-
Hi Guest !
Welcome to the 500Eboard forum.
Since its founding in late 2008, 500Eboard has become the leading resource on the Internet for all things related to the Mercedes-Benz 500E and E500. In recent years, we have also expanded to include the 400E and E420 models, which are directly related to the 500E/E500.
We invite you to browse and take advantage of the information and resources here on the site. If you find helpful information, please register for full membership, and you'll find even more resources available. Feel free to ask questions, and make liberal use of the "Search" function to find answers.
We hope you will become an active contributor to the community!
Sincerely,
500Eboard Management
Front side light year difference..
- Thread starter Ertech
- Start date
A couple of points:
There are different lights for the 1992-1993 models (“pre-facelift”) and the 1994 “facelift” E500Es. The lamps are totally different as the stock US 1992-1993 models used plastic “headlight doors” that surround the glass rectangular DOT headlight lens, and have the driving light on the onboard side next to the grill.
The 1994 E500 lamps are one piece of glass, very similar to the “Euro” models. The 1994 lamps’ glass is also profiles to fit the different “facelift” hood line and grill profile, which is different from the earlier cars. The pencil beam driving light is also onboard but behind the single piece of glass.
The lamps from both cars will physically fit in the other car, but it’s obvious that it won’t look quite right.
Separately, aftermarket lamps (typically made by DEPO along with other cheap Chinese makers) are not the fit and quality of the German lamps. Also, the aftermarket lights are generic W124 lamps are typically made for the pedestrian models, not the E500E. These lamps have the fog lights (rather than the pencil beam driving lights) in the inboard position, like regular 124 cars do. The E500E has the fog lights mounted lower in the front spoiler to make room for the driving lights in the onboard position.
It’s quite common to see “pedestrian” W124 aftermarket lights mounted on E500Es by unsuspecting owners.
The only solution is to find a set of proper US-spec or Euro-spec E500E lamps (used) and mount them up. They are not cheap, even used, and some lights are no longer available from Mercedes.
It’s all well documented on the forum, most likely in the body sub-forum.
The aftermarket side lights are always a horrible fit. Best to get used ones made in Germany. The US cars share them with regular 124s. They fit much better than the aftermarket ones, which have a bad tendency to come off the car st high speeds.
You have to make sure the lights are “snapped” in with the little tabs so they can’t come out. Many people don’t get them fitted on all the way.
You have to make sure the lights are “snapped” in with the little tabs so they can’t come out. Many people don’t get them fitted on all the way.
What brand aftermarket did you buy? If they are not Hella or Bosch / AL (Automotive Lighting)... I'd send 'em back. Don't mess with non-OEM, it isn't worth the savings, and the front blinkers have a bad habit of popping out at speed...
EDIT: Seems Gerry and I were typing the same thing at the same time, lol.
EDIT: Seems Gerry and I were typing the same thing at the same time, lol.
