Pagoda SL Group

W113 Pagoda SL Group => Electrical and Instruments => Topic started by: bpossel on July 22, 2005, 18:16:42

Title: Headlight Adjustment
Post by: bpossel on July 22, 2005, 18:16:42

Hi All,

What are the specs to adjust the headlights?  I cant find this in the BBB???

Thanks!
Bob

bpossel
Memphis, TN.
1971 280SL
1997 E320

Title: Re: Headlight Adjustment
Post by: A Dalton on July 22, 2005, 18:24:06

Do you have Euro headlamps?

Title: Re: Headlight Adjustment
Post by: bpossel on July 22, 2005, 18:33:00

Standard US version lamps.
B.

bpossel
Memphis, TN.
1971 280SL
1997 E320

Title: Re: Headlight Adjustment
Post by: Jonny B on July 23, 2005, 17:40:17

I have a number of the aftermarket tune up guides, etc. and checked through these. The best thing I could find, was a reference that said, in essence: "Take the car to the dealer to get the lights adjusted". I could find no reference to the alignment marks etc.

Jonny B
1967 250SL Auto

Title: Re: Headlight Adjustment
Post by: bpossel on July 23, 2005, 20:03:57

You can search the internet and find out the "general" procedure to aim headlights.  Overall, not difficult as long as you have a flat, level surface and a white wall.

The problem is that there seems to be a variety of distances to set the correct aim.  Some say 16 feet from the "screen", others 25 feet, another 32 (10 meters).

I set mine this evening at 16 feet.  Drove the car, and no one flashed at me, so maybe I'm good.  The real test will be on the drive to Ohio.

Thanks,
Bob

bpossel
Memphis, TN.
1971 280SL
1997 E320

Title: Re: Headlight Adjustment
Post by: hauser on July 23, 2005, 21:52:10

I remember these rectangular boxes with built in levels.  They would secure to the lens via a suction cup.  You might be able to find something like this from the JC Whitney Co.  It's a bit more precise than aiming them on a wall.

1969 280sl 5 spd
Gainesville, Fl.

Title: Re: Headlight Adjustment
Post by: hauser on July 23, 2005, 21:56:07

Just found one of these tools on ebay.  Item # 4563368223  good for round or square headlights.

1969 280sl 5 spd
Gainesville, Fl.

Title: Re: Headlight Adjustment
Post by: bpossel on July 24, 2005, 16:53:59

Thanks Hauser,

I did bid on the item, but didnt win.  Looks like it would have been a nice item to have.

Thanks again!
Bob

bpossel
Memphis, TN.
1971 280SL
1997 E320

Title: Re: Headlight Adjustment
Post by: hauser on July 24, 2005, 18:49:32

Bob there's two more of these tools listed on ebay. Here's the item #s for it 4563113397 & 4564276819

1969 280sl 5 spd
Gainesville, Fl.