W124 Headlights– not too bright...

[barryhalldesign@mac.com]

I am running a G reg 300TE estate. My headlights are not as bright as they should be– the high beams are ok, but the “regular beams” are about half as bright as they should be.

Any ideas???

Regards

Barry

 

[jibcl500]

Remove a bulb and check the condition of the element, sometimes just replacing the bulbs like for like can make a difference, also look on the net for brighter bulbs, my CL headlamps are pants but uprated them to 85 watt and it made a huge difference.

jib

 

[Bolide]

The silvering tends to drop off on W124 reflectors. You can clean the reflectors by removing the glass (the whole headlight has to come out) but be very careful as it's very delicate

Unfortunately dip beam performance is hopeless on these cars. Brighter bulbs do help if the reflector's OK. Either use legal +80% bulbs or illegal 110/90 watt "off-road" bulbs

If the reflectors are brown & patchy it's best to replace them. You can normally buy a pair of decent headlights from a breaker for about £100

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

 

[DougCLK320]

Are there any wiring issues with using higher wattage bulbs?...
Will it blow the fuses / trigger a bulb out message or even (eek!) burn out wiring???
Doug

 

[jibcl500]

I didnt have any issues with 85 watt bulbs.

jib

 

[Bolide]

Are there any wiring issues with using higher wattage bulbs?...
Will it blow the fuses / trigger a bulb out message or even (eek!) burn out wiring???
Doug

Yes, higher wattage bulbs pull more current and the switchgear won't last as long

If you were going for mad wattage you'd be better off using relays but then the bulb failure warning would be triggered. I've not see the bulb failure warning trigger with +80 bulbs or 110/90 bulbs

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

 

[wireman]

There is a legal requirement for head lamp ratings which must not be exceeded.
The inside of the lense can get filthy, take the whole lamp out and unclip the glass to clean it.
The metalising on the reflector is a very thin (2 -10 microns) aluminium and will be destroyed by anything (especialy a finger tip) other than an extremly soft cloth or camel hair brush, rubbing it is sure to remove the coating and destroy the reflector.

 

[Legoman]

makes me curious if you could fit that stuff called mylar to the lens , its used in horticultural set ups to reflect light and is very efficent

 

[JEZ.S320L]

I've been using 110w bulbs for the past few years - no issues whatsoever.