W123 - Dim Headlights

[moralcrusader]

I've noticed that the headlights on my 230E are incredibly dim - have changed the bulbs however this hasn't had much of an effect. I ended up using both the full beams and front fogs last night as the normal dipped beams were not up to the task.

I don't use the car much at night, however the comparison with other cars I have driven at night is pretty poor. Is it just an "old car" thing, or is there any way of boosting the brightness?

 

[Sp!ke]

How reflective are your reflectors?

 

[SilverSaloon]

yeah i was about to suggest the reflectors are rusted.

mine were in the SL.

i fixed it cheaply by taking off the glass and putting some reflective foil tape on the reflector. You can get this on eBay or Eurocarparts and it just sticks on

worked a treat for me and also car has passed 2 MOT's with no issues with headlamps.

its a bit of a bodge, but like you say, many of these cars are 2nd cars so dont see the dark nights.... my SL hardly ever is in the dark, but even when it is, the light is now fine with the repair.

linky:

Mercedes R107 SL Restoration: Headlamps

hope it helps

Derek

 

[Bellow]

Mine were rubbish despite being good enough to pass MOT.

At the risk of a thorough flaming, I suggest you fit bulbs with a Wattage of 90 or 100. Illegal, but if the pattern doesn't go all over the place, then should give some improvement without dazzling anyone. Consider trying on one side to begin with. The fuse(s) may need to be uprated, but I would expect the rest of the wiring to be man enough.

Unlike HIDs, the bulbs would still be the correct type for the reflectors.

 

[Sp!ke]

If the reflectors are OK and glass is clean then the lights should be reasonable.

Please dont stick 100w bulbs in. Its asking for trouble car mechanically with melted reflectors and grumbling alternators, not to mention a PITA for other drivers.

 

[ss201]

If you're taking the headlights out and the lenses off for a clean, put the lenses through the dishwasher. Make sure to dry them off thoroughly before re-assembly.

 

[Bear]

I'm with Spike on this it's not a good idea using 100w bulbs in 123's as the reflectors have a tendency to melt.I had the same problem on mine and replaced the headlamps with better ones from a breakers.

 

[andy27168]

Hi,
If you fit 100W lamps, you are effectively increasing current of the lighting circuit from just under 10A to 17A (assuming battery Voltage =12), this will put additional load on the cabling which is already old, and has already degraded to a degree, it would also cause additional arcing on the switch reducing its live, plus additional load on all the connectors, including the lights themselves.
With possible (most likely due to age) degraded wiring check what voltage you have at each headlight, as even with the slightest voltage loss at the headlight would give a drastic reduction in light output.

 

[moralcrusader]

Thanks all. I should point out that given mine is a 1981 car, it has the pre-facelift headlights - could this have an effect?

In the meantime I shall give the reflectors a clean and run the lenses throuhg the dishwasher. My g/f's going to LOVE that...

 

[ss201]

In the meantime I shall give the reflectors a clean and run the lenses throuhg the dishwasher. My g/f's going to LOVE that...

Be a man and get her to put them through the dishwasher for you.......

........I'll get me coat

 

[Bear]

Mine is pre-facelift but I changed to the later ones as the early lights are as rare as hens teeth,though saying that Mark Cosovich might have a set he's on 07714 089936

 

[grober]

Check that the headlight earths are sound and not corroded. First test the battery voltage with a VOLTMETER across the positive and negative terminals. Then test the voltage across the lamp filament- any discrepancy indicates a voltage drop across the feed or return [earth] circuits. You could have a dodgy light switch/relay contacts on the supply line or faulty earthcircuit.

 

[Iain]

Try fitting Nightbreaker plus lamps. They come in all of the sizes H1,H2,H3 etc.