W220 S Class headlamp lens replacement

[markben]

Greetings all - ideas please?

The original 18 year-old N/S bi xenon headlamp lens on my 2004 facelift 'S' has yellowed / faded to the extent that no amount of polishing will restore its clarity & sparkle. It's not bad enough to be an MOT failure but it looks especially 'tired' compared with a relatively new headlamp & crystal clear lens on the O/S!

A new OE unit will cost upwards of £500 (ouch!) and of course a used unit is still not likely to match the 'as new', much brighter one. I've seen reasonably priced replacement lenses advertised on ebay - but they come from China and I've read reports that the quality is very variable. Changing the lens doesn't look too difficult if done carefully (according to the Mercedes w220 wiki encyclopedia).

Has anyone had a similar issue and how did you resolve it (e.g. replacing the lens only / sourcing parts)?

Many thanks

MB

 

[Mr Greedy]

Are you sure it couldn't be polished (sanded) sufficiently to remove the yellowing.

When I did mine (w203 2004 vintage) I removed the lights from the car, used wet and dry (wet) 600>800>1200. Didn't polish any further and just cleaned up, then for great UV protection sprayed with a can of 2k lacquer from Amazon for about £20 (it had a button in the bottom of the can to release the hardener before shaking).

With the sanding with 600 grit, you could see the yellowing being removed easily. It's harsher than polishing, but might work.
The lacquer fills the 1200 grit scratches so no need to polish after 1200 grit.
Obvs done off the car as you don't want 2k clear coat rattle can anywhere near the bodywork.

 

[V6Matty]

As above, you will be surprised how good a sand, polish and spray with lacquer will bring them bad to new.
I did this on my 211 when I had it and most people asked if I’d just bought new lights

 

[markben]

Are you sure it couldn't be polished (sanded) sufficiently to remove the yellowing.

When I did mine (w203 2004 vintage) I removed the lights from the car, used wet and dry (wet) 600>800>1200. Didn't polish any further and just cleaned up, then for great UV protection sprayed with a can of 2k lacquer from Amazon for about £20 (it had a button in the bottom of the can to release the hardener before shaking).

With the sanding with 600 grit, you could see the yellowing being removed easily. It's harsher than polishing, but might work.
The lacquer fills the 1200 grit scratches so no need to polish after 1200 grit.
Obvs done off the car as you don't want 2k clear coat rattle can anywhere near the bodywork.

Thanks Mr G.

Well.. I took it to my local professional bodyshop guy about 12 months ago and he did his best (I think using your method or similar). It improved it a bit, but he did mention that it would never be as crystal clear as the much newer (approx 5 year old) unit due to its age & exposure to UV - which he reckoned would have degraded the lens 'deeper below the surface and possibly through to the inside than any amount of sanding / polishing could fix' (You tell me?). In the meantime, I've regularly polished it with a rotary drill buffer attachment & off-the-shelf Meguirs 'stuff' but it has gradually gone more cloudy despite all. It looks like one headlight has got a cataract! :-D

The other thing I've noticed is that the bi-xenon bulb 'sharpness' is noticeably poorer through the old lens. Although it passed an MOT today with no issues (Phew..), I'm still inclined to take a chance on trying to source & fit a new lens (relatively inexpensive) or maybe invest in a brand-new OE unit ( even if ££ Ouch!). Since the rest of the car is immaculate cosmetically, I figure that might be the best way to go (and of course it will save me fretting about / trying to polish it ad infinitum ).

Either way, many thanks for your help and 'To be Continued....'

 

[markben]

As above, you will be surprised how good a sand, polish and spray with lacquer will bring them bad to new.
I did this on my 211 when I had it and most people asked if I’d just bought new lights

Thanks Matty, much appreciated. See my reply to Mr G...?

 

[DSK]

Lenses will be the cheapest option granted. The only thing I would stress is the seal or whatever is used for the seal. You don’t want a poor fit and leaks/condensation.

I know it’s an ‘old’ car but if it’s in good reliable order, especially if you’re keeping it, I’d seriously consider just getting new units.

Why on earth lamps are not made out of glass is beyond me.

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[Blobcat]

Why on earth lamps are not made out of glass is beyond me.

Weight and less damage to pedestrians in the event of an accident - also cheaper to manufacture

 

[markben]

Lenses will be the cheapest option granted. The only thing I would stress is the seal or whatever is used for the seal. You don’t want a poor fit and leaks/condensation.

I know it’s an ‘old’ car but if it’s in good reliable order, especially if you’re keeping it, I’d seriously consider just getting new units.

Why on earth lamps are not made out of glass is beyond me.

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Thanks DSK. There's a good 'YooToob' video on how to do that important lens seal - I'm onto it. As for old & reliable - my treasured 'S' is more than that. It's truly immaculate in all respects still at 140k miles (and it's the LWB SE version with all the right Options!), so I don't mind investing in a new OE unit if necessary. Will update accordingly if it helps others here

 

[markben]

Weight and less damage to pedestrians in the event of an accident - also cheaper to manufacture

Yes I'm sure that's correct.

 

[DSK]

Weight and less damage to pedestrians in the event of an accident - also cheaper to manufacture

Weight! I’d rather the ****wit makers and dumb ass public realised fake diffusers, fake slats, bullshit mood lighting and mini TVs etc are hideous, useless, and yet they want to charge how much for this modern unreliable plastic?


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[mioba]

I done as Mr Greedy on my W220 a few years ago - about 4 I recall. I bit of elbow grease with constant spraying of soap solution and washing you could see the yellowing pour off.
Mine were an MOT failure according to merc at the time and it was 900 notes PER light.
Its not failed an MOT since.
They look rough when you start and when you go to finer grade thet look better and better. The UV laquer just makes them perfect and as good as new.

 

[DSK]

Great to hear fellow folks loving and maintaining their older cars!

Please do share what you do/use and you go as if the lenses option works a rear it will no doubt help many more owners.


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[markben]

Great to hear fellow folks loving and maintaining their older cars!

Please do share what you do/use and you go as if the lenses option works a rear it will no doubt help many more owners.


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Will do! In case it's of interest to anyone here:

In my past Professional Life spanning 25 years (how time flies!) I had the privilege of being appointed Senior (external) Head Office Sales Training Consultant to MBUK some years after a brief spell as a Sales Exec at my local MB dealership in south-west UK. I could tell many happy stories about the Psychology of how MB Sales Execs might 'Win-over' prospective new & aspirational (but apprehensive) Customers Hearts & Minds to a new and exciting Automotive Brand.

During this time, I always felt that 'older' Mercedes cars were better designed & engineered than 'newer' ones. That said: times have changed, and automotive technology has moved forwards - for better or worse. Many Stories to tell, but maybe for another time and place?

Will update on the headlight lens query / solution, thanks all for your interest & thoughts in the meantime.

 

[DSK]

Absolutely true, from what I see and drive, old is gold!

(I appreciate some of the technical advances like engineered grip, making hot hatches go like cut price hyper cars etc but, they also have a lot more technical and engineering headaches and well, crap materials and builds from what I see).


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[markben]

Absolutely true, from what I see and drive, old is gold!

(I appreciate some of the technical advances like engineered grip, making hot hatches go like cut price hyper cars etc but, they also have a lot more technical and engineering headaches and well, crap materials and builds from what I see).


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Looking forward to comparing more notes & stories about all things Mercedes, older or newer - thanks again!

 

[JBell]

The other thing I've noticed is that the bi-xenon bulb 'sharpness' is noticeably poorer through the old lens. Although it passed an MOT today with no issues (Phew..), I'm still inclined to take a chance on trying to source & fit a new lens (relatively inexpensive) or maybe invest in a brand-new OE unit ( even if ££ Ouch!). Since the rest of the car is immaculate cosmetically, I figure that might be the best way to go (and of course it will save me fretting about / trying to polish it ad infinitum ).

The Lamp (bulb) will also have degraded over time, maybe time to replace the Lamps (Bulbs) as well

 

[JBell]

Maybe worth speaking to a local detailer, they often offer Lense refurbishment, my local one does it for £40 a side

 

[markben]

Ohh.. Decisions, decisions..!

Ok: so I've taken a gamble and ordered a replacement lens cover via ebuygum from a supplier in China (£33 delivered, 2-3 weeks). The quality looks good and a couple of W220 owner pals on a Benz forum in the US say they've done the same with great results. Best case: an exact match with the 'as new' other side. Worst case: I haven't wasted too much money, and on to Plan B.

Thanks all for your ideas & suggestions, I'll let you know how it goes in case it helps others here

MB

 

[JBell]

Ohh.. Decisions, decisions..!

Ok: so I've taken a gamble and ordered a replacement lens cover via ebuygum from a supplier in China (£33 delivered, 2-3 weeks). The quality looks good and a couple of W220 owner pals on a Benz forum in the US say they've done the same with great results. Best case: an exact match with the 'as new' other side. Worst case: I haven't wasted too much money, and on to Plan B.

You can always return it if not correct

 

[horatio]

Please do update! I’m interested to see how this goes as my CLK’s are the same. No amount of sanding/polishing/spraying stuff can remove all the yellowing now.