how long will the new ones last? I am considering getting just the lenses off ebay. They can be purchased for about $180. Is this purchase worth it? How long before the hazing starts? Are there any preventative hazing measures I should take on the new lenses?
Also, are the projector headlight sets that go for around $400 plug and play?

Thanks, Vern

 

depends on weathering i think.

the new ones...you only need to modify the wires on the connectors.

 

I bought a 97 E420 a few months ago, and I've noticed that the headlights seem hazy. What's the deal here? First time I've experienced that with a car only 8 years old. And the new lights you mentioned and Sleepwalker referred to - - are they supposed to give a permanent solution to the problem - - whatever the problem is? Sorry I have only questions and no answers for you. Thanks.

 

I think the problem is fairly common and I've seen many examples of it on MBz and other marques. In reality, the degradation on MBz isn't nearly as bad as I've seen on other cars.

Cars that are in hot climates appear to suffer more than cars in cooler (less sunny) climates.

There are numerous polycarbonate polishing kits available and they can make some improvement.

 

I just bought the same car a few weeks ago: a 97 White E 420, and I live in a warm climate. I am comtemplating the same upgrade. My lenses were somewhat yellow, but I was able to clean them up with jeweler's paste and a soft towel. I've checked around for replacement lenses, and there appears to be a few paths you can go:

1-replace the lenses with Xenon lenses and bulbs- very expensive.
2-replace the entire stock housings and lenses $411 dollars, these maintain your stock look.
3-obtain project headlight housing and lenses, 300 - 400 dollars, here is a photo from another post of the project lights, they give the car a slightly different look. I am going for option 2 or 3.


http://www.evozine.com/benz/lights.proj.jpg

http://www.evozine.com/benz/lights.proj2.jpg