W126 Coupe Headlamp Assemblies

 

In many different markets, Mercedes-Benz automobiles have different headlamp assemblies to comply with each region's specific vehicle requirements.  The W126 coupe is no different.  Headlamp assemblies for the North American market do not have the Citilight feature nor beam height adjustment circuit installed into the cars.  In addition, Canadian vehicles require that the headlamps remain on when the car is running, despite the time of day.  This daytime running light provision is controlled by a light controller under the dashboard on Canadian vehicles.

 

North American vehicles also have the very ugly plastic framing around the sealed beam assemblies.  This frame often discolors due to age and gives the car a very aged appearance.  European headlamp assemblies, on the other hand, utilize smooth glass lenses.  These lenses have a light pattern very different from the diffuse light pattern of U.S. sealed beams.  The Euro beam pattern exhibits a sharp cutoff pattern with a rise to the right (rise to the left in right-hand-drive vehicles). This prevents glare to uncoming drivers and illuminates the shoulder and street signs in one's lane.

European headlamp assemblies with U.S. wipers adapted to   European headlamp assemblies with Euro wipers, valance

work.  Notice the nice matte black finish of the wipers as         panels, and wiper motors.  Notice the length of the wiper

well as the smooth glass lenses on the headlamps.                   arms as well as the position that they sit in the "OFF"

                                                                                                            positions.  This resembles the look on many new MBs.

 

 

Early North American headlamp assembly.  This assembly     North American headlamp assembly with grey wiper arms,

was used from 1982-1985 on all North American spec. SECs.  framed headlamp rim, and sealed beams.  Notice that the

                                                                                                            side marker on these vehicles are more yellow than the

                                                                                                            darker amber like on the Euro markers above.  This assembly

                                                                                                            was used from 1986-1991.

 

 

Citilights

 

European headlamps have a dimly lit Citilight.  This dim bulb gives a nice glow throughout the glass area at

dusk giving the car a very mysterious look.  There are certain wiring schemes which help utilize the citilight

as a blinking turn signal; one that alternates with the side marker giving the car a really neat look from head

on when the turn signals or hazards are on

.

A rare AMG widebody 500SEC with European assemblies,

European wipers, valances, illuminated citilights and foglights.

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