W124 how to remove headlight lens

[Atominist]

Hi, I just put on a new pair of clear indicators and I was gob sacked how nice they made the car look. The trouble is the headlights look dirty now next to them, so I wanna give the lens a clean/polish.

So I undone the U clips at the top, and took the panel under the headlight off. But what holds the lens on at the bottom, plastic tabs? I put my hands under the the unit and I found something that feels like a tab/clip at each end, but they are so tight and sharp that they cut into my fingers when I pull on them. I even used a bit of tissue over my finger tips, but it still hurts and leaves red marks.

Any advice, thanks.

 

[6pot]

im replacing one of mine at the weekend so i will take a few pics to show you hopefully!

 

[RKC-benz]

Hi, I just put on a new pair of clear indicators and I was gob sacked how nice they made the car look. The trouble is the headlights look dirty now next to them, so I wanna give the lens a clean/polish.

So I undone the U clips at the top, and took the panel under the headlight off. But what holds the lens on at the bottom, plastic tabs? I put my hands under the the unit and I found something that feels like a tab/clip at each end, but they are so tight and sharp that they cut into my fingers when I pull on them. I even used a bit of tissue over my finger tips, but it still hurts and leaves red marks.

Any advice, thanks.

I am reviving this thread as I am going to clean my lenses and reflectors … any tips from those that know?

Thanks in advance

 

[V12]

Remove the headlights, easier and safer than trying to pry the lenses off in situ.

 

[RKC-benz]

Remove the headlights, easier and safer than trying to pry the lenses off in situ.

"How to?" is the question...

 

[V12]

Unplug electrical connectors and undo 8mm bolts. It's very easy once you're looking at it.

 

[Druk]

The four tabs holding the lens are very easily broken. Warming them gently helps and use a slow taper wedge to only lift them as far as needed to get the glass out.



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[W124ali]

Remove the headlight first. I think there are 6 clips which are easily removed and the glass section comes away from the rear of the headlight.

 

[W124CAB]

There are 4 clips holding the lens to the lamp.
2 clips at the top and a further 2 at the bottom. They are a little fragile but gentle persuasion appears to be the secret

I've just cleaned my lenses at the weekend and found they came up brilliantly after a cycle in the dishwasher!
I took the opportunity to polish the reflectors on the inside too with a soft cotton cleaning cloth and such a transformation.

 

[millo777]

You need to remove the indiactor first, as there 2 bolts holding the headlight unit behind it. There is also a bolt on the other side close to the radiator. I think they are 8mm. Then there is the plastic clip at the top.

If your car has AC, putting the bolt back next to the radiator/evap is a monumental pita.

When you've cleaned inside the lens though, it makes a huge difference.

If you're taken to cleaning the reflectors, make sure you only do that with a lint free cloth, and don't use any chemicals as they will smear the reflective coating.

It may be worthwhile replacing the seals between the lens and the headlight unit as these can get a bit crispy.

 

[mejermy]

These any use????