Service Information

TO: OUR MERCEDES-BENZ PASSENGER CAR DEALERS

DATE: February 1995

REF. NO. MBNA 82/81

SUBJECT:
MODELS 124, 140, 202
BONDING HEADLAMP LENS TO HOUSING

In November 1993, MBNA discovered that MBAG was supplying headlamps with replaceable (unbonded) lenses. Replacement lenses were also available. Since this is in violation of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108, MBNA was forced to stop the sale of replacement lenses, bond the lens to the housing of new cars in inventory and of headlamps in parts inventory, and notify NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) that we had sold non-complying vehicles and parts.

NHTSA is concerned that a cracked lens will allow water, salt and/or dirt entry that could damage the reflector. Another concern is damage to the reflector caused by cleaning with solvents. Replacing the lens only would result in a "new" looking headlamp with poor and unsafe light output.

NHTSA has recently published a "Proposed Rule" that would permit replaceable lenses for the U.S.A. market. The "Proposed Rule" includes special weathering exposure and cleaning tests for the headlamp without the lens being installed. Also, special cleaning instructions would have to be included with replacement lenses. NHTSA may go ahead with a "Final Rule" or drop the issue. A final decision will not be reached until May or June of 1995.

Therefore, to ensure compliance with FMVSS 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices and Associated Equipment", the headlamp lens must be bonded to the headlamp housing on the vehicles listed below.

Effective Serial Number

Model Model Year(s) Up to Chassis End Number

124 1994 C 100201
F 283541
140.07 1992-1994 A 184873
140.0/1 1992-1994 A 184335
202 1994 F 055937

During the vehicle's next maintenance or repair visit, the headlamp must be inspected, and if necessary, the lens bonded to the housing according to Work Instructions # 308.

The customer is not to be charged for this service. See W.I. # 308 for information regarding warranty claim submission.

Note:
^ Vehicles in VPC inventory were corrected as of 12/17/93.

^ PDC inventory of the affected headlamps was corrected as of 12/17/93. Dealer inventory received prior to 12/17/93 should be inspected as per Work Instructions # 308.