hey there.

im looking to buy a 1995 E320 wagon with 59K miles on it in San Diego. I noticed it doesn't have headlight wipers. Were headlight wipers optional? Why would they be removed especially on a car with only 59K on it?

thanks

eric

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1995 E320 Sportline Wagon "Bernard"
black on black leather

http://i.imgur.com/BdZ7jM3.png

Those headlight wipers were optional. 100% not needed. You're better off without them. I would avoid a 124 with traction control, too. You want that wagon with as few options as possible. They're great vehicles. Look at the service history for head gasket and engine wiring harness. The only real killer defect on the 124 in my opinion is the evaporator in the climate control system.

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Michael

1988 300 SL (5 Speed)
1994 E320 Wagon
1997 C230

Here is another opinion on wipers. One winter night, my wife came home and said that she had run the windshield washers,,, which also run the headlight washers at night,,, and couldn't believe how much better she could see after that. If my wife notices a difference, it's a good thing. BTW,,, I took the wipers off my SL as I thought they looked like crap. The thing is never in the snow or rain so it doesn't really matter.

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95 SL500 Smoke Silver, Parchment 64K
07 E350 4matic Station Wagon White 34K
02 E320 4Matic Silver/grey 80K
05 F150 Silver 44K

They might be useful in areas of heavy snow/road salt, but I don't think you will see much of that in California...so don't worry about them...

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1995 black pearl/black Mercedes-Benz E420 :

Even in California they can be useful. During the rainy season, the roads can be muddy especially in areas where mud can get on the roads. Back splash from other cars and especally trucks can coat your car (and lights) with a layer of dirt. Headlight wipers will make you see better. If I buy a new wagon, I will not pay that as an option, but mine comes with it

sounds good. i definitely found wipers helpful of the volvo wagon i drove through New England during winter. but in california, i doubt ill need them. i keep my car obsessively clean anyways.

thanks for the feedback

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1995 E320 Sportline Wagon "Bernard"
black on black leather

http://i.imgur.com/BdZ7jM3.png

I find it interesting that many MB'ers dislike the look of headlight wipers, while most folks that are largely unfamiliar with the brand think they're really cool - in function and style.

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"Diplomacy is the art of saying 'nice doggie' until you can find a rock."

Useful like a football bat.

Aint dat da truth.

Maybe if mine did more than flop around ...and not do much else that they were intended for... I'd have a different perspective. Cant wait to have one of my headlights break enough to justify ordering a pair of DEPOTs, at which time I will chuck those flubberdusters.

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-Marty

1986 300E 220,000 miles+ transmission impossible
(Now waiting under a bridge in order to become one)

Reading your M103 duty cycle:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/831799-post13.html
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/831807-post14.html

I like em ... and yes, they are needed if you take your car out in the rain. It does make a difference. And yes, it does rain in California - San Francisco just set a record for the month of March ... 24 days straight of rain in the month of March.

I updated my 500E headlights from D.O.T. to E-specs (huge difference BTW) and I had to remove the headlight wipers because the D.O.T. configuration is not compatable with the E-specs. I've purchased new wipers and arms, and now I just need to purchase some motors (~$120 ea. new). For me, I like the look ... it's like the hood ornament - it's not a MB without it.

We get a lot of rainfall and I haven't noticed any particular benefit to the wipers. I'm not saying their useless just that their value is limited for me. It's probably just a personal preference thing.

To me they're just another geegaw to break. But I don't like electric windows, either.

On the other hand, I will never buy another car that doesn't have seats and seat adjustments that are as comfy as the 124's. I also like the telescoping steering wheel. It could be improved with a tilt hinge, but that sure isn't a complaint. Oh, and the sunroof--what a nice system that is. A moonroof option would be cool--not complaining. Bottom line for me is if Mercedes could build cupholders as elegant and useful as they build seats, I'd drive everywhere with a cup of coffee.

I agree about the headlight wipers. I am putting Euros in my 300TE. When I do, the wipers come off.

As for trhe seats, I agree they are nice. but for real comfort, and full support, try the seats on a Volvo wagon. We own a 2002 V70 that my youngest daughter drives. Those seats are comfortable and extremely supportive. They put the W124 seats as well as the W126 and the W210 to shame. In fact, if I set up a TV in the garage, I may just go to the Volvo and sit in it to watch TV.

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Current Benzes

1989 300TE "Alice"
1990 300CE "Sam Spade"
1991 300CE "Beowulf" RIP (06.1991 - 10.10.2007)
1998 E320 "Orson"
2002 C320 Wagon "Molly Fox"

Res non semper sunt quae esse videntur

My Gallery

Not in this weather!

Whoa, those are some seats. I'll check Volvo.

Like most ol' fahrts who worked in labor before getting a cushie job, my back gives me problems often long trips used to give me problems. Not with my Mercedes though. Hey, maybe Blue Cross should buy me a new Mercedes as a prosthesis?

The european versions look elegant, but the little U.S. style wipers look awkward/dorky.

I always figured the things probably didn't work anyways, as I have never seen them in action.

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'90 300SE 298k
-300K and it gets put into retirement.
'80 300D 255k Purchased new by family in 1980.

Had a:
1973 220 (gas)
1980 300SD
1992 400E

At no point in my life have I thought, 'Gee, if only I had headlight wipers...'

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Ralph

1985 300D Turbo, CA model
248,650 miles and counting...