H-4 Headlight Bulbs- LED or Halogen?
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From: In the bush on the shores of Lake Nipigon
1990 Mercedes 190E
H-4 Headlight Bulbs- LED or Halogen?
On my way back home from town last night I noticed that the driver side high beam light was out. I suspect it is a burned out bulb. The headlights on the car were converted years ago by my husband to use the H-4 bulbs because he thought that the Canadian spec lights were poor. I tended to agree. I think these are Bosch brand but could be wrong. I am searching for replacement bulb(s) of the H-4 type and wonder if I should buy LED bulbs. I need good lights since the roads I travel are in wilderness areas where moose are common and I DON"T want to hit a moose! My eyes are not so good especially at night. My grandson thinks I should install auxillary driving lamps also. What are the thoughts on the forum?
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190E 2.6L 1989, 190E 2.6L 1988, BMW 535dXdrive 2014, BMW 428i 2015
LED bulbs will be an optical project. Because the optics of LED light sources are so different than incandescent bulbs, the optics (bean forming lenses) need to also change to accommodate that difference.
Also, the LED bulbs need to be cooled as they do not like (will not last) to run hot. So there is generally a giant heatsink in the back that is tighter to fit and the fans to cool this, do get noisy.
I designed LED light electronics for about 6-7 years in the late 2000's as you may know and had to face these issues in the past. This is why I only have LED lights in my car where it matters. Center Brake light, parking lights, reverse light and interior dome lights. Turn signal lights are also a project so I let it be.
So if you would like to avoid the experiments, I would recommend just going with the standard H-4 bulbs.
What I noticed is that the aftermarket euro headlights I converted to (which have the H4 bulbs instead of OE) did have better visibility than the USA version. But is seems your husband already made this improvement.
- Cheers!
Also, the LED bulbs need to be cooled as they do not like (will not last) to run hot. So there is generally a giant heatsink in the back that is tighter to fit and the fans to cool this, do get noisy.
I designed LED light electronics for about 6-7 years in the late 2000's as you may know and had to face these issues in the past. This is why I only have LED lights in my car where it matters. Center Brake light, parking lights, reverse light and interior dome lights. Turn signal lights are also a project so I let it be.
So if you would like to avoid the experiments, I would recommend just going with the standard H-4 bulbs.
What I noticed is that the aftermarket euro headlights I converted to (which have the H4 bulbs instead of OE) did have better visibility than the USA version. But is seems your husband already made this improvement.
- Cheers!
Last edited by dolucasi; Aug 27, 2023 at 03:15 PM.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 220
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From: In the bush on the shores of Lake Nipigon
1990 Mercedes 190E
Dolucasi, Once again thank you for your information, experience and advice. I indeed will just buy the halogen bulbs but I see there are high wattage 100/55 Hella ones available which are higher than the standard 60/55 I would be worried about the ability of the wiring to handle higher wattage bulbs although they do sound appealing. Suggestions?
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From: SF Bay Area, CA
190E 2.6L 1989, 190E 2.6L 1988, BMW 535dXdrive 2014, BMW 428i 2015
I know it is a safety issue for you in term of visibility. If you tend to use your high beams especially on rural roads a lot and you would prefer better visibility during those times I would say go for the 100/55.
However, you will need to replace your 8A left and right high beam fuses to 16A ones. Otherwise, I'm pretty sure they will blow or prematurely get damaged over time.
Fortunately Mercedes separated the high beam circuit from everything else so this experiment is possible.
You can also leave the 8A ones in there for now but have 16A ones ready to go in when they blow.
Cheers!
However, you will need to replace your 8A left and right high beam fuses to 16A ones. Otherwise, I'm pretty sure they will blow or prematurely get damaged over time.
Fortunately Mercedes separated the high beam circuit from everything else so this experiment is possible.
You can also leave the 8A ones in there for now but have 16A ones ready to go in when they blow.
Cheers!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 1,369
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From: SF Bay Area, CA
190E 2.6L 1989, 190E 2.6L 1988, BMW 535dXdrive 2014, BMW 428i 2015
I think that is a wise choice Laura. The oncoming traffic also thanks you. I tend to use the high beams a lot with divided roads as the high beams on these cars are not so blinding to oncoming traffic.
A 100W version maybe "too much" light for this use case. Also I'm sure there are relays involved here and they may not like the 100W version either.
A 100W version maybe "too much" light for this use case. Also I'm sure there are relays involved here and they may not like the 100W version either.
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1991 190E 2.3
While I haven't had any personal experience with this, I've read in the forums over the years that the LED bulbs tend to not be compatible with W201 wiring so that makes it best to stay with the Halogen bulbs.
