HID Lights
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Houston, Texas
2001 C320
HID Lights
I am thinking about purchasing the MB xenon headlights lights from autoclass.com and wanted to know if anyone as purchased these lights. If so, were they able to get MB to install them? If MB didn't install them what kind of gotcha did you experience and would you recommend doing this.
Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 95
Likes: 0
From: Boston, MA
2004 E500 4Matic
from what I understand, autoclass is selling factory original xenon systems i.e. the same stuff you get if you order it from the dealer.
If that is true then there shouldn't be any problem with you asking your dealer to install it. (That's what I would do if I didn't feel comfortable installing it myself.) Keep in mind that a dealer has a right to refuse to install anything they didn't sell.
I have installed factory xenon headlights into a BMW and an Audi, and it wasn't too dificult but it took a few hours to do it right. If you think you can do it then give it a shot but if not then have your dealer do it.
If that is true then there shouldn't be any problem with you asking your dealer to install it. (That's what I would do if I didn't feel comfortable installing it myself.) Keep in mind that a dealer has a right to refuse to install anything they didn't sell.
I have installed factory xenon headlights into a BMW and an Audi, and it wasn't too dificult but it took a few hours to do it right. If you think you can do it then give it a shot but if not then have your dealer do it.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,211
Likes: 2
From: Laguna Niguel, CA
From what I understand of HID, to be legal they have to be self leveling. Does the kit include that feature because that in itself me be a pain to install. What do they charge for all the parts? Is that low beam only or both? I live an congested suburb with way too many street lights so I can't imaging what the Xenon would buy me but they look great and if the price was right I would attempt it.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,600
Likes: 1
From: Earth
GLB 250 4matic
i asked about HIDs a little while ago.
i was told that even if self-leveling, oem, etc., installing HIDs are illegal. basically, they have to be installed at the factory (not the dealership). hence, a lot of aftermarket HIDs have the "only for offroad use" disclaimer.
autoclass.net told me that they would be receiving HIDs for the C230k late this month for about $800 each.
i was told that even if self-leveling, oem, etc., installing HIDs are illegal. basically, they have to be installed at the factory (not the dealership). hence, a lot of aftermarket HIDs have the "only for offroad use" disclaimer.
autoclass.net told me that they would be receiving HIDs for the C230k late this month for about $800 each.
Almost a Member!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: NJ
C320 Coupe
HID
I talked to my service advisor and he did not recomend installing an aftermarket HIDs. There seems to be a problem with the watege that si being pulled by the standard light bulb (55w or so) and HID only pulls about 20w-25w so the omputer thinks that the light is out, and there might be a problem.
Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 95
Likes: 0
From: Boston, MA
2004 E500 4Matic
Re: HID
Originally posted by Lenny
I talked to my service advisor and he did not recomend installing an aftermarket HIDs. There seems to be a problem with the watege that si being pulled by the standard light bulb (55w or so) and HID only pulls about 20w-25w so the omputer thinks that the light is out, and there might be a problem.
I talked to my service advisor and he did not recomend installing an aftermarket HIDs. There seems to be a problem with the watege that si being pulled by the standard light bulb (55w or so) and HID only pulls about 20w-25w so the omputer thinks that the light is out, and there might be a problem.
Also, I don't believe that self-leveling is required in the states... only in Europe. My motorcycle has a non-self-leveling xenon headlight which is DOT legal.
Trending Topics
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 579
Likes: 0
From: bucks county
black on black 2k2-230k auto/c1/c5/c7/k2c/COMAND/TELEAID/Stage II HIDS
i know most every non factory installed hid is not street legal, but really how many times are you gonna get pulled over for your hids???
in fact, the police need a specific little light gauge to determine if your hids are illegal, and very rarely do they have em in their cruisers.
"sir, do you know your HIDS are too bright"
"no officer i didnt, they came with the car, so i assumed they were fine"
if that doesnt work, pretend your on the way to the hospital cause your wife is having a baby
greg
in fact, the police need a specific little light gauge to determine if your hids are illegal, and very rarely do they have em in their cruisers.
"sir, do you know your HIDS are too bright"
"no officer i didnt, they came with the car, so i assumed they were fine"
if that doesnt work, pretend your on the way to the hospital cause your wife is having a baby
greg
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Dubai Tuner Gives the Mercedes G-Class An Entirely New Look
Verdad Gallardo
Six Gift Ideas Your AMG Loving Dad or Grad Will Cherish
7 Craziest Things AMG Gas Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,498
Likes: 3
From: Ashburn, VA
'19 GLC 300, '19 TM3SR+
Originally posted by greg230
i know most every non factory installed hid is not street legal, but really how many times are you gonna get pulled over for your hids???
in fact, the police need a specific little light gauge to determine if your hids are illegal, and very rarely do they have em in their cruisers.
"sir, do you know your HIDS are too bright"
"no officer i didnt, they came with the car, so i assumed they were fine"
if that doesnt work, pretend your on the way to the hospital cause your wife is having a baby
greg
i know most every non factory installed hid is not street legal, but really how many times are you gonna get pulled over for your hids???
in fact, the police need a specific little light gauge to determine if your hids are illegal, and very rarely do they have em in their cruisers.
"sir, do you know your HIDS are too bright"
"no officer i didnt, they came with the car, so i assumed they were fine"
if that doesnt work, pretend your on the way to the hospital cause your wife is having a baby
greg
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,498
Likes: 3
From: Ashburn, VA
'19 GLC 300, '19 TM3SR+
Re: Re: HID
Originally posted by eddie
the computer senses a burnt filament by the resistance of the curcuit, not the wattage. I'd say there's a 99.9% chance that the computer wouldn't think the bulb is blown. Although the resistance of the HID ballasts would be different from just a bulb, even if you had a problem the worst that would happen is you get the little indicator light telling you a bulb is out and even then you could bypass this by using a simple resistor from radio shack.
Also, I don't believe that self-leveling is required in the states... only in Europe. My motorcycle has a non-self-leveling xenon headlight which is DOT legal.
the computer senses a burnt filament by the resistance of the curcuit, not the wattage. I'd say there's a 99.9% chance that the computer wouldn't think the bulb is blown. Although the resistance of the HID ballasts would be different from just a bulb, even if you had a problem the worst that would happen is you get the little indicator light telling you a bulb is out and even then you could bypass this by using a simple resistor from radio shack.
Also, I don't believe that self-leveling is required in the states... only in Europe. My motorcycle has a non-self-leveling xenon headlight which is DOT legal.
Re: resistor from Radio Shack - BAD IDEA. Typically, an HID system wattage is in the 30-50 watts range, whereas stock H7 rates at 55W. If you want to install a parallel bypass resistor, it MUST be capable of dissipating a whooping 10-20W (of heat)! Have you ever seen resistors of this wattage? All this heat would stay UNDER the hood, too!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,498
Likes: 3
From: Ashburn, VA
'19 GLC 300, '19 TM3SR+
Originally posted by Vince
My cousin and I got pulled over in London for driving with the fog lights on in his SLK, but that was London.
My cousin and I got pulled over in London for driving with the fog lights on in his SLK, but that was London.
Here in No. VA they use fog lights all the time, especially SUVs (hate them!)... Not a single case I'm aware of...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,498
Likes: 3
From: Ashburn, VA
'19 GLC 300, '19 TM3SR+
Originally posted by Vince
My cousin and I got pulled over in London for driving with the fog lights on in his SLK, but that was London.
My cousin and I got pulled over in London for driving with the fog lights on in his SLK, but that was London.
