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Mercedes-Benz C-Class: How to Black Out Headlight Housings

Applying black tint to your headlight housing transforms your Mercedes into a hot performance car. Well, at least it looks like one. There are several ways of doing this, but which ever you choose, it is advisable you check your state's current headlight laws. Some don't allow blacking-out your headlights as it reduces visibility.

By Peter Sessler - May 18, 2015

This article applies to the Mercedes-Benz C-Class w204 (2007-2014).

This article explores blacking-out your Mercedes-Benz C-Class's headlights. The easiest, but the most expensive, is simply buying a set of blacked-out headlights and installing them. You can see several types on eBay. Using a tint spray or a blacked-out vinyl is about the least expensive way to go, and you can find several, again, on eBay. You will need to remove the headlights to bake them in your oven. The 220 degree temperature in the oven loosens the glue holding the headlight together, and thus enabling you to then proceed with painting or tinting your headlight bezels.

There is no way to reduce your car's headlight power at night, and, at least in some states, it can be legal. You will need to check with your state's motor vehicle department. If you get caught with a car that has blacked-out headlights, you will be guilty. If you get caught, you would also be required to bring the lights back to the stock configuration. Although many police officers do not enforce this, keep in mind that fines and like could be substantial. Obviously, this applies to black out tints and lens covers, but modifying the housings to be black in color (in most areas) is not explicitly illegal because this does not diminish light output.

Materials Needed

  • Masking tape
  • Painter's tape
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Scuffing tape or "O" steel wool
  • Tinting paint
  • Paper towels
  • RTV

Option 1 – Painting your headlights

With this method, you remove your headlights from the car, paint the inside headlight bezel, tint the inside of the headlight, and then reassemble the headlight unit. But, there are several problems that must be overcome. Removing the headlights is difficult on the C-Class as other parts must first be removed, especially on the left headlight. You'll notice, after the headlights are removed, that they are glued together and must be separated. To do this, you must place them in an oven for about 15 to 20 minutes at a temperature of 220 degrees. Obviously, this is a critical time as a too high temperature or a longer time can ruin your headlights.

When the glue is loose, separate the lens from the back of the housing. Clean the inside of the bezel with alcohol, and dry with paper towels. To help the paint stick, use a scuffing pad (or "O" steel wool) on all the inside surfaces. Use masking tape to cover any areas that you are planning not to paint. Once again, use alcohol to clean the area you're going to paint. As an alternative, you can tint the inside of the lens with a tint film vinyl, again available at eBay. After painting, test how the blacked-out treatment looks to you. If you need darker treatments, spray more coats and then let it dry.

Finally, glue the bezel and lens together using the oven method. Use clear RTV and heavy-duty rubber bands to hold the two pieces together.

  • Figure 1. Before blacking-out headlights.
  • Figure 2. After headlights have been painted.

Option 2 – Using tint vinyl overlay

Using the overlay method is about the easiest way to blacken-out your car's headlights. You don't have to remove the headlights from the car, and if you change your mind, you just peel the material off. It comes in various shades as well.

In addition, there are vinyl tints that come pre-measured and cut to conform to the headlight's shape. Also, the tints come in various colors.

  • Figure 3. Pre-cut tint kits are available.
  • Figure 4. Tinted headlight lenses.

Option 3 – Using headlights that are already tinted

With these headlights, you don't have to do any work (in terms of laying on a tint) because the headlights are ready for installment. The only difficulty is installation, and that depends on the car. Popular vendors sell their wares on eBay.

Figure 5. Blacked-out OEM-style aftermarket lights.

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