C124 E320 headlight bulb change - removing cover

[Comleys]

Hi all, looking for help on hopefully a very simple thing please:

I need to upgrade the headlight bulbs on my 1995 E320 coupe. I know the brightest ones from Halfords will be better than what I currently have, but I'm struggling to remove the plastic cover from the back of the offside lamp, and cautious not to break it so wanted to check here before taking a less cautious approach! This wasn't an issue on my 220 as the engine took up much less room, nor on the nearside lamp of the 320, but this one's more tricky.

Any tips please? Do I need to remove any part of the air intake or should I be able to do it without touching that?

Thanks a lot

 

[hotrodder]

Take the lid off of the air filter box*, makes for a better view and you'll probably need to anyway unless you've got tiny hands or a helper in the form of a small child. The cover slides out vertically once the plastic clips are released, one on the top and a few snap-fit types at the bottom (1 on the side, 2 or 3 at the back)

* a handfull of over-centre metal clips (one partially hidden at the back when looking from above) and 2 securing the lid to the MAF/air pipe

 

[millo777]

Did you get the Ultra brilliance version? I'd be interested to know how much difference they make. I thought about it, but at 50 quid for 2, it seemed a bit steep without seeing the difference first.

Grateful if you could report back with thoughts.

 

[Comleys]

Very helpful thanks Hotrodder- will give that a go. Millo- sure - will let you know which ones I end up getting. Cheers

 

[300E]

Try fitting new fuses and cleaning the connections in the fusebox too.

I had random issues with a non working headlamp on my 124 and noticed the fuses and holders were a bit oxidised. New fuses, holders cleaned up the headlamps are now better than those on my new BMW!

 

[hotrodder]

I assumed you'd already bought the bulbs. In that case... Lightbulb test | Products | Auto Express and more recent but tested at Osrams facility Headlamp bulbs tested | Products | Auto Express
Personally i avoid Halfords when possible, they're useful if you need something on a Sunday afternoon but are generally 'kin expensive and it's not like their prices are justified by customer service/expert advice. With a bit of shopping around you'll be able to get Osram nightbreakers for a fraction of the list price, somewhere in the region of £13/pair via ebay or amazon

 

[millo777]

The nightbreaker plus claim 90% more light than standard halogen, whereas the halfords ultra brilliance claim 120% more light. Thats why I dithered, in case the halfords really are that much better.

The normal casue of weak headlights is a poor earth, but I've cleaned that up. I'll try the fuse connections next just in case. In reality it's more likley to be contrast to driving other cars with HID/xenon.

@Comleys, hope you managed to change the bulb ok.

 

[dave e320]

i found it was sooooooo much easier to just remove the whole of the airbox it gives more room especally if you drop something

 

[hotrodder]

The nightbreaker plus claim up to 90% more light than standard halogen, whereas the halfords ultra brilliance claim up to 120% more light...

Fixed that for you

 

[Comleys]

Thanks all- been v busy and not got round to it yet. Given that, will check out the nightbreakers and will see if I can get the whole air box out then. Cheers

 

[Comleys]

Thanks for everyone's help. In the end Halfords were doing a BOGOF on their Ultra Brilliance bulbs so got two for £24.99. Very happy with them so far- much better than my previous ones. Wouldn't have bought them at full price though...