S-Class (W126) Headlights of W126

[1988560SEL NEWBIE]

I wonder why American versions have different headlights. I don't like them and would replace them with Euro headlights if i could get the version used in Germany. They look way more wholesome. Anybody here who knows about this?

 

[cawimmer430]

At the time US laws required cars to have sealed-beam headlights. This is why the US headlights look different from the more elegant European (and worldwide-spec W126s).

There's several things you can try.

First, get in touch with other W126 owners in America who may have already done this conversion. They can give you tips on where to source the correct headlights.

Second, contact Kent Bergsma from MercedesSource.com. Kent is a mechanical genius who helps people maintain their vintage or modern Mercedes' correctly and for little money. He might actually have some Euro-spec W126 headlights lying around. If not he will at least be able to show you where you can get them as he is well connected in the Benz scene.

Third, and this may be expensive, you can try sourcing Euro-headlights from the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center in Irvine, California. The parts will be genuine, but expensive!

Fourth, and lastly, you can get in touch with some German W126 Clubs (they speak English, don't worry!) if everything else has not worked. Good luck!

www.mercedes126.de

www.w126-forum.de

www.mb-w126.de

s-klasse-club.de

w126net.de

 

[1988560SEL NEWBIE]

Thanks for those ideas. I will sure look into that. Right now my Benz is in a paint shop as the roof and a few other parts of the body had flaking clear coat, probably cause it be sitting in the sun for too long. My car has a 156K miles and is entirely (top and bottom) rustfree.

 

[cawimmer430]

Thanks for those ideas. I will sure look into that. Right now my Benz is in a paint shop as the roof and a few other parts of the body had flaking clear coat, probably cause it be sitting in the sun for too long. My car has a 156K miles and is entirely (top and bottom) rustfree.

Very nice! Which model do you have?

I used to have an '85 300SE W126. Great car. Loved that engine for its balance between performance and fuel economy.

 

[CrunchSlaughtered]

Which model do you have?

I would suppose MB 560 SEL from 1988 (check his nickname)

 

[cawimmer430]

I would suppose MB 560 SEL from 1988 (check his nickname)

You are so right! Now I feel silly!