Headlight Bulbs

[George Des]

Looking at Dan Stern's website, I noticed that there are several wattages listed for the P45T Halogens--45/40, 60/55, 100/90, etc. Would like to make this conversion, but I'm somewhat concerned over what the electricals can safely handle. Any ideas? Would the Halogen 45/40s which are the stock wattage provide a marked increase in brightness over the stock 45/40s.

George Des

[TheEngineer]

On my car there are Hella H4 lights. I find them very nice. They have a low beam pattern that lights the right hand side of the road for a longer distance. The light output is quite satisfactory and has not overloaded my system. I'd install them again but also, I don't drive in the dark very often.

[Naj ✝︎]

Hi, George,

I use the 60/55 and with new reflectors, they are as good as any modern day halogen headlamps. No problems with wiring as I have used them on long continental driving trips. In Norway - Sweden, the dipped headlamps had to be on full time while driving.
In the UK at least, the 100/90 are marked for off road use only [!], possibly too bright for oncoming traffic.

68 280SL

[jameshoward]

Can anyone tell me why, when one imports a car from the US to Germany or the UK, the Germans and UK testing people have a problem with US headlights? Since the US and Germans drive on the same - wrong - side of the road, I would have thought US lights would be OK for Germany, but there seems to be a problem with sealed beam lights? (Whatever they are). Any clues?

JH

[rwmastel]

quote:Originally posted by jameshoward

I would have thought US lights would be OK for Germany, but there seems to be a problem with sealed beam lights?

James,

I've never done any imperical testing, but I believe I've read that the sealed beam units are somewhat inferior to the "normal" European assemblies.  I'm not sure if this is candlepower, the pattern in which the light is spread out on the road, or what.  It is some people's opinions that the US required the sealed beam lights to boost the US automotive lightnig industry.

I have Euros, they work well.  I've not driven a W113 w/ US lights at night.

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420

[waltklatt]

George,
Yes there are different versions of the same bulb.  The germans knew the secret to brighter lights and that was to increase the wattage to them.  The 60/55 is what they use nowadays for the other modern headlights.  I did come across and article a few years back that there is a significant power level drop in the wiring from the battery to the light switch and then back to the headlights.  The article then proceeded to instruct how to install a relay that will be controlled from the light switch to energize the relay to close the circuit to the hot wire from the battery straight to the lights.  Not sure if it is worth butchering up the lovely and fragile wiring on our beauties.  Well I'm not in that group as I've converted the wiring to the diesel motor.
Walter
1967 220Sl-diesel

[waltklatt]

Rodd,
The US assemblies are okay with the regular sealed beams that give a dull yellowinsh glow at night.  The halogens are slightly brighther and give a more whitish color.  But the Xenon's that give off a slightly pinkish/blueish tinge light are by far the brightest.  I've been on the prowl for a set of complete assemblies from a later model car to install on my SL.
Will let you know when I do get a set and install them.  
Is this an article idea for the PW9?
Walter
1967 220SL-diesel

[TheEngineer]

In Germany the cars are inspected at regular intervals. Its called TUV and if the car doesn't pass it must be repaired, like rusted thru rocker panels. The US headlights are not bright enough and, more importantly, do not have a sharp cut-off at low beam, but rather direct the beam downwards. The european low beam has a very distinct cut-off: You notice it when you face a light colored wall. You'll also notice that the low beam is cut higher on the right side: This is to light up the road further ahead on the right side only to detect pedestrians. I want you guys appreciate what I go thru for you: I bent down and removed one headlight to check the bulb: It's a 60/55 halogen. The glass is marked Hella H-4. Been on the car for a long time: The glass is all pitted from road debris.

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