jho012345

Hi all,

I did a xenon retrofit on my '03 CLK500. The headlights supposedly came off of a '08 CLK550 (so they are the new style headlights) and all was well with the installation and I just plugged in the only one harness I had into the hole that fit on the headlight. I took the car to an independent shop & they couldn't get the headlights to turn on no matter what module they activated through the STAR system. The lead mechanic told me that I might need to get a new SAM & re-wire the front lines. Has anyone had this issue where the retrofitted xenon's would not turn on? Any help would be greatly appreciated because I cannot drive at night right now...

dynomite05

I didn't have problem. Just installed them and had the indie shop change it to xenon=present.

Moedy

I did the retrofit with the newer headlights too. I believe the problem was since the newer headlights came with the "active" feature, (headlights that turn when you turn) you need more ground.

try this and let me know what happens.

turn on the headlights and remove a bulb from the headlight housing while it is still plugged in. touch the back to any metal part of the vehicle frame and see if they come on.

dynomite05

All newer headlights come with "active" feature? Mine didn't

jho012345

Thanks Moedy...I've tried giving that a shot, but I dont know if im doing it right because it still doesnt come on. Assuming that it is a gounding issue, how'd you fix it? Thanks so much!

Moedy

touch that big metal box on the back of the bulb to the frame while the lights are switched on. I think its the igniter Im not sure. it should come on. if thats the problem a simple fix would be a ground wire

thegeneraltso

What year does W209 come out with active HIDs?

I have an '05 with regular halogens and want Xenons. Do I just get the OEM Xenon lights and plug them in? or do I have to splice the wirings to make them work? I know I would need to take to someone to have it reprogram.

Also, has anyone retrofit the headlight washers too?

dynomite05

I bought my Xenons from Ebay. I believe there are 2 different sets of Xenons for W209's, facelift and pre-facelift. No need to splice anything, just take the bumper off, install the lights, and get it reprogrammed.

Klinh

Xenon headlight are an optionnot standard equipment. For the Clk, active HID and foglight too, started with 2006 model. The active foglights (I think) are only with sport foglights (round style). Both of these features are a joke in mine opinions. I has these options and don't really see the benifits.

dariusf

wait, you had to remove the bumper to install the headlight? I have a pair of the Xenons here as well waiting to get installed hopefully soon.

dynomite05

I didn't install them, but I believe you have to remove the bumper.

csxian

Mind if I ask how much you paid for the bi-xenon headlight? Are they brand new?

dynomite05

I found mine used off a 06 CLK for $900 on eBay.

dariusf

got my used from ebay for $580, very good condition but one of the tabs was cracked so will need to fix that with some epoxy weld.

dariusf

Interesting, will need to get the WIS instructions for the install. Already have one for the bumper removal.

Anyway still need to get the PSS9 installed first. Still waiting for the missing parts from Bilstein. They had some parts back-ordered The lights will go in after that.

dynomite05

I'll see if I could get you light instructions.

dariusf

thanks for the offer but not needed. I will have my Mercedes mechanic do it on some weekend.

dynomite05

NP