Well they're illegal, which might be an issue for some.
Well they're illegal, which might be an issue for some.
Iain
Active Member
Gina.
Couldn't agree more with the above. The later lights are far superior to the earlier type with the fog lights in a different position as well.
I fitted the later type to my old '94 model and was actually able to see in front of me!!
Only downside though is, you will have to change the small hockey stick trims under the lights too.Probably best to source from a breakers at £60-80 a pair.
glojo
Hardcore MB Enthusiast
Am I missing something here? Gina is saying how the headlights are all but dangerous and I would suggest might even be driving beyond the visual limits they are happy with? I am NOT suggesting anyone is driving at exceptionally high speeds, I am certainly not having a go at the driver, I am trying to ask, "Are the headlights on this model that bad? Do all other owners of this model suffer with the same problems? Should the lights be upgraded or is there a reason for this poor illumination?
The A38 is all but a motorway, however there are some windy, hilly bits approaching Haldon where good illumination is a must and I sympathise with the author. It is not uncommon to be confronted with either broken down vehicles or slow moving HGV's on the hill going up to-wards the race track, poor illumination is not conducive to a long and happy retirement. Do you know anyone with a similar model vehicle? If the lights are practically dangerous I might consider going to a car auto electricians, but if you think replacing the lamps is the answer, then okee dokee.
Take care and hopefully you will see the light.
Yours sincerely
John
Dieselman
Banned
- Joined
- Jul 13, 2003
- Messages
- 34,199
- Car
- Peugeot 403 Convertible
It's the lens. The lights are very poor, as are E class halogen lights fitted to W210 and some say W211.
OP
OP
gina2201
MB Enthusiast
I have heard a few people (on other car/merc forums) stating the original headlamp beams on this model are quite poor compared to other cars. I subsequently drove slower on my trip and also was able to drive a (safe) distance behind someone else. The full beam is ok! But I found it quite poor on normal beam, as in could not see very far ahead or very well lit.
glojo
Hardcore MB Enthusiast
Thanks for that and it was the impression I was getting from the symptoms. Gina,
Do NOT test a car with xeon headlights,
You will park your car up and never drive it again 
Dieselman,
If it is the lens then no doubt improving the bulb should improve the amount of light, but will it always be less than a vehicle with a decent unit?
Confession time,
When we had our old 210 it had xeons and that converted me. This is now a MUST have option. (Spoilt or what?)
Gina,
Thanks for taking my post in the spirit it was meant.
Regards,
John
OP
OP
gina2201
MB Enthusiast
No worries, I'm sure if you or anyone had an issue they would let me know, and I would be grateful if they did!
I just find them alot poorer than any other car I have driven or been driven in and it really only showed itself last night. And I would be happier if I could have better vision!
I just find them alot poorer than any other car I have driven or been driven in and it really only showed itself last night. And I would be happier if I could have better vision!
So what is the best solution really to this problem from what ive read so far im guessing the below :
A -Osram Silverstars
B -Facelifted Clusters (Standard)
C -Facelifted Clusters (Standard) with Osram Silverstars
D -Facelifted Clusters (Xenon)
Any other options i have missed ?
A -Osram Silverstars
B -Facelifted Clusters (Standard)
C -Facelifted Clusters (Standard) with Osram Silverstars
D -Facelifted Clusters (Xenon)
Any other options i have missed ?
Iain
Active Member
If you went with option B for 80 quid why not go the extra score for option C? probably the most sensible all round option.
Start with option A, then you've already got the bulbs for option C
I was thinking the same the silverstars are under a tenner from ebay i bought some a year back for another car so thats a good price and a good way to start of heres a pair of ebay same seller and the cheapest BIN out there
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/OSRAM-SILVERS...ryZ72235QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
H4 is the correct fitment right ?
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/OSRAM-SILVERS...ryZ72235QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
H4 is the correct fitment right ?
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I Agree, the pre-facelift headlights are like using a Mobile phone screen as a torch compared to the facelift lights
If it were me, knowing what I know now, dont bother changing the bulbs, get new light clusters!
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glojo
Hardcore MB Enthusiast
As an outsider, but perhaps guilty of suggesting different options, if it were my vehicle then the lamps would have to go. Fitting different bulbs is a cheap alternative, but the problem will always be there and the driver is not getting the optimum visibilty. I find it so much easier to spend other folks moneyI Agree, the pre-facelift headlights are light using a Mobile phone screen as a torch compared to the facelift lights
If it were me, knowing what I know now, dont bother changing the bulbs, get new light clusters!
Regards
John
IIRC H4 is a dual-function bulb for use with dipped and beam.
I think the pre-facelift headlamps take H1s, facelift H7 and H1. Check your handbook!
Well, I've been underwhelmed with my 211s headlamps, poor throw and not bright. However had one of the units replaced (due to damage by previous owner) and now I have a brand sparkly new one, and it's much better.
So I've swapped the dipped bulbs for Vision Pluses, which are much brighter (note though that any bulb swap is an improvement as they tend to darken with age) and now I'm going to look at polishing the older unit, otherwise it's a spendy spendy time to replace it (and I believe it's bumper off too on the 211.)
Looks like the projector lens is cloudy too on the old unit...
