EuroDriverSD

I just ordered a pair of OEM bi-xenon headlights from Steve (MBenzNL) for my 2002 C320. I plan on installing them this weekend, if they arrive in time. Since I would like to go through the installation only once, I'm looking for some expert advice on what to do or not do before installing them:

1) Should I treat them with any sort of UV protector?
I've read that OEMs hold up much better to UV and road debirs than aftermarkets, such as DEPO. Nevertheless, I don't know if it would be a good idea, or if it's unnecessary. On my last car, I did an HID retrofit using cheap fleabay headlights (Eagle Eyes - not willing to go this route on the Benz though). I treated them with some stuff called LightRite. The stuff worked great - my lenses never fogged up or yellowed, although the coating started peeling a little after about 3 years and looked unpleasant. If I should coat them, is there a well-recommended product?

2) What bulbs to color-match the city lights & high beams?
After reading a ton on the OEM bixenons, there seems to be a difference of opinion whether they illuminate at 4300K or 5000K. I read some comments on people using bulbs (PIAA or something else) that more closely matched the color temp of the HIDs. Anyone have recommendations as to which bulbs to get?

3) Non-Yellow Parking Light Bulbs?
I'd like to get parking light bulbs that light amber, but don't give that egg yolk effect in the housing. Can someone tell me a good place to get them? Bulb size?

4) Same for the Fog Lights
I have the milky/fluted fog lights. I was going to order clear ones, but I don't trust aftermarket ones for proper light dispersion. I'm going to live with the frosted ones until I can find a pair of OEMs with clear lenses. I also need to find bulbs that are closer to the color temp of the OEM HIDs.

Any other sage advice as to other issues, prep, etc is welcome.

Thanks in advance - duly appreciated.

AZN Optics

1. It's always a good idea to apply protection to headlight housing. Even OEM ones have a tendency to eventually deteriorate. The product I use is called Diamondite Liquid Armor for my vehicles. Works well.

2. For high beams, the whitest halogen bulbs we've seen that comes close to sniffing xenon 5000K+ are Philips Diamond Visions. We'd recommend those for your high beams if your goal is to match color and remain with halogen replacement. Otherwise, HIDs.

3. For your parking bulb, you'll want a set of 194 wedge LED. We have canbus plug and play units for you offered in 5000K which will match your low beams. However, stock these shouldn't be giving you egg yolk effect, unless you're referring to your signals which do do that. We have 1156 LED bulbs that will clean that up with no more egg yolk effect. Another alternative if you want to go the DIY route, you can stealth your own signal bulbs with a single quick spray of silver or chrome header paint.

4. For your fogs, you'll need 9006. Same as with your high beams, you can go with whiter halogen bulbs recommended or HIDs.

EuroDriverSD

Thanks for the info. I'd like to place an order from you for what I'll need, but:

1) I went to your website and couldn't find the H7 Philips Diamond Vision;
2) For the front turn signals, I found the 1156 with the Flasher I/C. However, as per the Sylvania Lamp Replacement Guide, the front turn signal bulbs are 2357A - are they the same??? (I looked up an '05 C320, since I'm assuming that's the headlights I'm getting); and
3) I'm not sure I want to install HID capsules in the stock fog lights. Do you have Diamond Vision 9006 bulbs as well?

Lastly, what's been your experience with the failure rates on the LEDs? On my last vehicle, I threw tons of time/expense on LEDs that others swore by, and I ended up replacing them every few months until I almost entirely gave up on them. Hope the question doesn't come off as offensive, but I really don't want to be replacing bulbs on a frequent basis.

Since I couldn't find some of this stuff on your site, please let me know what's the best way to go about placing an order. Thanks again.

AZN Optics

1. Unfortunately we don't deal with halogen bulbs, only LEDs and HIDs. Word of caution with DVs though, make sure you do buy from an authorized Philips retailer. There are a lot of counterfeit DV bulbs out there due to their popularity.

2. Ok, the 2347/1157 bulbs are what you want. I was looking up for halogen housing.

3. See #1. I will say that our HIDs are 35W kits so burn cooler than the 55W kit (and have more longevity) and haven't had any melted housing at all since we started carrying Morimoto kits.

As for the LEDs, we actually just recently released our new V5 design wedge units a few months back which pack the latest in LED technology with high end COB diodes paired with our constant current IC drive to help regulate current. So far, we haven't had a single reported blown unit yet since release. You're covered also by a 1 year easy warranty on our LED units.

You can shoot us a PM or email (aznoptics@gmail.com) with your PayPal email address and we can set you up.

Additionally, I see you're in San Diego. We'll be down at SoCal Euro in Qualcomm this weekend at the Aristo Collection booth if you want to do local pickup and save on shipping costs.

EuroDriverSD

Awesome!

I'll put my list together & pm you later/tomorrow so I can meet up with you for the goodies on Sunday. Cheers!

C230 Sport Coup

Wow. Someone buying new OEM stuff for a 2002 from Steve.
Brings tears to my eyes.

EuroDriverSD

Ah, believe me - it was a very tough decision. I'm still licking the wounds on my wallet and wondering if I should be kicking in my own teeth! Nevertheless, I think I made the right decision.


I figured buying Depos, projectors, aftermarket HID kit, etc., I'd be looking at a good $700+, spending countless hours on the project and still be taking a chance on sub-par quality with questionable durability.


Like I mentioned above, I've gone the retrofit route before and as good as my lighting was, the ebay parts quality of the housings eventually began to show (especially on the innards when I worked on them).


As expensive as it was, Steve was still cheaper that getting the lights used online or even at my local wrecking yards. Not to mention much cheaper than the stealership! Being that he said he only had 3 pairs left, that helped hurry me up.


Like I told Steve, I justified myself saying that when I sell the car, I'll sell the bixenons separately. Still, I knew some would be reading this, thinking I'm either crazy or stupid (including myself, lol)


BTW, C230 Sports Coupe, what's your grill off of? Any mods needed to fit it on an '02 like mine?