Did you try Matt's lenses? I purchased my tail lights from there and I had exact replacements and they were brand new. Total cost = $198.00 USD for both. I am very pleased with them. I held one of the assemblies to the old one and they were exactly alike.

I just bought the "low cost" replacement lense from IPD for the drivers tail light on my wagon. It was identical to OEM except for the DOT numbers. I did not see any difference in color, and everything matched up, fit perfect. I think you would have to have a car that is very weathered with sun damage to notice any difference.

JohnB wrote:

"Even a new OEM lense will look different from an old OEM lens"

I bought a pair of new front corner lenses for my '87 240 because one of them was cracked and the price was better if I bought a pair. I planned to sell the one I didn't need, but once I put one of them on, it looked so much different than the other side that I ended up using both of them. If I were going to replace a headlight and tail light, I would buy a good used light assembly from Ebay, or if you have a good wrecking yard for parts, try that too. It will probably match your old one better, and it should save you some money.

Good luck.

I believe you will see a difference between the OEM and the aftermarket once they're installed; if not the tint then certainly the finish.

Even a new OEM lense will look different from an old OEM lens (on the other side). Insurance won't pay for replacing both sides on these older cars (and you don't NEED to replace both sides on the newer ones...catch-22). Mama had a minor fender bender on the 90 740T and the left side rear lens assembly had to be replaced...a new one was $125 and it looks much nicer with a shiny lens finish than the old one on the right hand side every time I have to look at it.