W126 Euro Headlight Installation Nightmare - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Squiggle Dog · #1 03-28-2014, 02:33 AM

I am trying to install a set of Bosch Euro headlights in a USA version 1991 W126 350SDL.

The existing headlight wiring would not plug into the Euro lights. I read a post that said to use the taillight plugs. I got some taillight plugs from a W126 and they did not fit because the pin holes were spaced too far apart. So then I removed the taillight plugs from a W123, and they fit. So, that was taken care of.

I put the headlights in place on the body and screwed in the two top screws. Then I looked under the car and saw that the brackets for the headlight wipers aren't even close to fitting. It seems that the USA and Euro headlight wipers are different. I think the wipers would work with the new Euro headlights if I could figure out a way of securing the motors so they aren't flopping around underneath the lights.

I thought these things would be plug-and-play like the W111 and W116, but they are being really difficult to install. Has anyone else run into this problem and found a way of making the wipers work? I was thinking of taking some steel and cutting out an adapter bracket, but the dang wiper motors fit directly in the way of one of the mounting holes on each light, which sort of destroys that idea.

I can't imagine a set of euro wiper motors and brackets would be easy to find or cheap. And then... would the holes in the valance panels be the same between the USA and Euro wiper motors?

Air&Road · #2 03-28-2014, 02:38 AM

I have never done this on a 126, but I did it on a 124. I made a wiper motor bracket by using sheet metal in a "Z" bend and then drilling to relocate the motor in the proper position.

Hope this helps.

H-townbenzoboy · #3 03-28-2014, 03:51 AM

I know there's a way to make it work. I've seen 2nd gen W126s with Euro lights and US spec wipers.

gatorblue92 · #4 03-28-2014, 07:27 AM

The holes are in a different location. Are you set on keeping the headlight wipers? You can get a panel without the holes.

JamesDean · #5 03-28-2014, 10:46 AM

I did this on our 420SEL.

I axed the wipers and motors. In the passenger side lamp I had to drill a hole the mounting bracket so that I could position the bracket to correctly support the lamp.

I bought new under headlight trim panels. They were $10 each from Mercedes.

TX76513 · #6 03-28-2014, 10:55 AM

There used to be a great pictorial in the DIY section but - heck where is the DIY section now? I do remember when mine were done you had to get the Euro plugs to convert the connection

JamesDean · #7 03-28-2014, 10:56 AM

PeachPartsWiki: Do It Yourself Articles - Mercedes Vehicles

PeachPartsWiki: Installing Euro Headlights

That for a first gen 126...On a first gen you won't have to drill out/modify anything

Squiggle Dog · #8 03-28-2014, 01:05 PM

Thanks for the replies. Removing the headlight wipers is not an option. It looks like I'll have to figure out some kind of adapters or brackets, which will be an all-day project.

JamesDean · #9 03-28-2014, 02:34 PM

Why not an option? Like them too much or?

This might be a viable solution?
My W126 Euro lights conversion - Mercedes-Benz Forum

daw_two · #10 03-28-2014, 04:00 PM

If you want to keep wipers on your Euro w126 headlights, you must:
Secure the European wiper set
or
Make a bracket

Whenever I've installed Euro lights, I have eliminated the wipers, and used the bottom US bracket with new holes drilled in it to mount the Euro light housing to car.

Air&Road · #11 03-28-2014, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TX76513

There used to be a great pictorial in the DIY section but - heck where is the DIY section now? I do remember when mine were done you had to get the Euro plugs to convert the connection

It's at Pelican Parts I suppose. They seem to prefer their own.

Air&Road · #12 03-28-2014, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Squiggle Dog

Thanks for the replies. Removing the headlight wipers is not an option. It looks like I'll have to figure out some kind of adapters or brackets, which will be an all-day project.

I fully I expect that a simple bent piece of sheet metal, bolted to the headlight assembly on one end and the motor mounted through a hole in the other end will not be difficult to make.

Best of luck with it and show us some pics when you're done or of the various steps of the project.

Squiggle Dog · #13 03-29-2014, 02:22 AM

It just seems silly to upgrade to Euro headlights, only to have to lose the wiper assembly. It's my roommate's car and he wants to keep the wipers. I can't believe that they were made so differently.

The post on Benzworld is nice, but I still don't know what the guy did. The one picture I see of the motor looks like it's using the same bracket, but the bracket on the car isn't even close to fitting. He says he moved the motor over a bit, but then I imagine that makes it so you have to get different valance panels and then drill holes in a new spot... but then the wiper arm won't be in the right place... so complicated.