quote:
Originally posted by 280SL71
Here's something from the Tech Manual that may help (or confuse). The Manual is not always correct.
"Three types of USA headlights were used during production of W 113 cars: Type "AC" was used until 280SL Chassis 5607 (October 1968); Type "AN" used to 280SL Chassis 11947 (July 1969); and Type "AJ" used to the end of production. The face of each light is stamped with the style type.
Each type had a different internal wiring scheme. The later types had wiring to accommodate the lighted front fender markers found on USA cars.
The foglights found in the early "AC" lights were removed in the AN style. The later USA headlights had no foglights.
Style AN had a "small" amber section at the bottom of the unit while the later "AJ" style had a larger amber section."
The glass face of each lightis embossed with one of the three model designations: "AC" "AN" "AJ"
Richard M, NYC
Great succint description. It is important to understand these distinctions to avoid getting caught with the wrong one as many owners have over the years.
I believe the latest--AJ--is the only one you can buy new today (aside from NOS that a dealer might have). If you get one and your other unit is an AN or AC, it will look funny. (NB--the new NEW ones are Bosch from a factory in the Czech Republic, not Germany...)
If your car is a later model (after July '69) you'll need the AJ and the others won't work as there's no pigtail for the side markers.
Like so many things in life, better to have a matched set.
Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red 568G w/Black Leather (Restored)
President, International Stars Section
Mercedes-Benz Club of America
