Cloudy Headlight Lens - 1990 560SEC

[DADamascus]

On my 1990 560SEC, the inside of the lens of one of the headlights is cloudy. It seems to be a sealed unit so my ability to clean the inside of the lens is limited to the small hole which the bulb fits through. I've tried several times to clean it but with no success. I've noticed that it fogs up after I wash the car so maybe the seal is bad. Is there another way to clean this unit or should I just throw it out and buy a new one. @$150-$200, it seems like a waste if there is a way to salvage this one.

[Robby Ackerman]

I have an earlier and a later MB, and I've been able to remove the lamp assembly and carefully remove the the lens. On my headlights, and I don't know if the 560SEC uses the same or similar design, there is a rubber seal between the lens and the polished aluminum reflector, and I can carefully remove the lens, clean it, reuse the seal, and reassemble the unit.

Check and see if there are any hairline cracks in the lens, which may be a source of moisture.

[Robby Ackerman]

If you replace it, and are a fanatic about lighting, use a Bosch unit. I can visually see the difference between a Bosch and aftermarket units in the quality of the lens and reflector. If it isn't that big a deal for you, the aftermarket units do light up the road.

[gerryvz]

I recommend buying a set of Euro lights. I believe them to be around $800 for the set of two from MB, but the improved light output is well worth it, and it cleans up the look on the front of the SEC quite nicely over the US lights.

To my knowledge there really is no way to take apart the US lamps. The fact that you are getting condensation in there tells me that they are not sealing, which is a problem.

The factory lights are Bosch units if you get them from MB. Aftermarket lamps are not recommended.

Good luck!

Cheers,
Gerry

[DADamascus]

Thanks for the input. Although I like the Euro lights, I want the SEC to remain OEM. Thus, I'll just order a new OEM Bosch headlight lens unit.

[Sonny]

Gerry or DADamascus; Did the US versions have the wipers? I've got the wipers, but the headlight has small raised glass "buttons" near the edges that prevent the wiper from operating smoothly. I'm wondering if this is a mis-match, and if I can remedy the situation. Please advise. :confused:

Thanks in advance!
Sonny

[jhodg5ck]

IMHO, the Euro lights are more OEM then the US versions. The Euro lights were what the car was originally designed to run..where as the US lighting system was required by the DOT here in the states. Not only do the US lights perform poorly they look sub standard on a car that's otherwise beautiful.

The US cars all came w/ wipers...the 'buttons' are used to aim the light.. Before I swapped my cars to Euro's I would grind off said button to help the headlight wiper work properly.

Jonathan

[gerryvz]

Yes, all US SECs (at least the 1986 through 1991 560SECs) came with headlight wipers, but they were of a different design than the European wipers. The US wipers can be used with Euro lights but must be adapted slightly to be useful. The best thing to do is just to get the European lights and motors, as well as the European headlights.

All US spec headlights on 124 and 126 cars (sedans, coupes, cabs, etc.) should be thrown in the ditch and replaced with their European counterparts. I know it's an expensive upgrade, but practically and aesthetically it is 110% "worth it" particularly if you intend to keep the cars.

Cheers,
Gerry