L400 Headlight Lenses - Ecode - Glass - $380/Pair

[zenautoworks]

We have in stock genuine glass e-code headlight lenses for the L400 now.

These are a direct fit to the gen1 L400 and are the perfect alternative to expensive full headlight assemblies.

$380 / Pair







Just need to bake your original assemblies in the oven to remove the old lens and fit the new one.

Please email us at info@zenautoworks.ca for inquiries.

Cheers,

Sean

[Paule]

I'm not clear... Do they change the direction of the beam or are they just to satisfy the compliance requirements?

[zenautoworks]

Yes, these lenses change the direction of the beam so as to not blind oncoming traffic on Canadian roads.

Cheers,

Sean

[mdrive]

Very good Sean, that is what we all needed.

[Green1]

As the L400 headlights are reflector lights and not projectors, the glass lens does all of the aiming, so this should do everything quite nicely.

Technically I have a feeling this may not be fully legal, but it certainly follows the spirit of the law, if not the letter.

[mararmeisto]

As the L400 headlights are reflector lights and not projectors, the glass lens does all of the aiming, so this should do everything quite nicely.

Technically I have a feeling this may not be fully legal, but it certainly follows the spirit of the law, if not the letter.

Not much different than changing the bulb when it burns out: you don't have to change the whole assembly, you just have to change the bulb.

While this is a little more involved, yes, it is essentially the same thing: if the original lens was to have 'broke' (not be correct either through damage or incorrect pattern, for example), it should be possible to change the lens, not the whole assembly. After market part wouldn't be available if it wasn't possible to exchange.

Good job Sean. Way to keep costs down, 'cause from what I understand, changing the whole assembly is upwards of 1000$?

[mdrive]

As the L400 headlights are reflector lights and not projectors, the glass lens does all of the aiming, so this should do everything quite nicely.

Technically I have a feeling this may not be fully legal, but it certainly follows the spirit of the law, if not the letter.

most mercedes you can replace the lens only, so no question about leagalities.

[Green1]

most mercedes you can replace the lens only, so no question about leagalities.

This isn't a Mercedes, and these assemblies are not designed for replaceable lenses, the ratings on the lights are for the entire assembly, no compliance testing is done on components, only on the whole assembly.
As such this is likely TECHNICALLY not legal, that said, the odds of it being detected are slim to none considering that it follows the full spirit of the law and does the important part of modifying the beam, and making the right labelling visible.

I just want to be clear, I'm not suggesting anyone avoid these, they look like a great option. I just want people to realize what they are doing so they aren't too surprised if they do find some ridiculous inspector on an anti-RHD jihad. (better to know where you stand than to get an unpleasant surprise if something weird happens)

On a side note, to add these you must "bake" the lights to get the old lenses off, any recommendations for an appropriate adhesive to attach the new lenses?

[zenautoworks]

Guys and Gals,

We have been using a clear flowable sealant/adhesive made by "Permatex". I know "Goop" markets a similar product.

Really you just want to replace the old sealant with a fresh weatherproof seal which is rather easy to do.

Once the lenses are replaced, a proper OOP inspection can be completed. Lenses have compliant markings and also adjust the light beam for Canadian roads. These are the points that a good inspection shop will want to check off. And besides this, you will be able to drive your Delica with proper headlight aim for our roads and keep everyone smiling.

Cheers,

Sean

[SSB]

Hi, I just completed my lens swap and let me say that it is well worth it. It's way cheaper than the alternative and isn't too much work at all.

Here's how I did it:
1. Pop retaining clips off
2. Bake headlight assembly for about 20 mins at 225 F
3. Take them out and put on a stable surface
4. Using 2 thin putty knives I work around the edges and gently pry them apart like a hot grilled cheese sandwich!
5. Top up the old sealant. (I used some stuff my autobody buddy gave me that looks like the original grey goop that's in there but apparently any flowable silicone sealant or rubber butyl will work.)
6. Put the clips back on
7. Put completed assemblies back in the oven at the same temp for another 15 mins or so (This probably won't be necessary with silicone sealant, but check the manufacturer's instructions and do it how they tell you to)
8. Take out of the oven and presto! Fresh baked cookies!..... I mean, fresh e-code headlights!

Hope this helps anyone wondering what the process is! -Will


Forgot to mention, Sean is a standup guy. Parts arrived fast and he always answered my questions promptly. Just make sure to ask for extra bubble wrap!

[zenautoworks]

Thanks for this helpful post SSB and I'm glad that these lenses have worked for you.

They are starting to fly off the shelf which is great.

Rocky Mountian Imports and Zen Autoworks have partnered up now on the supply of these lenses. For a more local support (Vancouver Island) where you might even pick them up please call or email John/Melissa at RMI.

I will continue to ship direct from Calgary too ... Canada Post to anywhere in BC would be less than $20 for 1 or 2 sets.

Cheers,

Sean

[Brave Auto International]

It is only the lens that have the official markings and beam direction, the casing or internals do not have any official markings at all or control the beam. The only thing different between an OEM LHD headlight and OEM RHD headlight are the lens. The headlights are not a sealed light so removing the RHD lens and fitting a LHD lens to the same casing is no different to replacing your windscreen, most of them are glued in as well on vehicles these days. If they were a sealed head light, then it would be a different kettle of fish.

Cheers

MB..

[jessef]

I bought a set of these lenses and did the swap.

At first, I was going to do it in our oven but Maryna quickly laid down the law that no foreign object that cannot be eaten goes in the oven. That was that.

I went to a few body shops based on the recommendation of 'googling swapping headlight lenses'.

$100/beer and four lights later, it was done.

Try auto body shops. Saves you the time and muckiness.

What I like about the OEM one's is that you just take them out of the box, install snip crimp and you have the headlight + DRL's all in one.

So you pay more for a plug and play install.

What I don't like about swapping glass is the mess, the potential to break the glass and the necessity to find an alternate light housing that is DOT/E-code stamped to be used as a daytime running light.

I think these are a great deal if :

- you want to save a few bucks
- you have the patience/facilities to do the sticky work
- you have alternate lights to use and daytime running lights (more $)

[ShaneA]

A lot of guys in the Mazda 3 club successfully used heat guns to open up their headlight housings to install "angel" lights (aka halo's, DDE's, etc) like the ones you see factory installed in many BMW's. It takes a bit of patience but can quite easily be done.

Actually that could be an interesting mod to do if you're installing these lenses, add some LED strips (a la Audi) or CCFL rings (a la BMW) inside your headlight housing to use as daytime running lights.

Shane

[zenautoworks]

Have been steadlily supplying these compliant lenses over the past year ... and still have lots more in stock!

You could definetely fit in a strip of LEDs ... there is room in there as these are not small light buckets. Nice idea.