W203 Headlight Mod

[CiaranMcKeown]

K, so i got the new headlights from Euro Car Parts. Worked out 178pounds each, not cheap.

this is what you have to do to change them...

Remove the two visible bolts holding the unit in place (red pointers)
And remove the strengthening bars 4 bolts (green Pointers) to give you some room to move the unit.

Now, remove the wheel arch lining/stone guard to give you access to the back of the unit, best to turn the wheels full lock in the direction of the side you are working on. This is a tight squeeze (because you are not removing the front bumper)

You will notice a serated edge disk with a bolt in the middle, this is easier to find with a torch. If you follow along the joint of bumper and quarter panel it is about level with that. loosen the bolt with a few turns and then to save time unscrew the remainder by hand. Once fully removed this bolt only separates from the light housing, it does not come out into your hand so to speak.

With those 3 bolts removed all that needs to be done is disconnect the electrical supply to the unit and then a thin purple pipe in the bottom (not sure what this is for, it may be for water supply to washer jets, which i do not have)

Jiggle the unit about and it will come out, you will have to move the strengthening bar back towards the windscreen to get the unit free. Once that is done, its just a matter of everything else in reverse. Ans same goes for the opposite side.

Heres a few other pics of the change...

Sorry about the poor quality images, these were taken with my phone. I'll get some better ones later 2day.

 

[KillerHERTZ]

Nice, best mod you can do to a W203, totally modernises the car.

IIRC, the purple pipe is the vacum pipe for the headlight leveling adjustment.

 

[television]

Very nice too, it makes a huge difference

 

[verytalldave]

Congratulations. A very worthwhile upgrade. The photo showing both units really does highlight the improvement to the look.
And what about actual nightime illumination performance? How does that compare?
I think I would be tempted to fit slightly higher wattage bulbs as well if I was you. Just to really push the boat out.

 

[CMR]

Well done! I have been considering this mod too. Just a quick question, do you think it best to change the fog lamps and side repeater lens too to get a complete look? or is this not too important?

Also re-reading your instructions, did you actually do this without disconecting (to lower, not remove,) the bumber at all?

 

[taylor192]

Impressive that you did this without removing the bumper.

I replaced mine and only had to loosen the front bumper, yet it was a pain to get the bumper attached to the fender again, your method seems so much easier.

 

[gurpz]

Deffinatly a worthwhile upgrade, looks alot better. If your looking for more powerfull bulbs as well go for some Osram Night Breakers with 90% more light on the road and also claims to be 10% more whiter.

 

[DieselDick]

W203 Headlight replacement / upgrade & indicators

Thanks for the photos above - very useful when I came to remove my own lights on a W203 Sport Coupe.

I didn't remove the bumper, but removed the screw joining the bumper to the wing where they join at the wheelarch. This was just enogh to be able to pry the bumper out to give good access to the bolt on the side of the headlamp.

I also replaced the side repeaters on the mirrors (details of how to do it on another thread - don't dismantle the mirror (like I did !) - you just slide the cover off by pushing a screwdriver into a clip which is visible when you bend the mirror in to the door).

I paid £140 for the pair of lights on E-bay, and the side repeaters were £16 +vat from MB. Very worthwhile I think - makes the car look much more modern (I hate diffused glass lights !).

I also replaced the orange bulbs with chrome bulbs - E-bay again - £3.99 the pair ! You can also buy them at auto shops - takes away the 'fried egg' look.

Photos below.

Anyone thinking of doing it & needs any tips just drop me a line.

:bannana:

 

[V RAJA]

Hi Diesel,
I am trying to replace both my repeaters on my C180K 2004 Coupe. I understand that I need to only lift a clip and slide the housing out to replace the repeater. How about fitting it back? How do I ensure the clip sits back in its original position. Any picture that you have pse to indicate the clip we are talking about.
Thks
Raja

 

[Dave Richardson]

Thank you for the tips & photos