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US Light Assembly

This component is part of Lights.

Definition

US Light Assemblies differ from European Light Assemblies because they use a Sealed Beam bulb with a reflector as part of the bulb.

Its technical name & common name(s)
part # - start year & end year

Maintenance

Describe common maintenance procedures, and common faults that may occur. Describe how these may be diagnosed and resolved. Again, include diagrams, photographs and explanations. Where possible, include measures, tolerances, weights etc.

Symptoms when it faults
How to test if it is faulty - what tools to use
How to fix / change

Link to related components where appropriate.

Types of USA Headlights

Three types of USA headlights were used during production of W 113 cars: Type "AC" was used until 280SL Chassis 5607 (October 1968); Type "AN" used to 280SL Chassis 11947 (July 1969); and Type "AJ" used to the end of production. The face of each light is stamped with the style type.

Each type had a different internal wiring scheme. The later types had wiring to accommodate the lighted front fender markers found on USA cars.

The foglights found in the early "AC" lights were removed in the AN style. The later USA headlights had no foglights.

Style AN had a "small" amber section at the bottom of the unit while the later "AJ" style had a larger amber section.

Comparing USA headlights with Euro style headlights

USA headlights were designed to comply with US DOT (Department of Transportation) regulations. The regs required Sealed Beams, an amber section, and turn signal capability. The resulting required design made the US headlights "busier" in the opinion of some. A number of USA version cars now wear EURO headlights to restore the original intended headlight design.

Euro headlights have five bulbs: Main, Parking, Clearance, Fog, and Turn signal. USA lights have the main sealed beam, the parking light, and the turn signal.