 6,897
Likes: 85
From: Central WI (BFE)
SL55, ML500 & Acura TL
So it sounds like just the outside glass portion of the headlight can be replaced? One of my headlights is only a few years old and the glass is nice and clear. The other is original and the glass has been pitted from sand and other debris which has hit it while driving.
Member
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 168
Likes: 1
From: Scottsdale AZ
sl55 widebody - built viper - ls1 turbo 350z
The lens are plastic, but instead of replacing, have them buffed. Alot of the time if they are pitted and dull, you can take it to a bodyshop to have them wetsanded to take out the pitting/oxidization and it looks brand new. Also to keep them clear for a long tike have them spray a UV clearcoat on them to protect from the sun dulling the clearcoat. A general wetsand/buff shouldnt be more than 100 for the set, and to have a shop spray the uv coat on it is in between 50-100 for the set. Definitely bests buying a brand new headlight
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 6,897
Likes: 85
From: Central WI (BFE)
SL55, ML500 & Acura TL
The lens are plastic, but instead of replacing, have them buffed. Alot of the time if they are pitted and dull, you can take it to a bodyshop to have them wetsanded to take out the pitting/oxidization and it looks brand new. Also to keep them clear for a long tike have them spray a UV clearcoat on them to protect from the sun dulling the clearcoat. A general wetsand/buff shouldnt be more than 100 for the set, and to have a shop spray the uv coat on it is in between 50-100 for the set. Definitely bests buying a brand new headlight
