HIDs or Halogens?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Florida
2005 C230K SS, 6sp
I know that HIDs cast light in a spectrum closer to what the eye can see best. But HIDs also tend to have an abrupt cut off to prevent the glare to oncoming drivers. Rental cars I've driven with HIDs have very poor lighting characteristics compared to most cars I've driven with halogens. But I haven't experienced HIDs in the C230K (none of the cars at the local dealers have the lighting package) and was curious if they cast better light compared to their halogen counterparts and if they are worth the cost.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,498
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From: Ashburn, VA
'19 GLC 300, '19 TM3SR+
Sharp cut-off is not a bad thing, as more light gets on the goad instead of in the eyes of the oncoming cars' drivers.
I can't make any comment on the stock MB HID lights, as I use a conversion system, but one thing I do know for sure - I will never have a car without HID lights.
Properly aimed, they just can't be inferior to halogens. They can be perceived this way, though, as a human eye adapts to lighting conditions very easily, possibly sending you a wrong signal about ambient luminosity. There have been many discussions on this subject in this forum, I don't want to reopen this can of worms.
I can't make any comment on the stock MB HID lights, as I use a conversion system, but one thing I do know for sure - I will never have a car without HID lights.
Properly aimed, they just can't be inferior to halogens. They can be perceived this way, though, as a human eye adapts to lighting conditions very easily, possibly sending you a wrong signal about ambient luminosity. There have been many discussions on this subject in this forum, I don't want to reopen this can of worms.
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Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 7,737
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From: San Diego, Ca
2003 Citron Green C230KMT
i have the BIX and i love them. not only do they provide a hell of a lot more light than halogens, but they look sooo much better as well. the $750 (atleast thats how much it cost as an 03 option) it is well worth the money. you get bi-xenons, headlight washers and auto leveling. a great deal!
Last edited by CitronC230K_03; Jun 6, 2004 at 10:53 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 7,737
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From: San Diego, Ca
2003 Citron Green C230KMT
Originally posted by HITMAN
bi xenon with automatic turning and leveling are the best
bi xenon with automatic turning and leveling are the best
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,200
Likes: 1
From: TX. 78738
c230 kompressor
Originally posted by CitronC230K_03
damn them. eventually it will work it way down the line, i hope. like distronic, parktronic and aero wipers. slowly but surely.
damn them. eventually it will work it way down the line, i hope. like distronic, parktronic and aero wipers. slowly but surely.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 7,737
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From: San Diego, Ca
2003 Citron Green C230KMT
Originally posted by HITMAN
but what are they????? IM curious now i have never heard of them
but what are they????? IM curious now i have never heard of them
i dunno whats better about them, if they wipe better or what. i like the way they look. doesnt rain enough in so cal for me to really know how well they work or whats better about them. plus i just had them put on last week.
if your talking about the cornering headlights, they basically turn up to 15 degrees or something like that in the direction you turn your steering wheel.
Last edited by CitronC230K_03; Jun 7, 2004 at 12:00 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 7,737
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From: San Diego, Ca
2003 Citron Green C230KMT
yeah the blades themselves are like a thick piece of rubber with a stong support which then clips to the arm. as for usi9ng them, i havent used them yet. im not sure. i dont know if they wipe any better or what. i like the look. they worked their way down the mercedes line and my brother has a GTI and bought the aero wipers which are on the R32 for his GTI.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 12,744
Likes: 3
From: Houston Texas
Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland
Originally posted by Jkw
It's been raining for weeks here in the North East, the new wipers seem to work well enough, but some times they squeak on the return swipe, I don't know why.
Jkw
It's been raining for weeks here in the North East, the new wipers seem to work well enough, but some times they squeak on the return swipe, I don't know why.
Jkw
