Xeon vs Standard Lights
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 910
Likes: 0
From: North Scottsdale
06 C 350 2014 GLK350
Xeon vs Standard Lights
I'm considering ordering a new CLK. I previously had a CLK 320 and CLK 430. My 430 had Xeon Lights and frankly I wasn't especially impressed with them. Has anyone had a good opportunity to make a reasonably objective comparison on the two systems on the W209? I know they are impressive to look at but my main concern now is are they worth buying for the light output?
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 581
Likes: 4
From: Dallas
C32 AMG
I believe they are Xenon lights. Xeon is an Intel processor.
I can't tell you about the W209 lights, but I've driven a W208 with the standard lights and I can tell you that my HID (the more correct name) lights are MUCH better.
The main difference is the evenness of illumination and the whiteness of the light. The light spreads out to the sides more, also.
I'm not into the "blue" light look. The MB lights are very white which I think makes "eye sense".
I replaced out the lights in my old '97 993 with factory HIDs and was also very pleased. In fact, that's why I inisted on the option for my C32.
On the other hand, if your CLK 430 had them and you were not impressed, you might not think much of the new ones - I imagine they are quite similar (in general usage) to your old lights.
I can't tell you about the W209 lights, but I've driven a W208 with the standard lights and I can tell you that my HID (the more correct name) lights are MUCH better.
The main difference is the evenness of illumination and the whiteness of the light. The light spreads out to the sides more, also.
I'm not into the "blue" light look. The MB lights are very white which I think makes "eye sense".
I replaced out the lights in my old '97 993 with factory HIDs and was also very pleased. In fact, that's why I inisted on the option for my C32.
On the other hand, if your CLK 430 had them and you were not impressed, you might not think much of the new ones - I imagine they are quite similar (in general usage) to your old lights.
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Ireland
CLK240 (W209)
I would definitly recommend the Xenon lights with the new clk. I agree from an appearance viewpoint that they are much better, but at night the quality of illumination is just great. On a country road, on high beam the whole road ahead lights up in a wide arc. I had Xenon lights on my w208 and the ones on the w209 model are a significant improvement.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 345
Likes: 0
From: United States
2002M3
Originally posted by vodc4
hi....
get the Bi-xenons........the xenon makes ur car looks much2 better in a clk.......thats y i get bi-xenon....
car with Bi-xenon :
hi....
get the Bi-xenons........the xenon makes ur car looks much2 better in a clk.......thats y i get bi-xenon....
car with Bi-xenon :
I LIKE!!! Something special about this one
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 4,439
Likes: 1
I think the Bi-xenons on W209 are the brightest of all the MBs. Everytime I see one on the street, you cant look directly at them. They are definitely whiter and brighter than the Bi-xenons on the W203 and the W211.
You should definitely get the bi-xenons, it makes a whole lot of difference.
You should definitely get the bi-xenons, it makes a whole lot of difference.
Trending Topics
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
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
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 82
Likes: 1
From: Sevierville, TN
2000 CLK320 Cabrio 2020 E 450 Wagon '92 VW
The Swiss recently did a safety-related comparison study of xenon and halogen lights. The results were published on CNN.com a few months ago. Bottom line – neither is superior in all ways to the other. Each has its advantage. The xenons are better for peripheral illumination (side to side) and, hence, are excellent for driving on narrow winding roads. The halogens are better for casting a straight beam of illumination some distance down the pike. As a result, the halogens have the edge for nighttime driving on freeways and interstate highways.
Member
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 241
Likes: 0
Originally posted by Harris
I think the Bi-xenons on W209 are the brightest of all the MBs. Everytime I see one on the street, you cant look directly at them. They are definitely whiter and brighter than the Bi-xenons on the W203 and the W211.
You should definitely get the bi-xenons, it makes a whole lot of difference.
I think the Bi-xenons on W209 are the brightest of all the MBs. Everytime I see one on the street, you cant look directly at them. They are definitely whiter and brighter than the Bi-xenons on the W203 and the W211.
You should definitely get the bi-xenons, it makes a whole lot of difference.
MBworld Guru
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 22,058
Likes: 18
From: Diamond Bar, CA
W206 PHEV AMG
the xenon on the S-class is definitely brighter than anyother MB lineup. It's probably because of the reflecting/projecting angle from the headlight.
I think that the xenon's advantage is not because it's brighter, but because it uses less energy to creat light and it will last longer than halogen bulb. I say this because those PIAA superwhite works pretty much the same as the xenon on my car with the exception that on his car the beam pattern is narrower (cause by the newly upgraded angel headlight with projection lense).
I think that the xenon's advantage is not because it's brighter, but because it uses less energy to creat light and it will last longer than halogen bulb. I say this because those PIAA superwhite works pretty much the same as the xenon on my car with the exception that on his car the beam pattern is narrower (cause by the newly upgraded angel headlight with projection lense).
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 345
Likes: 0
From: United States
2002M3
Originally posted by 500AMG
Hey vivian! Long time no see! You need to spend more time with us on the board and not driving. LOL
Hey vivian! Long time no see! You need to spend more time with us on the board and not driving. LOL
I have been busy looking for a winter home in Hong Kong; I sold my 360 for it.
Last edited by vivianlove; Feb 7, 2003 at 02:59 PM.
