CLK-Class (W209) 2003 on: CLK 270 CDI, CLK 200K, CLK 200 CGI, CLK 240, CLK 320, CLK 350, CLK 500, CLK 550 [Coupes & Cabriolets]

Halogen to Xenon

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Old Apr 20, 2013 | 08:23 PM
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CLK W209
Halogen to Xenon

Hey guys, just joined here and need some advice.

I have got a 2004 54 facelift CLK W209 with halogen lights. I want to change these to xenon (both sidelights and full beam), but properly and not just simply with a conversion kit as i think conversion kits dont look as nice.

To change the to xenon by replacing the headlight, can i simply just buy xenon headlights online and 'plug & play' or does it require other items and new wireing?

In addition, whats the best way to change my bumper lights to xenon too.
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Old Apr 20, 2013 | 10:27 PM
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OEM HID's are plug and play, but you will need to have the vehicle re-coded to make them work properly - otherwise they will flicker and you will get bulb errors. Also, you won't get auto-leveling or curve illumination (i.e. steering headlights). Another option is to buy aftermarket headlight s9Not just bulb kits). They usually come with ballasts that have "cancellers" built-in so no coding is needed.
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Old Apr 21, 2013 | 10:24 AM
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CLK W209
Originally Posted by Rudeney
OEM HID's are plug and play, but you will need to have the vehicle re-coded to make them work properly - otherwise they will flicker and you will get bulb errors. Also, you won't get auto-leveling or curve illumination (i.e. steering headlights). Another option is to buy aftermarket headlight s9Not just bulb kits). They usually come with ballasts that have "cancellers" built-in so no coding is needed.
Thanks for you reply.

By re-code, do that involve resetting using a proper diagnostics kit, or is it something only MB can do? How much does it cost.

If i buy OEM HID's off ebay and fit them myself, why wont i get auto-leveling or curve illumination?

Where can you point me to to get decent quality aftermarkets - im not usually a fan of aftermarket parts and they always play up after a while so ideally would rather get MB Parts.

Which method do you recommend as the best?
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Old Apr 21, 2013 | 12:19 PM
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Re-coding must be done using the proper MBZ tool - Star Diagnosis which officially only dealers have, but some indy shops (and some individuals) have "cloned" copies. The reason you won't get leveling and curve illumination is that the wiring is not there when the vehicle was built with factory halogens. It's possible to add it, but very expensive and difficult.

I have no direct experiences with aftermarket headlights, but I know other on the forum have. An eBay seller "fishcake" has quad-projectors with HID bulbs and cancellers installed. Search and ask the guys who have them how they like them.
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Old Apr 23, 2013 | 05:04 PM
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CLK W209
I cant find him, can you please link me his ebay page
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Old Apr 23, 2013 | 10:20 PM
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Here you go:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/03-09-MERCEDES-W209-CLK-COUPE-CABRIO-QUAD-PROJECTOR-CHROME-XENON-HID-HEADLIGHT-/121099618343?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item1c32198827&vxp=mtr
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Old Apr 24, 2013 | 12:37 AM
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2015 E400 CAB, 2010 Jeep Compass, 2009 E350 Sedan
I have the same ones as Rodney is talking about in they are a great addtion to the car no proplems at all with them. Personal I think they look better tham the OEM HIDs.
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Old Apr 24, 2013 | 06:32 AM
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CLK W209
Thanks guys!
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Old Apr 24, 2013 | 10:06 PM
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Has anyone who installed the quad-projectors from fishcake done HID on the high beams? I'd like to upgrade, but I don't want halogen high-beams, so I've actually been also looking at OEM bi-xenons.
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Old Apr 29, 2013 | 07:56 AM
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i have those quad projectors BRAND NEW, might be letting it go. i took the liberty to upgrading the DRL and turn signal to LED bulbs. pm me if you are interested.
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Old May 31, 2026 | 11:03 AM
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W209
Hello guys , hope you're doing , im an owner of a pre-facelift clk w209(2005) and im doing the same thing , i bought two bi-xenon headlights and i want to install them
my car has the halogen headlights with one plug(5 pin) and the one i bought has 3 plugs(6pins,5pins and 4pins)
not sure where to my plug my original harness plug
any idea please that can help me , thank you
Ps: i know that i have to set the xenon=present setting
My original plug
My original plug

New xenon headlights
New xenon headlights

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