W108/W109 early and late headlights

[c107]

I'm putting up some shelves so went through some of my spare parts.
This shows the difference between early (1959-69) and late (69-72) headlight types on the W108/W109/W111/W112 models.

I wrote an article a couple of years ago which I have also updated to the new photos:

W108/W109/W111/W112 Mercedes headlight types

The headlights on the W108, W109, W111 and W112 Mercedes are all interchangeable, which means many cars are no longer sporting the headlights they left the fact

www.classicjalopy.com

 

[Patrick_R]

That’s very interesting Bryce.
I guess if you saw them sitting on a shelf in different shops and different days, you would think they are the same.

Next to each other, very different.
I’m guessing to fit more streamlined noses as the years marched on?

What globes were they running?

 

[c107]

That’s very interesting Bryce.
I guess if you saw them sitting on a shelf in different shops and different days, you would think they are the same.

Next to each other, very different.
I’m guessing to fit more streamlined noses as the years marched on?

What globes were they running?

Funnily enough the flat ones are the later ones. I think this came in around the time that boxy styling was seen as more modern. Another example of this is the facelift of the W111 Coupe/Cabriolet with the low grille, and the facelift of the /8 cars.

Photo below shows a facelifted 111 (white) and early (silver).


In both cases, I think those facelifts made the styling worse, not better, but I imagine the updated cars were considered far more contemporary. The jury is still out of course as many prefer the updated cars...

Similar story to the old traction I used to own. Mine was a big boot model which as a new car was a welcome improvement. Now they are collector cars the small boot cars are worth 20% more as the big boot was seen as bulbous and ugly.

The bulbs as standard are 45W/40W. You could run bigger ones, but it would be advisable to fit relays.

 

[Patrick_R]

Very interesting mate.
Thanks for teaching me more about the MB brand.

 

[Michel]

I always thought the later model units were somewhat flat...
Thanks for the explanation and pics.