vpr80

Hi,
Just picked up a 2015 ML350, but am disappointed in the headlights. I am coming from a 2012 S350 and the ML's are MUCH dimmer. Can I just swap out the bulbs or do something to improve them?

Thanks

Nanook

You could consider installing HID add ons but I don't recommend it...many have tried although I'm not sure the success rate...your headlight lenses are not designed for them..best would be to install factory complete OEM HID assemblies but this will be a very costly endeavor..

Nanook

Also
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...er-lights.html

vpr80

Any idea what a set of Bi-Xenon headlights like the Lighting Package would cost?

Separately, if you know, what type of bulb the ML uses and what's the standard wattage? Might try to swapping the bulbs first and see if that gets it better.

Nanook

Not sure on either...check manual for bulb..I'd guess H7...as far as HID headlights I'd guess 1000 each from dealer and maybe 600 on ebay...??? just guesses

vpr80

H7 55W is the stock bulb. I'll try that first. Thanks

Nanook

Correct on H7 55..if it had a 35 watt you could have added a 55 but I don't know if you can safely get/add a larger wattage than 55..that's the only way you'd get more light..

vpr80

Think I'll try the Osram Night Breaker and see how that looks.

HAILERS2

I have the Lighting Package on my ML350 Bluetec and they are great. I know this info is almost useless to you at this point.

But...I've been thinking about buying a S350 like you own. How do you like it? It has the same engine as my '14 ML and with a smaller frontal area I'd guess it's mpg at 75-80 mph is much better than a ML. Otherwise how do you like it?

vpr80

I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED it! Had it for 30 months and 30k miles and never a problem. Thing drove like a freakin' tank with 455lbs of torque. I wasn't going to win any drag race, but it was more than enough. And once it was rolling, it really moved. Passing maneuvers on the highway gave me a smile every time. Mixed driving gave me 30 mpg and a tank would last for over 600 miles. I basically liked everything about it, it was a wonderful car.

HAILERS2

Many thanks for your reply on the S350. Your description could also apply to a ML350 Bluetec, especially the remark about passing maneuvers on the hwy. I grin every time I effortlessly pass on a two lane hwy and find I'm already up to the century mark after making the pass. I'm fairly sure the S350 will do better on the interstates at 70-80 vs the ML.

hos

We have the lighting package on ours, and to be honest I am incredibly disappointed with the whole lighting system. I have not driven a ML without the lighting package so if this is an improvement over the standard halogens I would hate to see how bad they are. I find the intelligent lights to be very yellow and dull.

I had far better light output in my Holden Commodore ( Pontiac G8) with standard projector low and reflector high beam lenses fitted with aftermarket HID's.

schorert1

I have the lighting package and find it pretty fantastic...good light pattern and quality. I just leave the lights and wipers on auto...because who could be bothered flipping a switch.

DUTCH

Just don't leave the wipers on Auto if you go through a car wash!

cmginc

I agree... definitely not yellowish and very good light at night.

schorert1

My CPO arrived from texas in great shape, some swirls, after a light polish sealant, wax, detailer it looks fantastic but there are still a lot of swirls.
I'm thinking that whomever leased this black ML550 drove it through a car wash once a week.
This is the last black car I'll ever own, and I'll never go through a carwash!

My wife's palladium E350 always looks perfect. spray it with a hose and good to go.

27T

They must have different lights down under because the lighting pkg on our ML is impressive and beats almost anything else on the road.

GregGebhardt

Wish I could turn that off. I park in a garage at work and home and the lights turn on briefly before the sensor turn them back off. I hear that is not good for the Xeons.

350MH83

+1. These headlights are by far the best I have been given to drive. Very bright, very white, and I love the way they adapt to the conditions. My only complaint would be that they can be blinding to people coming in front.

hos

I think I may have to take mine to the dealership and challenge them/have a whinge. They really are poor.

vpr80

You guys are tempting me to swap mine out for the bi-xenons. I'll see if the new bulbs are ok or not, but the stock halogen ones are horrible.

Samaral

See post #2.

Barry45RPM

Compared to any of the new technology headlights (LED, Bi Xenon, etc.) all of the old Halogen headlights seem horrible by comparison.

vpr80

Ohhh yeah Ambient Lighting is another minor annoyance. I don't have it and it soooo dark inside at night.

Bruce_Benz

Has anyone with a ML (2012+) attempted to swap out the low beam halogen bulbs themselves? It doesn't really look like a simple DIY to me.