GROUP BUY: 500E "Euro" Headlight Lenses

[gerryvz]

OK, as my trip is now less than a month away, it's time to start gathering up folks who want to buy 500E "Euro" lenses. I will bring back up to five pairs of the lenses with me. Please note that this is a first-come, first-serve item.

Essentially, these are spare lenses that are specific to the "Euro" headlights found on all non-North American "pre-facelift" 1991-1993 model year 500Es. They are also just fine for US cars with "Euro" 500E headlights that have been retrofitted to the car. These lenses are NOT appropriate for stock US 500E headlights, nor are they proper (though they should fit) "facelifted" 1994 and 1995 US and Euro headlamps.

As far as I know, these lenses are officially GSXR and Klink-approved.

Pre-payment will be required for all lenses, as I will need to pay for them at the time I pick them up from the dealer. I will reach out to him now to get the "final" price, but it's fairly safe to say that the price will be between $375 and $400 per pair, shipped to you. Part of this is the fact that I have to buy a new cardboard box along with bubble wrap to carefully pack the lenses for shipping, plus shipping of the box itself (which is around $25-30 via US Priority Mail).

PayPal payments will be preferred, although I will NOT accept PayPal payments made with a credit card where fees are deducted from the payment. I will immediately refund any such payment made and move to the next person in line, if there is a next person.

What this means is that you must (per PayPal rules) make the payment with a checking or savings account, or a PayPal balance to avoid fees .... NOT a credit card. If you do want to use a credit card, please pay $410 to cover the PayPal fees.

I will finalize the final cost early next week when I hear from the dealer on final cost and whether it's changed from June when I got the previous pairs of lenses.

Thanks and regards,
Gerry


500E "Euro" HEADLIGHT LENSES (PAIR)
1. Melville - payment received
2. GSXR- payment received
3. s4cruiser- payment received
4. ghm- payment received
5. Maui- payment received
6. spaceman_west- payment received
7. kennyjr748- payment received
8. mwaldron- payment received
9. consumer-payment received
10. J-sauce- payment received
11. savmjv - payment received



W124 DOOR MIRROR BOOT (PASS SIDE ONLY)
1. Ntrepid - payment received
2. linjam- payment received
3. mwaldron- payment received
4. consumer- payment received

 

[gsxr]

Put me down for 1 set, Honch. Still kicking myself for not picking up a pair of complete headlamps when they were <$500 delivered circa 2013...





NOTE: PayPal payments for "merchandise" still take the ~3% fee out, even if the funds are coming from an existing PayPal balance (not credit card). The only way to transfer funds fee-free is as a "personal" transfer from a balance, or personal transfer where the buyer pays the fees from a credit card. For the "personal" transfer, no shipping address is in the PP information - you must add this separately. And, it also means that Honch can't use PP shipping to create USPS Priority labels at a discount. Which I don't think he does anyway, he likes to go visit the local post office in person, probably as an excuse to get out of his penthouse office for a bit...

 

[gerryvz]

Put me down for 1 set, Honch. Still kicking myself for not picking up a pair of complete headlamps when they were <$500 delivered circa 2013...





NOTE: PayPal payments for "merchandise" still take the ~3% fee out, even if the funds are coming from an existing PayPal balance (not credit card). The only way to transfer funds fee-free is as a "personal" transfer from a balance, or personal transfer where the buyer pays the fees from a credit card. For the "personal" transfer, no shipping address is in the PP information - you must add this separately. And, it also means that Honch can't use PP shipping to create USPS Priority labels at a discount. Which I don't think he does anyway, he likes to go visit the local post office in person, probably as an excuse to get out of his penthouse office for a bit...

Well, one has to go to the post office to drop off the packages anyway, and no, I don't use PayPal shipping to create USPS Priority Labels. It's not like you're going to save $5 bucks on a $25 shipment anyway.

The post office is quite close to my house....and an excuse to take the E500 out for a night-time circuit.

 

[spaceman_west]

Can other members please confirm...
These lenses paired with the '94-'95 E500 headlights which can be bought no problem, will work and produce '92 Euro 500E headlights as if you were buying the complete headlights.

 

[s4cruiser]

Please put me down for 1 pair of lenses! Going to eventually unfacelift my car and these are a must!

Thanks for doing this Gerry!

 

[gsxr]

Can other members please confirm...
These lenses paired with the '94-'95 E500 headlights which can be bought no problem, will work and produce '92 Euro 500E headlights as if you were buying the complete headlights.

Yes.

Keep in mind that US-spec E500 headlamps do not have remote level adjustment, nor city lights... but the lenses will still fit.

 

[spaceman_west]

Yes.

Keep in mind that US-spec E500 headlamps do not have remote level adjustment, nor city lights... but the lenses will still fit.

Can Euro spec E500 headlamps still be bought new?

 

[Melville]

Count me in

edit: oops i didnt see you already had me on your list because i was glancing at the post on my phone. My headlight assemblies just arrived today (germany to australia to usa) so i wanted to make sure i didnt miss the boat. Thanks!

 

[yvrbenz]

Damnit!

If I hadn't just dropped $1425 USD on a Stromung exhaust for the 16V with a crappy exchange rate...

 

[Melville]

Can Euro spec E500 headlamps still be bought new?

I piggybacked off Ntrepid's homework to buy a set of E500 euro spec headlights from Genuine Auto Parts in Australia: https://www.genuineautoparts.com.au/

Ntrepid and I both dealt with Jonathan Navarra. Since he went through the process with Ntrepid, when I reached out to them, he knew exactly what I wanted (and gave me a bit of a discount off the list price). Not cheap and they had to travel from Germany to Australia to USA so it took a while. There might be an easier way to do it but I went that route since it worked out for Ntrepid.

 

[gsxr]

I piggybacked off Ntrepid's homework to buy a set of E500 euro spec headlights from Genuine Auto Parts in Australia: https://www.genuineautoparts.com.au/.

Just curious, what was the total cost with S&H, customs, etc etc?

 

[Melville]

Just curious, what was the total cost with S&H, customs, etc etc?

I think it was about $800 USD. It hurts to write that when I think about how cheap pre-facelift euro lights were a couple of years ago.

 

[gsxr]

I think it was about $800 USD. It hurts to write that when I think about how cheap pre-facelift euro lights were a couple of years ago.

That really isn't too bad. I'm surprised it was that cheap including freight from Australia. Buying direct from Germany is right around €800 (~$900 USD at current exchange rates).

The facelift lights never got near as cheap as the pre-facelift did for those two brief years here in the colonies. Would have been a good deal to buy the pre-facelift lights and facelift lenses, and do the opposite swap that people are doing now! Ah, 20/20 hindsight...

 

[ghm]

Please add me to the list for 1 pair of lenses. Thanks!

 

[gerryvz]

One slot left to go !!!

 

[Maui]

Might as well put me down for a set. You never know when a pebble will find its way into a headlight.

 

[tanger]

Looks like i missed the final slot by 5 min. Put me down as an alternate, as I DO have a pebble ding in the passgr side one.

 

[gerryvz]

Mel, it's likely someone will back out when I actually start demanding cash pre-payment. There's not much difference between 5 and 6 orders, so it is also possible that I can ship some sets and bring an extra set or two with me on-board like I did this last trip.

The main thing is now making sure I can actually procure 5-6 sets of lenses thru the dealer.

The request for availability of 8-9 pairs of lenses, and pricing per lens, has now been made.

Regards,
Gerry

 

[Melville]

That really isn't too bad. I'm surprised it was that cheap including freight from Australia. Buying direct from Germany is right around €800 (~$900 USD at current exchange rates).

I checked and the actual amount was a little higher. $881 for the parts, shipping etc. The big variable is exchange rates. I think they've improved a little (for US buyers) since I paid for mine.

 

[Stevester 500E]

Honcho,
Do you have room in your luggage for a set of 190e euro lenses?

 

[spaceman_west]

Hi Gerry,
Please add me to the list.
Thanks!

 

[gerryvz]

Honcho,
Do you have room in your luggage for a set of 190e euro lenses?

No. The priority is and will be 500E lenses per the focus of this board.

 

[kennyjr748]

Hi Gerry- please add me to the alternates list. Thank you!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[gerryvz]

OK, the alternates list is filling up fast. I have created an "overflow" alternates list just in case. I put the request into the dealer for 8-9 sets of lenses, based on availability.

I should have final pricing & availability by Tuesday or Wednesday of next week, and at that point I'll provide a timeline of when I need payment.

Suffice it to say, that I will need to get all payments in hand by September 15. This gives people more than three weeks of warning to prepare.

Cheers,
Gerry

 

[mwaldron]

Gerry,

Please add me to the list.

Thanks,
Mark

 

[gerryvz]

OK, the near-final CONFIRMED price PER LENS is EUR 150, or USD $172.50 apiece at today's exchange rate.

Disclaimer: Given the uncertain global market situation, and potentially changing MB parts prices between now and September 10, and the rapid strengthening of the Euro vs. the dollar over the past few days -- FINAL price will be quoted on September 9-10th.

I am going to order 10 pairs of lenses on September 15 -- that is 10 of each side's lens. MB has plenty in their parts stock.

That makes $345 per pair + shipping & packing materials, so $380 should cover it for the pair, shipped cost via US Priority Mail.

Starting ~September 10, I will make the call for payments. DO NOT offer to pay now. As I said, only fee-free PayPal payments will be accepted, or additional fee-cost built in of USD $400 so that I net out what I am investing in this venture, after fees. Trust me, I am not profiting from this venture above and beyond the stated cost, and my cost of postage and special materials to ensure safe transit once sent Stateside to you. (This means cardboard box + bubble wrap, shipping tape and any other needed packing materials).

There will be a 5 day window for everyone to make payments. Those on the primary & alternate list who are not paid by September 15 -- I will start going to the supplemental alternate list.

Cheers,
Gerry

 

[vatc5637]

 

[spaceman_west]

Sounds great! Thanks Gerry!!!

 

[M104-AMG]

Gerry- can you put me down as an alternate, alternate ? Lastly, any room for a single-mass (not double-mass) flywheel from a M103 or M104 engine ?

neil

 

[gerryvz]

Gerry- can you put me down as an alternate, alternate ? Lastly, any room for a single-mass (not double-mass) flywheel from a M103 or M104 engine ?

neil

Neil, there is a wrecking yard in Munich that specializes in 124 and 126 that I can possibly go to for this, yes. No guarantees. I will not be visiting van de Velde on this trip -- too far. Can you send me a photo off-line of what you want (or diagram) and the difference so I know between the two? I will make every effort this go-around to help get you what you need. But I need the info in the next few days, so I can put the request in and get it to the wrecking yard owner well in advance of the trip so he can check/pull the part and have it ready.

Thanks
Gerry

 

[tanger]

Gerry, in unpacking my garage after the move to Austin I became reacquainted with the trove of parts that came with the car when i bot it. Totally forgot that I have a spare OEM set already. My brain is clearly melting in this Texas heat ha ha. You can take me off the list. Thanks!

 

[KarlC]

Gerry, in unpacking my garage after the move to Austin I became reacquainted with the trove of parts that came with the car when i bot it. Totally forgot that I have a spare OEM set already. My brain is clearly melting in this Texas heat ha ha. You can take me off the list. Thanks!

Do you still have the list I sent you of all the parts ?

Sometimes I wish I still had some of them.

 

[gerryvz]

I also checked availability of W124 sedan/wagon mirror boots.

Currently, MB in Germany does not have any availability for the left side boot - part number 124 811 01 61. They are out of stock. This is a new situation; MB Germany had stock back in June of both boots. Arnt, have you been buying up MB's stock of boots or something ?!?

Currently, MB has 150 in stock of the right-hand boots, and I can get a price of USD $145 for this boot, part number 124 811 04 61.

This availability information does not apply to MBUSA - there may be stock in the US, but someone would have to check the Paragon ("partsbegone") system to ascertain this for sure.

If anyone wants to order the right-hand mirror boot, at a reduced cost over the US price, please let me know. These are small enough that I can easily slip into my luggage. These are currently running ~$240 in the US per discount parts vendors; current MBUSA list is $326.

Cheers,
Gerry

 

[mwaldron]

Gerry,

Please put me down for a boot (or pair of boots should the other become available).

This is very generous of you, thank you!

Mark

 

[gsxr]

Can you fit a non-catalyst 036 exhaust pipe in your carryon? Just tell the flight attendant you are happy to see her.

 

[J-Sauce]

Looks like I missed this one by a couple days, but please let me know if any spots open up. I could use a spare set should something happen to mine.

cheers!

 

[500AMM]

I also checked availability of W124 sedan/wagon mirror boots.

Currently, MB in Germany does not have any availability for the left side boot - part number 124 811 01 61. They are out of stock. This is a new situation; MB Germany had stock back in June of both boots. Arnt, have you been buying up MB's stock of boots or something ?!?

Currently, MB has 150 in stock of the right-hand boots, and I can g.........

Cheers,
Gerry

....but I'll consider selling at 200% mark-up now – I'll prolly be stone rich....only stoned ATM..

 

[gerryvz]

Looks like I missed this one by a couple days, but please let me know if any spots open up. I could use a spare set should something happen to mine.

cheers!

I'll put you at #5 on the alternate list (for the slot that opened up with tanger's removal). It looks quite good that I will be able to bring 10 sets home with me.

I will add a mirror boot list as well.

Cheers,
Gerry

 

[.Zo]

Curses. I need a set of lenses.

 

[gerryvz]

Do you want to be on the alternate alternate list?

 

[samiam44]

Are you after only the early 500e lenses? I would like a set for my facelifted car!

 

[.Zo]

Do you want to be on the alternate alternate list?

Sounds like a longshot but sure, why not.

 

[gsxr]

Are you after only the early 500e lenses? I would like a set for my facelifted car!

Pretty likely some of these will pop up for sale after folks convert E500 Euro headlamps to 500E via GVZ lens swaps.

 

[gerryvz]

At this time the two "main" lists of 10 pairs of lenses that I intend to purchase and bring home, are filled up. All people who want lenses now, go on the second alternate list, and if anyone drops off the main list (and I expect that probably a couple of folks will) we will move the second-alternate list folks up in the order shown in the first post of this thread.

Cheers,
Gerry

 

[spaceman_west]

Pretty likely some of these will pop up for sale after folks convert E500 Euro headlamps to 500E via GVZ lens swaps.

That will be me.

 

[M104-AMG]

Neil, there is a wrecking yard in Munich that specializes in 124 and 126 that I can possibly go to for this, yes. No guarantees. I will not be visiting van de Velde on this trip -- too far. Can you send me a photo off-line of what you want (or diagram) and the difference so I know between the two? I will make every effort this go-around to help get you what you need. But I need the info in the next few days, so I can put the request in and get it to the wrecking yard owner well in advance of the trip so he can check/pull the part and have it ready.

Thanks
Gerry

Hope it's not too late. Distracted with work & kids.

It's been hard to track down, but I did find some pictures and PN# on German ebay:
http://www.ebay.de/itm/Mercedes-W12...rcedes-Benz|Platform:W124&hash=item3aa4ff958a

Flywheel pn# 1030302405

If it can include the clutch and pressure-plate, even better.

I wonder if this seller is near your travels . . .


neil

 

[wbericson]

Gerry
Put me down for the right hand mirror boot
Put me down for the alternate list for the lenses
I guess you will have no problem unloading these here!
Jay

 

[gerryvz]

Next steps:

I will provide final cost for all items by September 7th.

Window for payments opens in 10 days, on Sept. 9-10. I will need all payments via PayPal, Square (via phone call), or bank transfer by end of day, September 15th.

The order will be placed on September 15th, and will be received by Sept. 21-22 at the latest.

I will be returning to the USA on Sept. 23. From there, I will purchase all required packing materials and posting all items over the following 3-4 days, via US Priority Mail. All packages will be mailed to buyers on or before Saturday, September 26, for 2-3 day delivery to buyers.

 

[gerryvz]

Final prices for the parts will be published later today, which will include my price for domestic (US) shipping and packing materials.

The order window for parts will begin tomorrow. I will need to know the following information from everyone. Please send it to me via Private Message:

1) Confirm that you are "in" and do intend to buy parts
2) Confirm which specific parts you want - one or both headlight lenses, and/or passenger mirror boot. Specify quantity desired of each.
3) Confirm total cost that you will pay, per published prices
4) Complete payment via PayPal

My PP ID is: gerry@vanzandt.us

I will confirm to you via PM when I receive payment from you, and will confirm again when the final parts order is placed.

All steps above MUST be completed by 5:00 PM Pacific Daylight Time, on Tuesday September 15th. Your parts will not be ordered if payment is not received on or before September 15th.

Cheers,
Gerry

 

[gerryvz]

Two things:

As promised, here are the final parts prices for each of the items.

• I am using today's (Wednesday) exchange rate of USD $1.11 per Euro

• All prices include US Priority Mail shipping + cost of secure packing materials (box + bubble wrap + packing tape - 3 rolls divvied across all purchases). I prefer to "over-pack" shipments of this type of glass item.

000 820 12 66 -- headlight lens, driver's/left side -- USD $192.50

000 820 13 66 -- headlight lens, passenger/right side -- USD $192.50
Note: each pair of Euro pre-facelift Euro lenses will be USD $385, shipped Priority Mail. This is the total you will want to remit to me if you are buying a pair.

124 811 04 61 -- rubber mirror boot, passenger/right side -- USD $145.00, shipped

124 811 01 61 -- rubber mirror boot, driver's/left side -- USD $140.00, shipped ONE AVAILABLE - FIRST COME FIRST SERVED

Please note (see above) that ONE driver's side mirror boot has become available via MB Germany. If you want it, please let me know IMMEDIATELY. First person to reply to this thread to claim it, gets it. DO NOT private message me -- you must post reply here to claim this single boot.
Folks, now is the time to begin opening the check-books to start paying for the lenses and boots. All monies must be received by 5:00 PM PDT / 8:00 PM EDT on Tuesday, September 15th.

The sooner payments are received, the better. Ideally, I would like to place the final parts order on Monday, September 14th which is the day I am leaving for Europe. I will be picking the parts up from Mercedes-Benz in Germany on Friday, September 19. My return to the USA will be on Wednesday, September 23.

Again, my PayPal ID: gerry@vanzandt.us

Status of all payments received will be noted on the first post in this thread.

One more point to reiterate, per above thread: PayPal payments MUST be for the full amount, and NOT with fees deducted. All PayPal payments received with fees deducted will be returned to the sender, and the alternate will be moved up to the list. I don't have time to go back and forth on payments as this is a very tight schedule, and I posted this warning in my original post.

To send a fee-free PayPal payment, please see this post.

If you need to opt out for any reason, please let me know IMMEDIATELY via Private Message so that I may move our alternates up to the main list. I will do this quietly.

Thanks and regards,
Gerry