chrono1g

Hi everyone,

I have a 2012 c300 with halogen lights. It's simply not bright enough for me when driving through the rural parts of town. I would like to upgrade my lights to HIDs (wanted bi xenon, but to my understanding dealer bi xenon upgrade is not possible). Now, my question is, will I void my warranty if I swap out the halogens for HIDs?

Thanks!

finger360

The HID kits out there that you use for the upgrade are plug and play. Would not void your warranty for sure. Since it is plug and play you could simply remove them if you were nervous before a dealer visit. The only thing you would need is a backup set of the dust covers, maybe $5-$10 total on a parts site. That is because you have to drill a 1" hole through them to run the wires. Hope this helps, and honestly it is worth it.

aMsupp

If I'm not mistaken, the 2012s have reflectors for their halogen setup. HIDs in a reflector is illegal, isn't it? He could retrofit projectors into the housing and have a very clean look with MUCH better light output (theretrofitsource.com).

finger360

Really any aftermarket HID is illegal :/ But yea I did overlook the fact that he would have reflectors. You might try some Sylvania Silverstar Ultra bulbs. They work pretty well but are pricey.

mfkl2

I am currently using Osram Nightbreaker Plus for my low beams and I think it's enough light on the road. I've had to use my high beams near my house but after changing the bulbs, it seems bright enough. I still am considering a HID conversion tho. I've seen another 2012 c class with HID kit and it looked really clean and didn't blind me when he was facing directly at me.
I've noticed that the 2012 reflector housing has an amazing cutoff almost similar to the pre facelift W204. So HIDs shouldn't cause any unnecessary glare for oncoming traffic.

glj12

What about HIDs on an 08 C300? Is the housing incorrect for this? Will it blind drivers? How can I test this prior to install?

chrono1g

I appreciate everyone's response. HIDs are not an option for me I suppose...since the 2012 housing will blind everyone. I don't care about aesthetics as much as I do about safety. I just want brighter bulbs so I can see better at night.

Any recommendations? (Halogen)

I looked into the sylvania, but it seems that it doesn't really improve visibility. Only color. I don't really care if it still looks yellow.

Thanks!

Knightmare69

I used to run Piaa's when upgrading halogen bulbs. Though they did tend to die out every 6 months for some reason. Osram's and Sylvania's are def a good way to go also. Usually not the ones sold at pepboys or Autozone as I think those are the "lowend" of said companies.

GLJ12- Search function and try not to thread jack.

Bosnia1992

Chrono, I have some 4300k bulbs that are pretty dang bright and have the look of hids as they are super white. I can look at the case tomorrow and let you know what brand. I think cost me like 40 for four bulbs and they have been working for 8 months with no issues


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finger360

Not sure where you read that they only change the color. Direct quote from their site:

"Key Features:
The brightest headlight in our product line
Up to 40% increased downroad visibility
Increased peripheral visibility by up to 50%
Up to 50% brighter light"

I know from firsthand experience that they do have higher light output. And also if you read above another guy said he looked at a 2012 with the reflector housing and it did not have any glare. Not sure how you missed that information.

Bosnia1992

Found the link, side note : I wouldn't waste my time on Sylvania products they are worthless. Here it is : http://www.cheapautoparts.com/m/5268...001gnflya.html


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finger360

To each his own

chrono1g

What's the difference between the H1 and H7 osram nightbreaker plus'? And which one is "better" ?

mfkl2

H7 is the size for our cars...I honestly think Nightbreakers or sylvanias are decent. Only problem is the short life span of these "brighter" bulbs. I've already had to swap out my Nightbreakers after about 5 months. And these aren't cheap so I'd really consider HID kits as the 2012 reflector housing does not have a problem with glare.
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...11#post5456511

Knightmare69

Yea, like any higher wattage bulb the lifespan will be shorter, you pay to play sorta thing.

aty

Although I wasn't able to take a photo of the Sylvania Ultra bulbs when I used it for an '01 SLK, as for my experience, the color and light output wasn't that much different from the OEM bulbs. If you are pleased with the Sylvania bulbs, I suggest you try the Philips Crystal Vision ultra the next time you replace your bulbs and see how you will be more pleased with the Philips bulbs. Attached is a photo comparing the OEM (passenger side) and the Philips Crystal Vision Ultra (driver's side). Got it from Amazon at $25 per set.