NsXTaCY168

Is it simple to swap stock halogens for bi-xenon headlights? I'm thinking of upgrading. Any comments? Thank you.

dynomite05

You install them and take the car to get programmed to read the xenons. You might have to run a ground wire. That's pretty much it.

mikata

I'm doing this upgrade in a month or two. You can wait for my thread if you're not in a hurry to upgrade.

NsXTaCY168

Cool, I'll wait. Where did you buy the bi xenon lights and how much you paid for them? Thanks.

mikata

From ebay. There's new and used ones there. Since I'm from Europe I try to buy parts from here so I don't have to pay tax but the parts here are twice the price than US. The Bi Xenon headlights here cost around $2000. I found a used but almost new pair for around $1000.
You guys are lucky the parts are so cheap there

NsXTaCY168

Its not cheap here, I got a quote for $2500 for a new pair of bi xenons......labor not included.

mikata

Check parts.com I think they go for $1000 there.

mrtremere

From Parts.com
$690 per light.

http://www.parts.com/oemcatalog/inde...el=CLK%20Class
Electrical, Chassis electrical, Headlamps, Composite assy, Composite assy, clk320, clk500, clk55, w/xenon, right
Dealer Price Core Price Savings Final Price $1,150.00 N/A $460.00 $690.00

NsXTaCY168

It says fits 03-06, will it will mine which is an 2009? I hope it does, will save me a bunch of money. Thanks.

mrtremere

Call them. (800) 676-2909 Number is right on their page.
These are OEM parts.

NsXTaCY168

07-09 is a different model #, but they have it in stock. Thanks guys, appreciate the feedback. This newbie owes u.

dynomite05

They will fit.

NsXTaCY168

Are there two different types of stock xenon lights? I heard one turns when you go left/right corners and one don't. Bi-Xenon, does that mean the high beams are xenon too?

I can't stand halogens...

dynomite05

There's pre-facelift (03-05) and facelift (06-09). To activate any features the xenons come with you would also need to install a worrying harness and control unit. Much more work involved.

The high beams are halogen bulbs on the inside section of the housing.

NsXTaCY168

I thought it was just take off the bumper, remove OEM halogen headlights, plug in and install the OEM bi-xenon headlights, and activate the xenon-ready function at dealer?

Will I need to buy separate control units, worrying harness, and ignitors for the xenon lights?

I'm thinking of buying those xenon lights this month. Tired of the halogens. How much do you think I can sell the halogens for on ebay?

dynomite05

You forgot about running the ground wire. The harness and control unit are only needed if you want to activate active cornering feature that you mentioned above.

Halogens probably go for $200-$300.

NsXTaCY168

Just got off the phone with parts.com. The guy said I would have to buy separate control units for my 2009 year model.

The xenon light part number:

#2098201961 (Left) = $876.00

#2098202061 (Right) = $876.00

Control unit part number :

#0038205826 = $271.20/each


Total: $2294.40 (not including taxes, shipping/handling)


Anyone can recommend a cheaper place? Are the control units required? I was told older xenon versions had the control units on the assembly, but MB made them separate in case of collisions, it won't damage the control units, thus saving money on replacing them when the headlights shatter.

I told the guy I don't need active cornering, but he said the control units are still necessary to power up the xenon lights.

mikata

One thing I've learned with my amg bumper project is, just pay the price If you want it done Thats what the price for bi xenon headlights cost. Only way to get them cheaper is to find used ones on ebay.

dynomite05

The control units are not needed. I have said it a few times on this thread what is needed to get the xenons to work. It doesn't matter what year xenon it is, as long as it's a 209 xenon, they will work.

I have already done this mod, and walked a few people through it. Speaking from experience.

NsXTaCY168

Are there two different types (part numbers) for xenon lights for the W209?

-One with active cornering which requires control units

-One without active cornering with does not require control units

Also is one model just xenon for the low beam and another model a bi-xenon for both low/high beams?

dynomite05

There are a lot of different part numbers for the xenons. The ones you listed above do have the active cornering.

Regardless of which part number you go with, you don't need a control unit. You could get the lights to work without the control unit, only thing is that the active cornering won't work. If it's an issue, you could purchase the control unit and get everything installed together.

All the 209 xenons are listed as "bi-xenon", but I have yet to come across one that doesn't have the halogen high beam.

dariusf

man you are like a waking w209 encyclopedia. Once I'm done with the audio, I will pull out the xenon's out of the basement and get them installed.

Is removing the bumper required to get them replaced?

raudikal

I am a new MB owner and have been reading in the forums about installing OEM xenon headlights. My 2011 W251 didn't come with the lighting package. I miss having HID xenon lights and am not concerned about auto leveling and cornering. I have been reading in this discussion and others that a ground wire needs to be connected. Does anyone know if a ground wire is needed in a W251 when installing OEM xenon headlamps? Any help is appreciated and thanks again for all the great information.

user 76208202

Honestly, Wes is the best asset of this W209 section. He seems to know everything and has helped ppl over and over. Helped me with my Xenons, Bumper, Floor Mats & Exhaust.

dynomite05

Thanks, just trying to give back. Between moving and a career change, I have barely had time for the boards lately.