W123 Headlight Left Bosch 1305235039 – Buyer's Guide
Anyone restoring a W123 with wide-band headlights often faces the same problem: the reflector is dull, there is water behind the lens, or the housing has a crack. Plenty of used headlights are around, but rarely in good condition – and even more rarely in the right version. Bosch and Hella are not interchangeable with each other, and from approx. 9/1979 a different headlight range control was introduced. This guide shows how to recognize damage, which version you need and what to look out for when buying the headlight 1305235039.
How do you recognize wear or damage?
| Finding | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Reflector dull, blotchy or flaking | The mirror coating has aged; light is scattered instead of focused, and illumination drops off noticeably |
| Condensation or water behind the lens | Leaking bond or seal between lens and housing; moisture accelerates the aging of the reflector |
| Lens cracked or with stone chips | Moisture and dirt getting in is only a matter of time; the vehicle inspection (Hauptuntersuchung) may flag it |
| Headlight range can no longer be adjusted with the knob | Mechanism of the manual adjustment is stiff or broken; the headlight can no longer be correctly adapted to the load |
| Headlights work normally, but the instrument lighting stays dark | Not a headlight issue – the cause lies with the lighting or dimmer of the instrument cluster, see as a starting point Speedometer lighting dark? Testing the instrument cluster lighting & dimmer |
Causes
A headlight from the 1970s has decades of heat, moisture and stone chips behind it. The heat of the bulbs wears on the reflector's mirror coating, and every small leak lets in moisture that condenses as it cools. Over time seals become brittle, the headlight range adjustment mechanism gums up, and stone chips on the lens do the rest. With a wide-band headlight, low beam, high beam, parking light and fog light also sit under a common lens – so damage affects all functions on that side.
Such a headlight can only be refurbished to a limited extent: a re-silvered reflector is costly, and a lens glued in afterward often does not stay sealed permanently. For a good-quality restoration, an unused genuine headlight is therefore usually the more solid basis.
What to look for when buying
- Compare the part number on the housing: The left headlight bears the Bosch number 1 305 235 039 (housing marking 1 305 235 039-L). The counterpart for the right is Bosch 1 305 235 040. According to the dealer, A 001 820 95 61 is given as the Mercedes number.
- Note the manufacturer: Bosch and Hella headlights are not compatible or interchangeable with each other. Check which manufacturer is installed on your car.
- Check the headlight range adjustment: This headlight is adjusted manually via a knob (NORMAL / BEI HECKLAST). Vehicles with vacuum headlight range control (approx. from 9/1979) require a different version.
- Match the design: The headlight only fits W123 with factory wide-band headlights. Sedans with round headlights (200, 230, 250, diesel) have a different design and cannot be converted without modification.
- Check the condition and approval mark: The lens 1 305 620 200 bears the marking H4 and E1 24418. The headlight offered here has only the ECE approval mark – it is not intended for the US version.
Solution
If your existing headlight is hazy, leaking or damaged, an unused genuine headlight is the direct route. We offer the Bosch wide-band headlight, left, with the number 1305235039 as a new part from stock (NOS): never installed, genuine part, not aftermarket. The original box is no longer available, and storage marks or dust may be visible on the housing. The headlight combines low and high beam (H4), parking light and fog light under one lens. The price is 399,00 €. It is a one-off item.
Bosch Headlight Left 1305235039 – NOS
Wide-band headlight · H4 · manual headlight range adjustment · W123 / C123 / S123 up to approx. 8/1979
399,00 € · New part, unused
Go to headlight 1305235039If this one-off piece has already been sold, you will find more parts for the model series in the collection W123. If you are overhauling your W123 anyway, you will find further help, for example, in the guide W123 trunk won't open? Check the trunk lock.
Compatible vehicles
| Model series | Models per product data |
|---|---|
| W123 Sedan (wide-band headlights from factory, up to approx. 8/1979) | 280, 280 E |
| C123 Coupe (up to approx. 8/1979) | 230 C, 280 C, 280 CE |
| S123 Wagon (up to approx. 8/1979) | 280 TE |
Note: Does not fit the right side of the vehicle, W123 with round headlights without modification, vehicles with vacuum headlight range control (approx. from 9/1979), the US version, or W124, W126 and W201. Compare the housing number before ordering – if in doubt, we will check the fit based on the VIN (chassis number).
FAQ
Is the headlight 1305235039 for the left or the right side?
The Bosch headlight 1 305 235 039 is the left side (driver's side on left-hand-drive vehicles). The counterpart for the right bears the number 1 305 235 040.
Does the headlight also fit a W123 with vacuum headlight range control?
No. This headlight has manual headlight range adjustment via a knob. Vehicles with vacuum headlight range control (approx. from 9/1979) require a different version.
Can I swap a Hella headlight for this Bosch headlight?
No, according to the product data, Bosch and Hella headlights are not compatible or interchangeable with each other. Check which manufacturer is installed on your car.
How can I identify the correct version?
The housing bears the number 1 305 235 039-L, the lens 1 305 620 200 with H4 and E1 24418. At the back is a rotary knob labeled NORMAL / BEI HECKLAST (= with rear load) for the manual headlight range adjustment.
How much does the Bosch headlight 1305235039 cost?
The unused genuine Bosch headlight, left (NOS), costs 399,00 €. It is a one-off piece from stock.
KFZTeile-Thot is a specialist for tested and refurbished Mercedes parts with its own test benches and has over 1,000 positive eBay reviews. Not sure whether the headlight 1305235039 fits your W123? Call us at +49 179 8991069 (Mon–Fri 8 am–6 pm) or write to us via the contact form.