Changing Headlights

[CiaranMcKeown]

I'm Changing the headlights on my W203 today.

found out that i have to remove the bumper to make the change, so i was wondering before i go get the biggest hammer i have (in jeremy clarkson fashion).. what tools will i be requiring for this job?

( i will be posting a how to of this once completed, because i found nothing of the sort to help me with this)

Thanks for all hints and pointers ive recieved so far.

[verytalldave]

I presume you are changing to xenon?
If so, again, I presume you know that to ensure a fully legal installation you also need to install headlamp washers AND self levelling units as well.
Failure to fit either of these two additions could easily lead to MOT failure.

However, if all you are doing is changing to the facelifted clear units with halogen bulbs, then all will be fine. Good luck.

[television]

You may have to remove the wheel arch liners to get to the fog lamp fixings that hold the bumper on

Do observe the rules with Xenon lamps as verytalldave pointed out

[CiaranMcKeown]

No im not changing to xenon, i wish!

I have an 02 Model c class with the sort of misty looking glass headlamps,

Im changing to the Facelift 04 onwards type that are clear and more chrome looking if you know what i mean. They look far better than mine, and after seeing them on a number of W203's i have went for them.

[CiaranMcKeown]

Update, from what ive gatherd (from a tedious search) i have to remove most of the bumper screws in order to get the top edge to move forward around an inch to get easier access to mounts/clips/screws that hold the lamps in place.

Complete removal of the bumper, foglights etc is prefered but, i dont really want to "have" to do a complete removal as it is not essential.

[verytalldave]

A very worthwhile improvement. Makes a big difference.
Mine.....................

[CiaranMcKeown]

The New Style (that i am fitting today) on the left...and the old ones on the right.

See how much better they look?

[jaymanek]

crikey is it that complicated just to change the lights? Ive offered to do this for someone for nothing.... hope she forgets!

[Howard]

Lol :d

[verytalldave]

Originally Posted by CiaranMcKeown

The New Style (that i am fitting today) on the left...and the old ones on the right.

See how much better they look?

Agreed. It lifts the whole car when viewed from the front. I dare say you will get improved lighting at night as well.

[CiaranMcKeown]

On the improved lighting, i would agree there because, the old style sort of scatters or refracts a lot of the light, just from the glass being so.....for want of a better word ....hazey!

I cannot wait to get this completed because it will look so much better and give it a more modern look.

I'll be putting the old set on Ebay if anyone is interested, i'd sell them cheaper to a MBClub member.

[television]

Originally Posted by jaymanek

crikey is it that complicated just to change the lights? Ive offered to do this for someone for nothing.... hope she forgets!

Almost every car from 96 onwards need the bumper removing to do this.

Mines the biggest joke, it has the switchable Xenons for LHD, to get to the switched is near impossible.

On one of the BMW it takes an engíneer 4 hours to change a headlamp bulb

[Nibbo]

I could be tempted with this mod on mine.
Where did you get them?
Are the OEM parts?
If so what are the part no's?
TIA

[BTB 500]

We had a cracked headlight on the Audi, waited till it needed a cam belt change because that meant most of the front of car car coming off anyway!

[CiaranMcKeown]

The headlights are in...and i didnt take the bumper off.

It is a awkward job to say the least but definatley possible without removing the bumper. i have taken pics along the way and will be posting them soon. It is definatley a worthwhile mod, changes the whole appearence of the car, looks a lot more modern now.