SLK R172 headlight replacement

[RolandK]

Into day 2 of SLK ownership and been tinkering. I have tried to improve the headlight lenses which are quite deteriorated. They are a lot better but I can't get them back to 'as new' as they have those cracks that seem to go the depth of the plastic. Used the Autoglym restoration kit which worked quite well but has as expected just worked on the surface. They will do for now but I need to source a good used pair as new is obviously painfully expensive. Is replacing the lenses only an option and has anyone done this? Lights are halogen.
Thanks,
Roland

 

[Chrishazle]

I had to replace a headlight on my S204, MB price hurt but I found a brand new aftermarket replacement on Ebay for about £120, worth a look on there as the light I found is perfect and indistinguishable from the original on the other side.

 

[RolandK]

I had to replace a headlight on my S204, MB price hurt but I found a brand new aftermarket replacement on Ebay for about £120, worth a look on there as the light I found is perfect and indistinguishable from the original on the other side.

Thanks,
Worth a look.

 

[RolandK]

I'm thinking of going down the lens replacement route as the most cost effective solution. They are around £200 a pair from China (of course!). I understand that the front bumper has to come off first which looks like a bit of a job in its own! Has anyone done a lens replacement like this? I think the lenses are sealed to the headlights.
Thanks, Roland

 

[Chrishazle]

I have a horrible feeling you'll find lens replacement is not an option, I haven't seen anything about lens replacement being possible on either MB forum for anything younger than maybe 1980's or maybe early 1990's cars. Please keep us updated, the lenses on my R171 are not good at the top but OK in the main part, but I'd like to get them good all over! Maybe @Blobcat can advise.

 

[pgh13]

Have a look at

He does just that on a W211

 

[Blobcat]

I have a horrible feeling you'll find lens replacement is not an option, I haven't seen anything about lens replacement being possible on either MB forum for anything younger than maybe 1980's or maybe early 1990's cars. Please keep us updated, the lenses on my R171 are not good at the top but OK in the main part, but I'd like to get them good all over! Maybe @Blobcat can advise.

Mine are perfect (like me…)

 

[RolandK]

I have a horrible feeling you'll find lens replacement is not an option, I haven't seen anything about lens replacement being possible on either MB forum for anything younger than maybe 1980's or maybe early 1990's cars. Please keep us updated, the lenses on my R171 are not good at the top but OK in the main part, but I'd like to get them good all over! Maybe @Blobcat can advise.

I'm working on the (possibly misguided!)
assumption that If R172 lenses are available they can be replaced but have to agree that any Youtube videos seem to be for earlier cars. Like yours my lenses were far worse on the top than the rest of the lens but an hour or so working on them and they are about 80% better on top. I'm going to see if I can get any more info and I'll get back to you. I'll see if I can get hold of a scrap headlight from a breakers maybe just to experiment on. Thanks for now.

 

[RolandK]

On another tack, it appears that Hella do complete halogen replacement units at £230 each. Still expensive for a pair but in the same ballpark as what is being asked for secondhand. Obviously not original Merc but being Hella should be ok I'd hope.

 

[Blobcat]

On another tack, it appears that Hella do complete halogen replacement units at £230 each. Still expensive for a pair but in the same ballpark as what is being asked for secondhand. Obviously not original Merc but being Hella should be ok I'd hope.

Hella is probably the OEM for the lights so I’d be more than happy with them.

Whilst £230 seems a lot most LED lights are ~£1,000 ea.

 

[RolandK]

Hella is probably the OEM for the lights so I’d be more than happy with them.

Whilst £230 seems a lot most LED lights are ~£1,000 ea.

Yes, they might be the way to go. Bearing in mind the replacement lenses are £200 a pair that virtually pays for one of them and saves a load of faffing around swapping lenses if that's even possible! As you say £230 in the context of what new original or even secondhand cost is almost a bargain!

 

[RolandK]

Quick update but not sure Hella do RHD versions!

 

[Ian Chaplin]

Cant see any headlight units on Hella web site for RHD 172