My 1997 e-320's halogen headlights are really cloudy with calcium deposits, sun and scratches and look ugly. I've tried CLR with only a little success.
1) Has anyone replaced the lights? Any tips on getting them out?
2) Also, has anyone bought just the lens, I've seen them on e-bay for about $170 a set.
3) I've also seen the clear upgrade "euro-lens" for about $380, any comments on this product?
Thanks

 

go for it

 

Forgive my ignorance, but are the lenses made of glass? If so, you could try a glass polish. Not a glass cleaner, but a polish. A glass polish on a buffing wheel would work best. I don't think they are calcium deposits but fine scratches like you get when you sandblast.

You could try this first with just a cloth and water. Bon Ami powder (kitchen cleanser) is really good for deep-cleaning all glass. Don't use it for everyday cleaning and make sure you rinse well so no residue is left on your paint, then rinse again to make really sure.

My father-in-law restores antique clocks and watches. He uses fine automotive rubbing compounds to clear up and polish fogged up watch crystals and glass clock faces. You could try that.

 

I have the same problem except that my lenses seem to have a yellowish film on them. I have the impression they are made of plastic. Any suggestions how to get rid of the film ? So far I have tried regular wax, polishing compound and alcohol. It's a little better but still yellowish / cloudy.

 

Do a Google on "Liquid Lense" or "Lens Doctor"

I haven't tried these but I don't see why they wouldn't work on plastic headlight lenses. The only thing is you need way more than you get in one of those dinky little bottles. You'd need to find a source for a larger volume at a more reasonable price.

 

Lugnut, thanks for the response. I tried the polish but after they dried they looked even worse, and believe me I washed them thoroughly and rubbed them well with a lint free cloth to ensure all the polish was off. I then tried the rubbing compound, but now I'm convinced that they are made of plastic, becasue the entire lens looks cloudy...but there is very little yellowing left. I think I'll give the new lenses a try. The retailer said that the replacement lenses are made of glass and are not made by Hella (the manufacturer of the original lenses).

Any tips on removing the old headlight assemblies?

Thanks.

 

124 or 210?

only five bolts is holding them (figure #2)

[IMG]local://upfiles/1/4E8D677CE15A412EBCFFBCE131C2812A.jpg[/IMG]

 

Sleepwalker, I have a w210 '97 e320...

 

ok. my wild guess didn't work.

[IMG]local://upfiles/1/EBB0940E7CCE4C5281E8DA752843BB9D.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]local://upfiles/1/537CDDCD7D0F4A20B9D9729ED11944AC.jpg[/IMG]

 

lens

[IMG]local://upfiles/1/15F7627A690749C3B276319C8AEA247C.jpg[/IMG]