Author Topic: LED Headlight Upgrade  (Read 1779 times)

AdelaidePagoda

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LED Headlight Upgrade
« on: April 17, 2022, 10:36:09 »
Due to the very limited Pagoda night lighting and potentially being unsafe, I made the decision to upgrade to H4 LED (Narva brand) headlights.
It was an easy process and took about two hours all up including a thorough clean of the rear of the Euro headlights and the casings behind them.
The difference is unbelievable and in my opinion much safer given I plan on doing night driving, and in Australia we have all sorts of wildlife on the roads at night including Kangaroos and Wombats.
It is also undetectable when looking at the headlight and if you want to reverse it, it would take an hour of your time.
The photo shows the half way mark and as you can see, even during the day, it makes a HUGE difference.
Unfortunately I can only load one photo but I have several more of the simple process if you are interested.
Happy Easter!
Dave
January 1964 230SL 4SPD Power Steering
050 050 Black Soft top, Red Leather interior
Italian delivered/ Germany/ Florida/ Boston/ Sydney/ Adelaide (5th owner)

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doitwright

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Re: LED Headlight Upgrade
« Reply #1 on: April 17, 2022, 14:49:18 »
Very nice to see a comparison photo. You can really see the difference.
Frank Koronkiewicz
Willowbrook, Illinois

1970 280SL Originally Light Ivory - Now Anthracite Gray Metallic

MikeSimon

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Re: LED Headlight Upgrade
« Reply #2 on: April 17, 2022, 18:38:00 »
 8) 8) Excellent! Any heat-sinks required?
1970/71 280SL Automatic
Sandy Beige
Parchment Leather
Power Steering
Automatic
Hardtop
Heated Tinted Rear Window
German specs
3rd owner

AdelaidePagoda

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Re: LED Headlight Upgrade
« Reply #3 on: April 17, 2022, 22:44:12 »
Nothing additional required, all included in the Narva H4 pack. Just plug and play. You can adjust the beam direction by simply twisting the LED stalk to the position you desire so they don’t interfere with oncoming drivers. See photo.
Dave
January 1964 230SL 4SPD Power Steering
050 050 Black Soft top, Red Leather interior
Italian delivered/ Germany/ Florida/ Boston/ Sydney/ Adelaide (5th owner)

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Garry

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Re: LED Headlight Upgrade
« Reply #4 on: April 18, 2022, 00:45:52 »
I have also swapped mine over as the original lights are not much chop.  Whilst in some countries it is illegal to do so, the difference and safety aspect are important and as you say, hitting a kangaroo and writing your car off is not a good option.


Where did you buy yours from?
« Last Edit: April 18, 2022, 04:35:53 by Garry »
Garry Marks
Melbourne/ Kyneton, Brisbane. Australia
1969 MB 280SL 5 speed RHD SOLD.
1965 MB 230SL Auto RHD Lt Blue 334G, Top 350H, Tourist Delivery.
1972 MB 280CE Auto RHD 906G
2005 MB A200
2006 MB B200
2019 Izuzu DMax 4x4 Slide-on camper.
2022 Volvo XC40 Electric
2024 Volvo EX30 Electric

Mike Hughes

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Re: LED Headlight Upgrade
« Reply #5 on: April 18, 2022, 02:23:49 »
Do they even make "roo bars" for Pagodas?  ;^)
- Mike Hughes  -ô¿ô-
  1966 230SL Auto P/S
  Havana Brown (408)
  Light Beige (181)
  Cream M-B Tex (121)

AdelaidePagoda

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Re: LED Headlight Upgrade
« Reply #6 on: April 18, 2022, 06:43:54 »
Your car looks fantastic Garry, love that colour.
Safety was my number one concern. Can always change back as and if required for originality as the process is remarkably simple. I appreciate the purist not approve although this is a driver and risk vs benefit.
The Narva LED Headlight Conversion kit H4 12/24V is readily available from Australian retailer Supercheap Auto for approximately USD$100.
Dave
January 1964 230SL 4SPD Power Steering
050 050 Black Soft top, Red Leather interior
Italian delivered/ Germany/ Florida/ Boston/ Sydney/ Adelaide (5th owner)

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AdelaidePagoda

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Re: LED Headlight Upgrade
« Reply #7 on: April 18, 2022, 06:45:50 »
Hey Mike, correct no roo bars for a Pagoda on Pelican Parts or BUDZ Benz.  At least none that I can find. 😂
Dave
January 1964 230SL 4SPD Power Steering
050 050 Black Soft top, Red Leather interior
Italian delivered/ Germany/ Florida/ Boston/ Sydney/ Adelaide (5th owner)

Model S Tesla
Vespa

franjo_66

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Re: LED Headlight Upgrade
« Reply #8 on: April 19, 2022, 22:59:05 »
Hi Dave

Thanks for the tip on getting the Narva LED bulbs at Supercheap Auto.
Did these require any small modification for the base as our original bulbs use the P45t base?

Regards
Franjo
Franjo

1965 230SL Black/Auto/RHD
2005 Porsche Cayenne Turbo
1983 BMW 735i
1986 560 SEC
1991 500SL
1982 Holden Statesman DeVille

AdelaidePagoda

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Re: LED Headlight Upgrade
« Reply #9 on: April 20, 2022, 11:03:26 »
No modification was required on my 230SL Euro lights. Just take out the old ‘golf ball’ style bulbs and the spring that holds them in place, then plug and play the new ones. Easy.
Dave
January 1964 230SL 4SPD Power Steering
050 050 Black Soft top, Red Leather interior
Italian delivered/ Germany/ Florida/ Boston/ Sydney/ Adelaide (5th owner)

Model S Tesla
Vespa

AdelaidePagoda

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Re: LED Headlight Upgrade
« Reply #10 on: April 20, 2022, 11:06:51 »
Franjo 66, great to meet another Aussie Pagoda owner. Hope to meet up one day. Would be great to have an Aussie meet up, swap notes on mechanics, suppliers for parts, modifications etc, perhaps these already occur?
Dave
Dave
January 1964 230SL 4SPD Power Steering
050 050 Black Soft top, Red Leather interior
Italian delivered/ Germany/ Florida/ Boston/ Sydney/ Adelaide (5th owner)

Model S Tesla
Vespa