whaddaiknow

My lights suck. There is just not enough light. I am hoping that, by replacing the bulbs I can drive safer at night.

After twisting the light cover off, I can see the base of the bulb. How to I remove it? How is it held in place? Levers, tabs, springs?

And while on this topic, which bulb would you recommend in terms of price/performance that will produce a significant improvement in light output?

I've looked at a range of options, and while some claim up to 70% more light, the detailed specs show the same 3200-3300 lumens as the next one at a fraction of the cost. I don't mind paying premium for a quality bulb if it produces premium performance.

Thanks!
BTW, mine is a Canadian 2010 E350.

DJ Hellfire

You sure you have HID?

If not, I suggest the new LED conversion kits from Xenondepot.com. Not as much light output as HID, but almost twice the amount as halogen. And they look like HID. I have them in the foglights on my Durango and my Lexus ES 350. They are bright as hell.

You need H7, but I am not sure how they are held in on the E350. I know some cars, like BMW, use a special socket, while the bulb just clips in on other cars. Here's the ones you need. Not sure how to install them on this particular car though:

http://www.xenondepot.com/H7-LED-hea.../h7-led-hl.htm

whaddaiknow

It says it right there on the bulb - OSRAM XENARC D1S.
I don't want to break it when removing from the housing, so I decided to ask here.

And yes, I searched the entire forum before posting.

EDIT: Just snapped a picture with my phone.

Alex.currie44

I cannot access my manual but I believe you turn it.

whaddaiknow

It looks like the Canadian Spec was different from the US.
The 2010 E350 manual I downloaded from the MBUSA site is not showing me the xenon option for low beam only, it's either halogen or bi-xenon.

Alex.currie44

Page 124 of my Canadian 2011 W212 E350 4 matic wagon owners manual.
Low Beam H7 55W
Parking/Standby W 5W
Turn Signal 3457A
High Beam non Xenon H7 55W
They do not recommend changing the Xenon unless you have the training and knowledge because of the voltages involved.
You can tell if you have Xenons because the beam will move if the lights are on when you start the engine.

whaddaiknow

The beam does move up-down and side-to-side when I start the engine.
I know Mercedes wants me to pay $125 per bulb labor + cost of bulbs.
If I can save myself $250(+13%tax) and replace the bulbs myself, I will. I'll make sure the car is shut off and the key is far away from the car. I will also wear gloves when disconnecting the wires.

The only question that remains is how do I remove the bulb once it's been unplugged - just twist it counterclockwise? I don't see any clips in the picture I attached. I tried turning it but I'm afraid I can break it, so I didn't force it.

On a completely different tangent - maybe the bulb is not the problem? Dirty lens maybe? I dunno.

Alex.currie44

You are in Ontario I gather?
I just opened up the door that gives access to the bulb. It sure is cramped with a lot of exposed stuff.
If you proceed, might I suggest you disconnect the battery (make sure you have the radio code) and have a coffee so any capacitors have leaked off their charge?
The glove is a good idea too.

DJ Hellfire

Yeah, you definitely have HID. But the reason I ask is because you say the light performance is poor. I have the Bi-Xenons as well and the light performance is amazing. Can you post a picture of how the light looks at night on the ground and a picture of the car with the headlights on? Something seems weird and the answer might not be new bulbs. And new bulbs wont give you better light if their is nothing wrong with your current ones. Might just be an alignment issue.

As far as changing the bulb, it should be a lever or something holding it in that you have to release or just twist the bulb counter-clockwise, then it should pop out and there is one wire connected to it that you have to unplug.

Alex.currie44

Bad ground?

DJ Hellfire

Doubt it. Usually HID's won't light up at all if they don't have full voltage. Definitely need more answers before throwing parts at it, though.

imaphaetonguy

Got these instructions from the ML site. Looks like they just twist off.

https://mbworld.org/forums/m-class-w...ml#post5591481

whaddaiknow

Thanks for the replies, guys.
I will take and post pictures tonight. I doubt it is the alignment, as the headlights do the whole dance at start-up and settle just fine with a clear cut-off.
Driving side by side with a Toyota Corolla is an embarrassment though.

My latest drive from Ottawa to NYC wasn't fun either because I really strained my eyes. Others who drove my car also commented that the light output is way off what HID's are supposed to be.