New Headlights for 2001 E55
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,803
Likes: 12
From: Charleston, SC
GL450
If they are cloudy, you can polish them.
If they are broken, you can replace with real Mercedes ones off eBay. Make sure they are for HID (regular models won't fit) off an E55 or some equipped E430. Also, the pre-'00 and post-'00 are different fits.
If you're trying to go with projectors, like Depo, you need custom made lights. You can't just put HIDs into the Depo projectors, you need to use proper HID projectors. Example:
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...rojectors.html
If they are broken, you can replace with real Mercedes ones off eBay. Make sure they are for HID (regular models won't fit) off an E55 or some equipped E430. Also, the pre-'00 and post-'00 are different fits.
If you're trying to go with projectors, like Depo, you need custom made lights. You can't just put HIDs into the Depo projectors, you need to use proper HID projectors. Example:
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...rojectors.html
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
From: 90210
2001 E55
Thanks, unfortunately tools and I are mortal enemies so I am pretty confused. I would like to switch to Depos but it looks too much for me, I will ask the shop.
My lenses are cloudy and I got a kit recommended here to wet sand and buff (about my limit technically) but it only cleaned them from yellowish to whitish and left sanding marks on the lenses that now look stipid. And I followed the directions to a T.
I was going to get new headlights from the dealer but they want a couple grand for a pair! I looked on ebay but nothing was available for my 2001 MY E55.
Thanks for the assist though.
My lenses are cloudy and I got a kit recommended here to wet sand and buff (about my limit technically) but it only cleaned them from yellowish to whitish and left sanding marks on the lenses that now look stipid. And I followed the directions to a T.
I was going to get new headlights from the dealer but they want a couple grand for a pair! I looked on ebay but nothing was available for my 2001 MY E55.
Thanks for the assist though.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,803
Likes: 12
From: Charleston, SC
GL450
You'll need to polish more with the finest grit (highest number) if you still have sand marks. Then follow up with Meguiars Plast-X if it's still bad.
Did you use a hand kit or drill adapter kit?
You can sometimes find pre-made Depo kits for the HIDs. Check with Zam2000 on here or look in the classified.
Did you use a hand kit or drill adapter kit?
You can sometimes find pre-made Depo kits for the HIDs. Check with Zam2000 on here or look in the classified.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,803
Likes: 12
From: Charleston, SC
GL450
The drill kits may give more consistent results because they are orbital, instead of random like hand polished. Also less sweating is required, so it's easier to keep going until it's done.
Plast-X with either super fine grit or a Magic Eraser or even paper towel should help. Finishing the polishing job will be easier and cheaper than new lights, and should look good once you get it done. You can also go to Walmart and they'll polish them for you for $25, I believe.
Plast-X with either super fine grit or a Magic Eraser or even paper towel should help. Finishing the polishing job will be easier and cheaper than new lights, and should look good once you get it done. You can also go to Walmart and they'll polish them for you for $25, I believe.
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From: Central Connecticut
86 190D (Exported to the Nerderlands), 87 300TD (Sold), 82 Ford F150 3spd, 99 E300D (RIP), 02 E55
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Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 28
Likes: 2
From: HK
'88 560SEC, '94 E320 Cab, '95 SL320 AMG, '96 SL500 AMG
Sorry to hijack the thread a little, but my car is in the process of having its headlights changed as well. As mentioned in another thread i'm using a new shop and am being a bit cautious as its easy to get scammed in my town. The mechanic claimed that the whole front bumper has to come off in order to change the headlights; some 'how to' searches on youtube suggest otherwise.
My car is a 98, so once again, is this shop trying to scam me for more labour $ or not? Thanks.
My car is a 98, so once again, is this shop trying to scam me for more labour $ or not? Thanks.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,803
Likes: 12
From: Charleston, SC
GL450
Yep, the pre-'00 models have a separate panel that covers the headlight. Bumper removal is not required.
On the post-'00, the bumper is one piece and covers the headlight screws.
On the post-'00, the bumper is one piece and covers the headlight screws.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 28
Likes: 2
From: HK
'88 560SEC, '94 E320 Cab, '95 SL320 AMG, '96 SL500 AMG
ahhh, so they were not all wrong, just didn't know the diff between pre and post facelift. thanks!
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From: Bay Area, CA
2007 SL55 AMG
