DEPO Headlights Thread - everything you ever wanted to know about DEPO
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: MA
E90 M3
I didn't buy HIDs to show off the ballasts to people (when I open the hood).
The only reason that I can think of to why people keep on buying the expensive carlab or mtec xenons is because of a mob mentality (that is pretty strong on this forum). Call me crazy, but if I can put xenons in my car for $109 that work perfectly, why would you ever spend $300+?
The only reason that I can think of to why people keep on buying the expensive carlab or mtec xenons is because of a mob mentality (that is pretty strong on this forum). Call me crazy, but if I can put xenons in my car for $109 that work perfectly, why would you ever spend $300+?
and im sure those more expensive kits do have some performance advantages
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From: West Los Angeles
Midnight Blue 2004.5 C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan. 2002 w210 E320, 2009 w211 E350 Sport
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From: San Diego, CA & San Jose, Costa Rica & Stuttgart, Germany
1959 220S / 1979 230 G / 2002 A210 AMG / 2003 C320 SC / 2004.5 C320 SS / 2005 ML350 SE / 2008 smart
is that mob of people wondering why there's white smoke coming out of someone's headlights ????
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 7,424
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From: New York City
C55 ///AMG, 535xi
Carlos,
Im using K1 HID kit, which is $250, something similar to Carlab's old V2 kit. They work great, never had a problem.
I'm still undergoing the set of cheap HIDs that I have gotten for my fogs.
So far, they are great. its hot, but does not over heat. and besides. I have resistors, so they should be burning hell hott. But they seem fine. Its officially one week since I have slapped it in. never over heated. or burned anything or gave out any burning smell.
anyways.
SOMETIMES the more expensive kits are seriously HIGH QUALITY, slim ballast, high quality wires/bulbs. such as MECCA TUNE or McCullogh. they are up there.
but as for HID/xenon technology, its simple, anything can do.
its like buying a car., Why would u buy a benz if you can buy a Hyundai Accent for 1/2 the price? if you answer quality, apply that concept to the HID kits as well.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 3,840
Likes: 1
From: MA
E90 M3
hahah
Carlos,
Im using K1 HID kit, which is $250, something similar to Carlab's old V2 kit. They work great, never had a problem.
I'm still undergoing the set of cheap HIDs that I have gotten for my fogs.
So far, they are great. its hot, but does not over heat. and besides. I have resistors, so they should be burning hell hott. But they seem fine. Its officially one week since I have slapped it in. never over heated. or burned anything or gave out any burning smell.
anyways.
SOMETIMES the more expensive kits are seriously HIGH QUALITY, slim ballast, high quality wires/bulbs. such as MECCA TUNE or McCullogh. they are up there.
but as for HID/xenon technology, its simple, anything can do.
its like buying a car., Why would u buy a benz if you can buy a Hyundai Accent for 1/2 the price? if you answer quality, apply that concept to the HID kits as well.
Carlos,
Im using K1 HID kit, which is $250, something similar to Carlab's old V2 kit. They work great, never had a problem.
I'm still undergoing the set of cheap HIDs that I have gotten for my fogs.
So far, they are great. its hot, but does not over heat. and besides. I have resistors, so they should be burning hell hott. But they seem fine. Its officially one week since I have slapped it in. never over heated. or burned anything or gave out any burning smell.
anyways.
SOMETIMES the more expensive kits are seriously HIGH QUALITY, slim ballast, high quality wires/bulbs. such as MECCA TUNE or McCullogh. they are up there.
but as for HID/xenon technology, its simple, anything can do.
its like buying a car., Why would u buy a benz if you can buy a Hyundai Accent for 1/2 the price? if you answer quality, apply that concept to the HID kits as well.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 258
Likes: 1
From: socal
I received my relay kit from these guys.
If you decide to buy these inexpensive lights, you should inquire about a relay kit. It'll cost a couple extra bucks, but save you a bunch later.
I'll let you know how the install goes. Not sure if I'll need resistors for the lights now. My local shop guy wouldn't set to Xenon present, with all the errors i had last time. Didn't want to be in the middle of the mess I'd created, or rather the lights had created.
Now perhaps that everything is cleared, and stayed that way, perhaps he'll do it for me, if indeed I need resistors.
Shedding 35 watts is better than 55.
If you decide to buy these inexpensive lights, you should inquire about a relay kit. It'll cost a couple extra bucks, but save you a bunch later.
I'll let you know how the install goes. Not sure if I'll need resistors for the lights now. My local shop guy wouldn't set to Xenon present, with all the errors i had last time. Didn't want to be in the middle of the mess I'd created, or rather the lights had created.
Now perhaps that everything is cleared, and stayed that way, perhaps he'll do it for me, if indeed I need resistors.
Shedding 35 watts is better than 55.
This is the same kit I bought as well. I was charge $20 for a restocking fee because the application chart they provided gave me the wrong bulb. I think that was a little
but you get what you pay for. I asked for a relay kit and have not even got a response from them. I also ask for some troubleshooting help with one of my lights that has a flick every once in a while... still no answer. I thought the relay was part of the purchase price if you asked for it. Do you have a picture of the relay? Is it the standard bosch relay or is it something a little more special?
thanks
When my wife drives the car (E 211 series) we got the check bulb message. Her key is setup so the headlights are constantly on. I shut that off and put a capacitor in parallel to the ballast to clean things up. No problems in the last three to four weeks other than the single flick I get from that one foglight. I think it is a ballast or bulb problem with that.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 258
Likes: 1
From: socal
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 7,424
Likes: 3
From: New York City
C55 ///AMG, 535xi
Almost a Member!
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: TO, CA
'03 C230 SS
hahah
Carlos,
Im using K1 HID kit, which is $250, something similar to Carlab's old V2 kit. They work great, never had a problem.
I'm still undergoing the set of cheap HIDs that I have gotten for my fogs.
So far, they are great. its hot, but does not over heat. and besides. I have resistors, so they should be burning hell hott. But they seem fine. Its officially one week since I have slapped it in. never over heated. or burned anything or gave out any burning smell.
anyways.
SOMETIMES the more expensive kits are seriously HIGH QUALITY, slim ballast, high quality wires/bulbs. such as MECCA TUNE or McCullogh. they are up there.
but as for HID/xenon technology, its simple, anything can do.
its like buying a car., Why would u buy a benz if you can buy a Hyundai Accent for 1/2 the price? if you answer quality, apply that concept to the HID kits as well.
Carlos,
Im using K1 HID kit, which is $250, something similar to Carlab's old V2 kit. They work great, never had a problem.
I'm still undergoing the set of cheap HIDs that I have gotten for my fogs.
So far, they are great. its hot, but does not over heat. and besides. I have resistors, so they should be burning hell hott. But they seem fine. Its officially one week since I have slapped it in. never over heated. or burned anything or gave out any burning smell.
anyways.
SOMETIMES the more expensive kits are seriously HIGH QUALITY, slim ballast, high quality wires/bulbs. such as MECCA TUNE or McCullogh. they are up there.
but as for HID/xenon technology, its simple, anything can do.
its like buying a car., Why would u buy a benz if you can buy a Hyundai Accent for 1/2 the price? if you answer quality, apply that concept to the HID kits as well.
I feel like Mercedes has gone done in quality over the past 30 years. I bought my benz because of the mpg and class.
How can you compare after market HID kits to car manufacturers? I don't see any sort of correlation.
Almost a Member!
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: TO, CA
'03 C230 SS
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 522
Likes: 0
From: Irvine/West Covina, CA
2007 C350 SS
I just got my 6000k HID kit for my fogs (the same V3 kit that Carlabs sell) and matching D2S bulbs in the mail today. As somepeople said before, Carlabs has some good quality stuff and only quality stuff deserves to be on my benz. I can't wait to install these 
and damn... these ballasts are tiny 
and damn... these ballasts are tiny 
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,313
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A box on 4 wheels
I didn't buy HIDs to show off the ballasts to people (when I open the hood).
The only reason that I can think of to why people keep on buying the expensive carlab or mtec xenons is because of a mob mentality (that is pretty strong on this forum). Call me crazy, but if I can put xenons in my car for $109 that work perfectly, why would you ever spend $300+?
The only reason that I can think of to why people keep on buying the expensive carlab or mtec xenons is because of a mob mentality (that is pretty strong on this forum). Call me crazy, but if I can put xenons in my car for $109 that work perfectly, why would you ever spend $300+?
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
2005 C230 Kompressor Sedan
Depos SUCK!
I've had a horrible experience trying to update my headlights and I went through 2 depo sets and they suck. Cosmetically they look appealing but the quality of the light displacement sucks... even with my 8000k HID aftermarket kit. I return the Depos and installed my old headlights back in and was happy! I wish I could find a good quality bi-xneon headlight set like DEPO except have a different fluted lens like HELLA?
****ty Depo Display
My orginal headlights! I never thought that I would miss them so much!
Light display with my 8000k HID headlights and fog lights (orginal headlight assembly)!!!
****ty Depo Display
My orginal headlights! I never thought that I would miss them so much!
Light display with my 8000k HID headlights and fog lights (orginal headlight assembly)!!!
Last edited by CLP2005C230; Apr 7, 2007 at 03:49 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 7,424
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From: New York City
C55 ///AMG, 535xi
but again, dont expect HIDs to last long!!! lol they dont.
even bi-x as well, Within nearly 2 years the W163's bix burned out twice.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 3,840
Likes: 1
From: MA
E90 M3
everyone is spazzing about how good oem bi-xenons are, but a lot of cars have bi-xenons on the street...i want to end up with a 8000k hid kit so it stands out more with its slightly blue light output
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,263
Likes: 169
From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
I also ask for some troubleshooting help with one of my lights that has a flick every once in a while... still no answer. I thought the relay was part of the purchase price if you asked for it.
Do you have a picture of the relay? Is it the standard bosch relay or is it something a little more special?
thanks
Do you have a picture of the relay? Is it the standard bosch relay or is it something a little more special?
thanks
But apparently they do have them.
They should get back to you, it just takes a while, a couple days maybe.
They have supported me, but no phone contact so slow process.
They sent me one gratis because of the serious issues I had..
I didn't rip into them about it, just asked if perhaps a relay kit would solve the problem and they sent it.
Otherwise, I think that would be extra.
It's a special harness specific to these lights.
The included harness has a capacitor to fool the computer no Xenon setting, but is not a relay. The relay connects to the battery directly to supply power to the ballasts and lights.
I may need to use resistors though...
I'll get a pic when I do the install...maybe look at it today, just long enough to see if I get an error on the bulbs since the power won't be getting drawn though the lighting circuit.
That'll be a whole other project if it does.
55 watt resistors are gonna get VERY hot, so I'd be hoping to get
Rick over here to set to Xenon, then only need to burn off 35 watts.
I can't help but laugh at all you fools, drooling at the prospect of
$100 Xenon's.
When I first brought it up, I was told, don't do it.
Now, the herd rushes in.
For 350 you can Philips ballasts and bulbs, no chinese crap.
http://www.xenondepot.com/category.php?category_id=1
Hmmm...they raised their prices while the cheap **** gets cheaper...
hmmmmm......
400-500 now.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 258
Likes: 1
From: socal
on tha advertisement I bought from it says this...
NOTE : upon payment, please notify us your car's year, make and model. A special digital wire harness is needed for certain higher end types of car to by-pass the computer error message.
(no additional cost)
Specially Dodge, Chrysler, Mercedes-Benz, Jeep will definitely need special digital wire harness to function properly.
(no additional cost)
Specially Dodge, Chrysler, Mercedes-Benz, Jeep will definitely need special digital wire harness to function properly.
To which I did and still got the standard harness.
I'd be happy if they just replace my bad ballast unit or bulb at this point.
Good luck with your lights
Almost a Member!
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: TO, CA
'03 C230 SS
on tha advertisement I bought from it says this...
To which I did and still got the standard harness.
Well its been 4-5 weeks now and no response. I really like to see the harness they sent you even though I found a way to get around using a resistor. I even sent a video of the problem to them.
I'd be happy if they just replace my bad ballast unit or bulb at this point.
Good luck with your lights
NOTE : upon payment, please notify us your car's year, make and model. A special digital wire harness is needed for certain higher end types of car to by-pass the computer error message.
(no additional cost)
Specially Dodge, Chrysler, Mercedes-Benz, Jeep will definitely need special digital wire harness to function properly.
(no additional cost)
Specially Dodge, Chrysler, Mercedes-Benz, Jeep will definitely need special digital wire harness to function properly.
To which I did and still got the standard harness.
Well its been 4-5 weeks now and no response. I really like to see the harness they sent you even though I found a way to get around using a resistor. I even sent a video of the problem to them.
I'd be happy if they just replace my bad ballast unit or bulb at this point.
Good luck with your lights
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,939
Likes: 178
From: Seattle WA
99 E320
actually, that photo is very similar to the Depo beam pattern I experienced first
hand with W210 unit. sure, the beam may be a bit low, but the aggrevating
thing is that there is no excuse for a projector so poorly designed with the
hot spots, the lack of coverage, the segmented and broken portions of light.
when Zam2000 replaced the glass projector lens with a 3" Hella, the beam
improved quite a bit. still the projector bowl is ill conceived in design and
falls flat on it's face as well. overall the Depo projector lens just doesn't
measure up. the manuf just did not spend the $ with R&D into the heart of
the lighting system.
hand with W210 unit. sure, the beam may be a bit low, but the aggrevating
thing is that there is no excuse for a projector so poorly designed with the
hot spots, the lack of coverage, the segmented and broken portions of light.
when Zam2000 replaced the glass projector lens with a 3" Hella, the beam
improved quite a bit. still the projector bowl is ill conceived in design and
falls flat on it's face as well. overall the Depo projector lens just doesn't
measure up. the manuf just did not spend the $ with R&D into the heart of
the lighting system.
