View Poll Results: Which is brighter?
OEM Xenon inside OEM Xenon Headlight
22
75.86%
Aftemarket Xenon inside OEM Halogen Headlight
7
24.14%
Voters: 29. You may not vote on this poll
OEM Xenon vs. Aftermarket Xenon
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jul 2002
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From: So Cal
W213 '17 E43 ///AMG - W211, W208 no more
OEM Xenon vs. Aftermarket Xenon
OK... have a question that hopefully you guys/gals can help me with.
In comparison between the OEM Xenon vs. Aftermarket Xenon, which is brighter. But, here is the tricky part.
Lets ASSUME the lights are equal:
Ballast & Ignitors & Starters are all same specs
Bulbs are all 5000K brightness
Which is brighter:
A.) OEM Xenon inside OEM Xenon Headlight Assembly
-OR-
B.) Aftermarket Xenon installed inside OEM Halogen Headlight Assembly
The headlight assemblies are of course different between OEM Halogen vs. Xenon version. OEM Xenon headlights have a large piece of metal inside to block and properly reflect the light as to not blind oncoming traffic. OEM Halogen headlights have a very small piece of metal.
What do you all think?
In comparison between the OEM Xenon vs. Aftermarket Xenon, which is brighter. But, here is the tricky part.
Lets ASSUME the lights are equal:
Ballast & Ignitors & Starters are all same specs
Bulbs are all 5000K brightness
Which is brighter:
A.) OEM Xenon inside OEM Xenon Headlight Assembly
-OR-
B.) Aftermarket Xenon installed inside OEM Halogen Headlight Assembly
The headlight assemblies are of course different between OEM Halogen vs. Xenon version. OEM Xenon headlights have a large piece of metal inside to block and properly reflect the light as to not blind oncoming traffic. OEM Halogen headlights have a very small piece of metal.
What do you all think?
Last edited by mmgrad; Dec 5, 2002 at 02:35 PM.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jul 2002
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From: So Cal
W213 '17 E43 ///AMG - W211, W208 no more
what if.....???
What if I remove the metal piece inside the stock Xenon assembly?
Would that make it a lot brighter?
And would that make it illegal (blinding oncoming traffic, etc...)?
Would that make it a lot brighter?
And would that make it illegal (blinding oncoming traffic, etc...)?
Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 129
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From: Boston, MA
2001 CLK
mmgrad, sorry these arent answers you seek, but since we're on the topic........how come the OEM xenons turn on with a bluish tint then gradually turn white? Does this have anything to do with the metal piece mmgrad is talking about? I like the blue tint which is similar to ones you see on BMW and Acura.
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Originally posted by 911Jose
mmgrad, sorry these arent answers you seek, but since we're on the topic........how come the OEM xenons turn on with a bluish tint then gradually turn white? Does this have anything to do with the metal piece mmgrad is talking about? I like the blue tint which is similar to ones you see on BMW and Acura.
mmgrad, sorry these arent answers you seek, but since we're on the topic........how come the OEM xenons turn on with a bluish tint then gradually turn white? Does this have anything to do with the metal piece mmgrad is talking about? I like the blue tint which is similar to ones you see on BMW and Acura.
-Bruce
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The color will change when you change your Lumen output of the bulb/bulb temperature. The 5000K output should cast a simiar color output no matter what bulb you go with. The intesity of the bulb may change with the wattage of the bulbs. Assuming your ballast only puts out so many watts, you are limited to your lamp intensity.
I believe the metal piece you are talking about is the reflector. You do not want to take this out since it is what directs the beam pattern. If you remove the reflector in projector lamps, the beam pattern will not have a beam pattern and the light will just be blinding from all angles.
I believe the metal piece you are talking about is the reflector. You do not want to take this out since it is what directs the beam pattern. If you remove the reflector in projector lamps, the beam pattern will not have a beam pattern and the light will just be blinding from all angles.
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From: NYC/NJ.
W209 - W163
OEM Xenons are typically brighter than any aftermarket kit, however the aftermarket HID kits require a higher grade ballast, because the aftermarkets need more juice to operate. Aftermarket HID's are used mainly because of the color they project, all or most OEM HID kits operate at 4300k. The aftermarkets look nice but are not as bright as OEM Xenons, however people say my 8000k's are blinding when I am behind them.
Thread Starter
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From: So Cal
W213 '17 E43 ///AMG - W211, W208 no more
wow... this thread was ressurected like 1 year after it was started... 
anyhow, here's my input on my thread...
OEM headlights are best... if you want diff color, then change the bulbs. just don't go past 6000k bulbs. the factory 4300 bulbs are cleaner than halogens, but, nowhere as nice as the 6000K
after that, they start producing lots of glare. 4300-6000K has the cleanest cut-off in terms of beam pattern... and a proper headlight housing helps create that proper beam also
anyhow, here's my input on my thread...
OEM headlights are best... if you want diff color, then change the bulbs. just don't go past 6000k bulbs. the factory 4300 bulbs are cleaner than halogens, but, nowhere as nice as the 6000K
after that, they start producing lots of glare. 4300-6000K has the cleanest cut-off in terms of beam pattern... and a proper headlight housing helps create that proper beam also
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Retro Fit Xenon W210
I was reading this thread on the xenon lights and it is clear there are some expert out there and I need help. I just bought a set of factory Xenon headlights complete from a local auto wrecker. They appear to be in good condition and are from a 1998 E320. I want to fit them into my 97 E320, which has halogen factory lights. I noticed a couple of things different when I got them home. 1) There is an extra connector on the xenon housing which seems to attach to a motor inside the housing. I assume this is for leveling...but my originals had a sight glass with a level and not the motor: QUESTION...do I need to connect the adjusting motor and if so do I need a different light switch with a special control to activate the motor? 2) Can I just plug and play the original wiring harness into the Xenon light or do I need to replace the harness? 3) Once the lights are in do I need to go to the dealer to reset the computer? Thanks for your help...it is very much appreciated.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 5,289
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From: So Cal
W213 '17 E43 ///AMG - W211, W208 no more
Originally Posted by Brian McL
I was reading this thread on the xenon lights and it is clear there are some expert out there and I need help. I just bought a set of factory Xenon headlights complete from a local auto wrecker. They appear to be in good condition and are from a 1998 E320. I want to fit them into my 97 E320, which has halogen factory lights. I noticed a couple of things different when I got them home. 1) There is an extra connector on the xenon housing which seems to attach to a motor inside the housing. I assume this is for leveling...but my originals had a sight glass with a level and not the motor: QUESTION...do I need to connect the adjusting motor and if so do I need a different light switch with a special control to activate the motor? 2) Can I just plug and play the original wiring harness into the Xenon light or do I need to replace the harness? 3) Once the lights are in do I need to go to the dealer to reset the computer? Thanks for your help...it is very much appreciated.
2.) plug 'n play is all it is... the harness plug should be the same
3.) if its a factory headlight unit, you should need anything reprogrammed from the factory.
