Pagoda SL Group

W113 Pagoda SL Group => General Discussion => Topic started by: 113gray on October 28, 2003, 19:24:47

Title: Bulbs for Euro headlights
Post by: 113gray on October 28, 2003, 19:24:47

I finally bit the bullet & bought a pair of Euro H'lights for my 230SL. I think I can get them installed OK using my old chrome rims, but I need to know exactly what bulbs are needed as my new light assemblies came w/o any. They don't appear to use US type sealed beams & it looks like 4 of various sizes will be required. TIA,     -JP-

Title: Re: Bulbs for Euro headlights
Post by: JamesL on October 29, 2003, 02:59:25

Do a search on bulbs either here or on Dorian's site

Someone has done a lengthy piece on bulbs, updating lighting and where to get what you're after

Title: Re: Bulbs for Euro headlights
Post by: Bob G ✝︎ on October 29, 2003, 14:28:13

You can get a good education on European lighting and use of different bulbs from Danial stern lighting in Texas. I think the web site is www.sternlighting.com. Is your main headlight bulb an H/4 or H/1?
Bob Geco

Title: Re: Bulbs for Euro headlights
Post by: 113gray on November 03, 2003, 07:37:18

Bob Geco & "Tosh". Thanks for your replies. I found the Stern site & also the Dorian site has useful info by author Daunte. I will post Stern's reply as I'm still not sure of the main headlight bulb. -JP-

Title: Re: Bulbs for Euro headlights
Post by: JimVillers on November 03, 2003, 11:17:28

JP ... I use a 60/55W halogen bulb (Narva #48884) in my 230SL with euro lights.  I believe that it is a HIR2 base.  A site on the web sells them for $33 but they list for 1.64 Euros in Europe so they should retail for less than $10.  I can't remember where I bought mine but I paid less than $10 and bought a spare.  The box says "not for sale in Europe".  I believe that they are normally used in motorcycle headlights.  

This is a higher wattage and brighter bulb than the stock 40/45W bulb.


Jim Villers
190SL, 230SL 5-Speed, 190E 2.3-16 Kompressor

Title: Re: Bulbs for Euro headlights
Post by: ja17 on November 03, 2003, 20:04:15

Hello Jim,
Here is a nice bulb cross ref. chart with manufacturers part numbers which may help.

Download Attachment: (http://images/icon_paperclip.gif) Mercedes light bulbs.jpg (http://www.sl113.org/forums/uploaded/ja17/2003113212238_Mercedes light bulbs.jpg)
80.56 KB

The bulb wattage numbers are pressed along side each socket on your assemblies. Check the wattage required and the base diameter for the correct bulb. I agree with Jim V. , the halogen replacement bulbs are best to use on the main headlight, instead of the original tungsten bulb shown.
Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

Title: Re: Bulbs for Euro headlights
Post by: 113gray on November 11, 2003, 13:09:55

Hi Johio- Thanks for the reply. (The JPG is a dead link tho). I will get a set from Stern Lighting in Texas. I can't say enough about his web site & willingness to patiently provide info to ignoramuses like myself. Also learned, among other things, that these Euro lights are set differently for left & right hand drive vehicles, so buying a  set for a R drive vehicle & fitting to a L drive car would blind oncoming drivers.    -JP-