How-To Helper: MBWorld Member’s W205 DIY LED Headlight Retrofit
Mercedes electrical systems are very sensitive, so if you’re changing from Halogen to LED lights, you’ll need to read this.
In terms of MBWorld heroes, forum user realeric definitely ranks up there. Their recent LED headlight conversion post is a definitive go-to for anyone even contemplating doing this kind of work. Why? Because they showcase exactly why this is a bigger project than just changing out some bulbs. Plus, even with going aftermarket on big parts like the headlight units themselves, it’s still a $1,300 zing to your wallet.
If you’re absolutely intent on changing your W205 to LED lighting, then this is the thread for you. However if you’re just cruising for ideas and aren’t sure if the effort is worth it, then this kind of post is worth at least checking out. For context, realeric is changing these lights due to a deer hit that ended up being covered by insurance. In a money saving effort, realeric performed the labor on the insurance payout. This set off the start of the LED lighting idea. The lights needed to be changed anyway, so this was an exploration of the question “how hard can it be?”
To be forthcoming, the effort to change over to LED lighting could seem a bit intimidating. You’ll need to be quite handy with programming. This isn’t a plug and play kind of operation here. Because of the different electrical parameters, you’ll need to tell the front SAM unit that there’s LED light now, and not higher current Halogens. Oh, and you’ll need to change out the entire headlight assembly too. Which just so happens to call for removal of the front bumper cover.
Along with programming, you’ll also need to be comfortable with making your own wiring harnesses. There’s the ability to purchase one aftermarket, but realeric prefers an OEM look and wrote up an additional helpful diagram on how to route your new wires. If you want to go fully wild and add on the dynamic LED’s, the windscreen has to be new, since there’s sensors in there that work with the dynamic headlights.
If you’re ready to take the plunge on your W205, then this thread deserves to be bookmarked.
Photos: MBWorld
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