463 SWB Headlamp
Oh dear - I now have a cracked drivers side headlamp (it's still working) so need to enlist help on best replacement.
Bear in mind:
My height adjusters do not work although I had thought about fixing or getting them fixed at some point.
It's only the one side - so should I think about upgrading to a brighter light in which case I'd have to do both sides at the same time.
I understand that a VW Golf headlamp unit is a straight swap but a lot cheaper than a MB one. Is that correct and if so is there any downside to using the VW one?
Any suggestions/recommendations much appreciated.
Mark
I think the main difference with the VW lights is that they have no provision for the adjusters.
About £200 at the MB dealer will get you a pair of lights with clear-glass lenses, which are a small improvement on the older version that you probably have.
Remember this?
http://www.gwoa.co.uk/content/spot-difference
I think it's not necessarily an MOT failure as long as the light beam is not significantly altered by the crack.. You can tape over the crack with transparent headlight protection film.
No, In the end I left the broken adjusters, as I didn't have time, but I still plan to try to re-fill the system and repair the crack, if it's only on the inlet pipe connection.
I have read about the pneumatic adjusters failing on the G regularly. I have never heard of anyone who has successfully refilled the factory system. Both the 463s I have owned the system has failed and I have removed it in sections. Generic VW headlights installed when required which are £20 odd from many parts shops. I wouldn't recommend increasing the power of the headlamp bulb, stick with 55/60w.
Have decided to go the Golf Mk2 route and worry about the adjusters later (if ever).
Sorry to be so stupid, but to remove the cowling around the headlight (which I assume I have to do to get to screws to remove) is it just a case of prising the cowling off the brackets which I assume are behind? There don't appear to be any screws to undo. 
STOP!
There are two screws below the cowling which need to be loosened. The cowling is then gently lifted vertically. The washer hose will obstruct the movement but it will lift 2" to allow full removal.
Phew - thanks Roly.
Going to have another look (with my glasses on this time). Maybe it was the bullbar that prevented me seeing those 2 screws.
Look at the join-line on the lower edge of the cowling. The are two holes , one on each side, leading to screws behind. Long Philips screwdriver required. Just loosen by a turn or two.
Thanks Arnie.
Ha! Back to this subject again and I note from the date of my original post that I have now gone through six MOT tests with the same cracked headlamp.
I did buy a Mk II VW Golf headlamp to replace my cracked one but when I took out the old one noticed that the fitting screwholes on the new one are in differenet places.
Has anyone replaced their old headlamp units with the VW version and if so how much "fettling" is required to make the new one fit?
Has your 463 got the in cab light range adjustment?
Working or not these make a difference to the mounts
Hi Gav,
Yes it does (but it's not working).
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Thanks Arnie.
Now I do remember that - did you ever fit the replacement adjusters? If so which sort?
The Klaus Hold solution sounds much too complicated for me to attempt.
More thought needed - at least the existing headlamps are working - and a few months to go before I have to worry about an MOT (I think I'm right in saying that a cracked headlamp is a failure?)