New-B here!!!
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Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Tampa , Florida
'06 C 230 sports sedan
New-B here!!!
Hey what's up everyone?? I just got my '06 230 sport sedan about 2 weeks ago so I'm really not that familiar with all the in's and out's of the car yet. I'll post pictures of the car real soon. One thing I didn't get on the car was the xenon headlights... 
.....but I want to change the bulbs in the headlights and fogs....anyone have a recommendation on what bulbs to get??? Also....I live in Tampa so if there's ever a meet or anything like that..I would definatley like to go...thanks!
.....but I want to change the bulbs in the headlights and fogs....anyone have a recommendation on what bulbs to get??? Also....I live in Tampa so if there's ever a meet or anything like that..I would definatley like to go...thanks!
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From: Boston
CLK500/Range Rover HSE/E55 AMG/Bmw 328Xi coupe/BMW 4.8x/Bmw 335i/GS350/Audi S5/E350
Originally Posted by MB2ner
Hey what's up everyone?? I just got my '06 230 sport sedan about 2 weeks ago so I'm really not that familiar with all the in's and out's of the car yet. I'll post pictures of the car real soon. One thing I didn't get on the car was the xenon headlights... .....but I want to change the bulbs in the headlights and fogs....anyone have a recommendation on what bulbs to get??? Also....I live in Tampa so if there's ever a meet or anything like that..I would definatley like to go...thanks!
.....but I want to change the bulbs in the headlights and fogs....anyone have a recommendation on what bulbs to get??? Also....I live in Tampa so if there's ever a meet or anything like that..I would definatley like to go...thanks!
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Joined: Mar 2004
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From: West Los Angeles
Midnight Blue 2004.5 C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan. 2002 w210 E320, 2009 w211 E350 Sport
Welcome to the boards.
Since you didn't get the BI-X, you have several different halogen options. It just depends on your taste. There are Sylvania Silverstars, NOKYA, PIAA, etc, etc, etc... and with each brand comes 2 or three different types Xtreme White, Super White, Arctic White, Arctic Purple, HID white, HID blue, HID purple, etc, etc,etc...
Try searching under the work "bulbs" and you'll find so many different replacements. Even though you have the refresh halogen headlights (w/ clearer cover), I think MB kept the same size bulb.
I believe it's H7? Anybody correct me if I'm wrong on that. Either way, people like different things. Some people like a bluer look, some people like a more yellow contrast for visibility. Just all depends.
Good luck and post pics when you get the chance.
Since you didn't get the BI-X, you have several different halogen options. It just depends on your taste. There are Sylvania Silverstars, NOKYA, PIAA, etc, etc, etc... and with each brand comes 2 or three different types Xtreme White, Super White, Arctic White, Arctic Purple, HID white, HID blue, HID purple, etc, etc,etc...
Try searching under the work "bulbs" and you'll find so many different replacements. Even though you have the refresh halogen headlights (w/ clearer cover), I think MB kept the same size bulb.
I believe it's H7? Anybody correct me if I'm wrong on that. Either way, people like different things. Some people like a bluer look, some people like a more yellow contrast for visibility. Just all depends.
Good luck and post pics when you get the chance.
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From: 626/714
Gone but not forgotten C36
If you get the non-HID set-up...don't get the Nokya's...they burn-out and if there is a cap in your headlight that "covers" the bulb, it might burn that too because the bulb on the Nokya's are actually BIGGER (even though it fits) and does not leave enough gap....get quality bulbs for your Benz 
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From: Chula Vista, San Diego
c230 Kompressor Coupe
Originally Posted by drexappeal
I believe it's H7? Anybody correct me if I'm wrong on that. Either way, people like different things. Some people like a bluer look, some people like a more yellow contrast for visibility. Just all depends.
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From: West Los Angeles
Midnight Blue 2004.5 C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan. 2002 w210 E320, 2009 w211 E350 Sport
Originally Posted by Back2Benz
If you get the non-HID set-up...don't get the Nokya's...they burn-out and if there is a cap in your headlight that "covers" the bulb, it might burn that too because the bulb on the Nokya's are actually BIGGER (even though it fits) and does not leave enough gap....get quality bulbs for your Benz
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From: 626/714
Gone but not forgotten C36
Originally Posted by drexappeal
I haven't had any problems with my BI-X and I have Arctic whites for my secondary Hi-beams. Maybe this is where the differences come into play.
. Check for consistent size of the bulbs (non-HIDs) that you are getting so you don't run into trouble 
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From: West Los Angeles
Midnight Blue 2004.5 C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan. 2002 w210 E320, 2009 w211 E350 Sport
Originally Posted by Back2Benz
that's good...I had Nokya's on a Mazda and it burned the "bulb cover" because it the bulb was too close to the cover. Perhaps the Benz's don't have that cover, in this case, no needs to worry . Check for consistent size of the bulbs (non-HIDs) that you are getting so you don't run into trouble
. Check for consistent size of the bulbs (non-HIDs) that you are getting so you don't run into trouble Also, on Mazda's I know exactly what you're talking about as well. I don't know what year your car was, but I had them in my 1994 MX-6 before and it caused a similar problem. I think it had something to do with how Mazda designed the interior housings for the headlights. I eventually got JDM headlights for that car (which were totally different bulbs), but just so you know that you weren't alone in that aspect.
so, MB2ner, if you're planning on using NOKYA's for the headlights, I'd suggest going a different route. I use them for my fogs and brights only.
xenons......
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From: West Los Angeles
Midnight Blue 2004.5 C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan. 2002 w210 E320, 2009 w211 E350 Sport
Originally Posted by MB2ner
for those of you who have done the HID/xenon upgrade...how much did it cost for the headlight assembly, bulbs....etc? thanks!
Here's a breakdown that will explain a little further:
w203 lighting:
MY 2001-2002 - Regular HID/Xenon
MY 2003-present - Bi-xenon
MY 2005-present - Halogen/Taillights/Mirror blinker re-fresh/update
Now, the thing is, I don't know if you'd want to necessarily change to the 2001-2002 model HID/Xenon because those lights did not have the clear glass. They had the standard frosted glass covers.
A lot of people with older model w203's have upgraded to bi-xenon through Steve (although, I'm pretty sure they're not a small amount of money). I'm sure you've noticed the thread about Steve's October visit. BTW, his screename on here is MBenzNL.
Now, before I continue to go on here. I suggest trying a search for Steve's screename MBenzNL. The "advanced" search allows you to find posts specifically by him.
To go on, if you want an in-expensive route to updating your car's headlights, you can always buy the projector/bi-xenon "look" headlights they are offering on ebay. Basically, look at the prices they have on ebay and you can imagine how much it would be to actually get "bi-xenon" headlights from Steve. Plus the fact that they have to be activated through star diagnose.
Another "option" that I'm not sure if people have done is to consider purchasing just a HID kit, which usually is in the range of $300-500 bucks. You can replace the H7 halogen bulb, with HID Kit for h7 xenon bulbs (w/ ballasts of course).
Hope that helps a little. Now, you can try the search to get even more information. Numerous threads available for this info.
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From: 626/714
Gone but not forgotten C36
Originally Posted by drexappeal
Back2Benz, I can definitely agree with how fast NOKYA's burn out. I'm on my 2nd set of fogs (because I have my fogs on w/ my headlights all the time and I always have it set to AUTO, for the safety lights when arming/disarming). The brights, I rarely use (because the bi-x provides more than enough light).
Also, on Mazda's I know exactly what you're talking about as well. I don't know what year your car was, but I had them in my 1994 MX-6 before and it caused a similar problem. I think it had something to do with how Mazda designed the interior housings for the headlights. I eventually got JDM headlights for that car (which were totally different bulbs), but just so you know that you weren't alone in that aspect.
so, MB2ner, if you're planning on using NOKYA's for the headlights, I'd suggest going a different route. I use them for my fogs and brights only.
Also, on Mazda's I know exactly what you're talking about as well. I don't know what year your car was, but I had them in my 1994 MX-6 before and it caused a similar problem. I think it had something to do with how Mazda designed the interior housings for the headlights. I eventually got JDM headlights for that car (which were totally different bulbs), but just so you know that you weren't alone in that aspect.
so, MB2ner, if you're planning on using NOKYA's for the headlights, I'd suggest going a different route. I use them for my fogs and brights only.
MB2ner and for others out there...I'm not a lights specialist, but from personal experience and my opinion...good/"decent" lighting is just as important as a set of safe tires
*I've heard nothing but good things about the Silverstar non-HID bulbs
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Since you have a sedan you are probably look at about 1.1K for the Bi-Xenon upgrade for you car...and let me say it makes one hella difference from the stock, plus you don't have to worry about frying wires or replacing bulbs every few months cuz they blew out. Its worth the investment and really worth thinkin about.
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Joined: Mar 2004
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From: West Los Angeles
Midnight Blue 2004.5 C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan. 2002 w210 E320, 2009 w211 E350 Sport
Originally Posted by Back2Benz
I think those also burt the connectors (something wrong with the volt/wattage that wasn't very compatible with my car)
Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 172
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From: Portland, OR
2005 C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan
Stick with the stock lights
Welcome to the forum. I recommend you stick with the stock lights, don't void your warranty and ask for problems. Besides, you should be able to see just fine with the stock lights. Also, you can't get the autolevelling sensors installed after-market. Just my opinion.
I recommend you search for all the problems with Bi-xenons as well.
I recommend you search for all the problems with Bi-xenons as well.
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From: West Los Angeles
Midnight Blue 2004.5 C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan. 2002 w210 E320, 2009 w211 E350 Sport
Originally Posted by SteveAustin
Welcome to the forum. I recommend you stick with the stock lights, don't void your warranty and ask for problems. Besides, you should be able to see just fine with the stock lights. Also, you can't get the autolevelling sensors installed after-market. Just my opinion.
I recommend you search for all the problems with Bi-xenons as well.
I recommend you search for all the problems with Bi-xenons as well.
MB2ner, do not be scared off from doing mods. The ONLY thing that can "void" the warranty is if the part was found to be the cause of a problem that you end up having. In this case, BI-X are OEM and even though the car did not come stock with them, the dealerships are less strict about stuff like that. Something happened with the lights in my shifter (after I replaced it with the ASH shifter) and they said it would normally not be covered under warranty since I changed it, but because it's an OEM part that I put in as a replacement, they let it slide.
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 172
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From: Portland, OR
2005 C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan
Originally Posted by drexappeal
Something happened with the lights in my shifter (after I replaced it with the ASH shifter)
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From: West Los Angeles
Midnight Blue 2004.5 C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan. 2002 w210 E320, 2009 w211 E350 Sport
Originally Posted by SteveAustin
The lights in my shifter (OEM) failed within the first 3 months, so it probably had nothing to do with your mod; just poor parts from the factory.
Member
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From: Portland, OR
2005 C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan
Absolutely. MB of Portland is first rate.
I was just really disappointed as this is my first Benz. I expected better quality and not as many problems as I have had so far: shifter light, the satellite radio acquiring issue, check engine light (carbon build up), stitch coming out of passenger seat, a few problems with HK stereo (CDC not recognized, speaker issue). The dealership fixed everything the first time, so I have no complaints with the great service.
I had a new 1997 Jeep Wrangler Sport and never had problems like this for 7 years (granted, there were fewer things to go wrong).
Maybe Chrysler can help out MB on improving parts/build quality. I really hope MB turns around. Don't get me wrong, I still love this car a lot and will keep for at least 5-7 years.
I was just really disappointed as this is my first Benz. I expected better quality and not as many problems as I have had so far: shifter light, the satellite radio acquiring issue, check engine light (carbon build up), stitch coming out of passenger seat, a few problems with HK stereo (CDC not recognized, speaker issue). The dealership fixed everything the first time, so I have no complaints with the great service.
I had a new 1997 Jeep Wrangler Sport and never had problems like this for 7 years (granted, there were fewer things to go wrong).
Maybe Chrysler can help out MB on improving parts/build quality. I really hope MB turns around. Don't get me wrong, I still love this car a lot and will keep for at least 5-7 years.
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Joined: Mar 2004
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From: West Los Angeles
Midnight Blue 2004.5 C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan. 2002 w210 E320, 2009 w211 E350 Sport
Originally Posted by SteveAustin
Absolutely. MB of Portland is first rate.
Maybe it's just that, since LA is so spread out and there are so many dealerships, not even counting OC (which has a ton more and seems to have more "reputable" dealerships), that they tend to be less accomodating...or maybe it's just my experiences with the dealership closest to me.
