Author Topic: Bulbs for Euro headlights  (Read 6287 times)

113gray

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Bulbs for Euro headlights
« on: October 28, 2003, 19:24:47 »
I finally bit the bullet & bought a pair of Euro H'lights for my 230SL. I think I can get them installed OK using my old chrome rims, but I need to know exactly what bulbs are needed as my new light assemblies came w/o any. They don't appear to use US type sealed beams & it looks like 4 of various sizes will be required. TIA,     -JP-

JamesL

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Re: Bulbs for Euro headlights
« Reply #1 on: October 29, 2003, 02:59:25 »
Do a search on bulbs either here or on Dorian's site

Someone has done a lengthy piece on bulbs, updating lighting and where to get what you're after
James L
Oct69 RHD 280 in DB906 with cognac leather

Bob G ✝︎

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Re: Bulbs for Euro headlights
« Reply #2 on: October 29, 2003, 14:28:13 »
You can get a good education on European lighting and use of different bulbs from Danial stern lighting in Texas. I think the web site is www.sternlighting.com. Is your main headlight bulb an H/4 or H/1?
Bob Geco

113gray

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Re: Bulbs for Euro headlights
« Reply #3 on: November 03, 2003, 07:37:18 »
Bob Geco & "Tosh". Thanks for your replies. I found the Stern site & also the Dorian site has useful info by author Daunte. I will post Stern's reply as I'm still not sure of the main headlight bulb. -JP-

JimVillers

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Re: Bulbs for Euro headlights
« Reply #4 on: November 03, 2003, 11:17:28 »
JP ... I use a 60/55W halogen bulb (Narva #48884) in my 230SL with euro lights.  I believe that it is a HIR2 base.  A site on the web sells them for $33 but they list for 1.64 Euros in Europe so they should retail for less than $10.  I can't remember where I bought mine but I paid less than $10 and bought a spare.  The box says "not for sale in Europe".  I believe that they are normally used in motorcycle headlights.  

This is a higher wattage and brighter bulb than the stock 40/45W bulb.


Jim Villers
190SL, 230SL 5-Speed, 190E 2.3-16 Kompressor
Jim Villers
190SL, 230SL 5-Speed, MGB 5-Speed, MGB GT V8 RHD (real MG), 2016 SLK

ja17

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Re: Bulbs for Euro headlights
« Reply #5 on: November 03, 2003, 20:04:15 »
Hello Jim,
Here is a nice bulb cross ref. chart with manufacturers part numbers which may help.

Download Attachment: Mercedes light bulbs.jpg
80.56 KB

The bulb wattage numbers are pressed along side each socket on your assemblies. Check the wattage required and the base diameter for the correct bulb. I agree with Jim V. , the halogen replacement bulbs are best to use on the main headlight, instead of the original tungsten bulb shown.
Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio
« Last Edit: November 03, 2003, 20:37:02 by ja17 »
Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio
1969 Dark Olive 280SL
2002 ML55 AMG (tow vehicle)
2002 SLK32 AMG (350 hp)
1982 300TD Wagon turbo 4spd.
1963 404 Mercedes Unimog (Swedish Army)
1989 flu419 Mercedes Unimog (US Army)
1998 E430
1974 450SLC Rally
1965 220SE Finback

113gray

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Re: Bulbs for Euro headlights
« Reply #6 on: November 11, 2003, 13:09:55 »
Hi Johio- Thanks for the reply. (The JPG is a dead link tho). I will get a set from Stern Lighting in Texas. I can't say enough about his web site & willingness to patiently provide info to ignoramuses like myself. Also learned, among other things, that these Euro lights are set differently for left & right hand drive vehicles, so buying a  set for a R drive vehicle & fitting to a L drive car would blind oncoming drivers.    -JP-