Replacing headlight bulbs. Xenon/HID Kits?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
CLS 500
Replacing headlight bulbs. Xenon/HID Kits?
Hello All,
I have a 2006 CLS500 and the headlights don't have the clear white look that you see in other CLS models, like the 550 or AMG models. The headlights are ok, but seem to have a slight yellowish tint to them like standard headlights.
Can I simply swap out the bulbs with brighter ones or ones that seem more crystal clear. And, what is the difference between HID kits and simply doing a bulb swap? Are Xenon's in themselves’ simply the brighter looking headlights that have the crystal white look? Are there HIDs in the 2006 CLS?
Excuse the novice questions, but I have seen a lot of posts regarding HID, HID kits and Xenon and mixed interpretations.
I have a 2006 CLS500 and the headlights don't have the clear white look that you see in other CLS models, like the 550 or AMG models. The headlights are ok, but seem to have a slight yellowish tint to them like standard headlights.
Can I simply swap out the bulbs with brighter ones or ones that seem more crystal clear. And, what is the difference between HID kits and simply doing a bulb swap? Are Xenon's in themselves’ simply the brighter looking headlights that have the crystal white look? Are there HIDs in the 2006 CLS?
Excuse the novice questions, but I have seen a lot of posts regarding HID, HID kits and Xenon and mixed interpretations.
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 14
Likes: 1
'99 Mustang
Hello All,
I have a 2006 CLS500 and the headlights don't have the clear white look that you see in other CLS models, like the 550 or AMG models. The headlights are ok, but seem to have a slight yellowish tint to them like standard headlights.
Can I simply swap out the bulbs with brighter ones or ones that seem more crystal clear. And, what is the difference between HID kits and simply doing a bulb swap? Are Xenon's in themselves’ simply the brighter looking headlights that have the crystal white look? Are there HIDs in the 2006 CLS?
Excuse the novice questions, but I have seen a lot of posts regarding HID, HID kits and Xenon and mixed interpretations.
I have a 2006 CLS500 and the headlights don't have the clear white look that you see in other CLS models, like the 550 or AMG models. The headlights are ok, but seem to have a slight yellowish tint to them like standard headlights.
Can I simply swap out the bulbs with brighter ones or ones that seem more crystal clear. And, what is the difference between HID kits and simply doing a bulb swap? Are Xenon's in themselves’ simply the brighter looking headlights that have the crystal white look? Are there HIDs in the 2006 CLS?
Excuse the novice questions, but I have seen a lot of posts regarding HID, HID kits and Xenon and mixed interpretations.
Jeeman
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,939
Likes: 178
From: Seattle WA
99 E320
what you're looking for sounds like HID bulbs, which requires a little reading to fully understand
the effects, legalities, and costs involved for quality results
http://www.danielsternlighting.com/t...lbs/bulbs.html
the effects, legalities, and costs involved for quality results
http://www.danielsternlighting.com/t...lbs/bulbs.html
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
CLS 500
Interesting read (thanks for posting that Raymond g-) and I do not doubt the validity of the articles, in fact, I agree with most of what I read. And, I don't want those super blue or "inflated" white bulbs in my car either.
It is in interesting though to see many newer model cars equipped with these non-yellow looking headlights, where the light just looks or seems brighter. I have noticed that the lit areas in front of these vehicles is longer (and some, wider) than mine. I have been in my friends’ CLS 550 and you can see more of the road in front of you at night. I have had my headlamps checked to make sure they weren’t loose or misaligned.
I just think the bulbs in mine are either weak or dying and wanted something just a tad stronger and thought about just swapping out the bulbs – which I’m not sure I can do, hence my post. So, couldn’t I just buy a bulb that is say a “step up” from what I currently have and be ok? If so, what type or brand? Any thoughts?
It is in interesting though to see many newer model cars equipped with these non-yellow looking headlights, where the light just looks or seems brighter. I have noticed that the lit areas in front of these vehicles is longer (and some, wider) than mine. I have been in my friends’ CLS 550 and you can see more of the road in front of you at night. I have had my headlamps checked to make sure they weren’t loose or misaligned.
I just think the bulbs in mine are either weak or dying and wanted something just a tad stronger and thought about just swapping out the bulbs – which I’m not sure I can do, hence my post. So, couldn’t I just buy a bulb that is say a “step up” from what I currently have and be ok? If so, what type or brand? Any thoughts?
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 385
Likes: 7
From: Arroyo Grande, CA
w205 C63s, w212 E63,w219CLS500-SOLD! w211 E63, 2006 E60 M5 (KABOOM!)
I would not bother reading the link raymond posted. We have projector headlights in our cars and therefore that article does not pertain to our vehicles. You most likely have a standard H7 bulb in your headlight. Yes, you can buy an HID kit and install it in your vehicle with no adverse effects. (other than the pain in the *** it is to get to the bulbs). If you are going to go through the hassle of changing bulbs, go with HID. You will be much happier.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,939
Likes: 178
From: Seattle WA
99 E320
I would not bother reading the link raymond posted. We have projector headlights in our cars and therefore that article does not pertain to our vehicles. You most likely have a standard H7 bulb in your headlight. Yes, you can buy an HID kit and install it in your vehicle with no adverse effects. (other than the pain in the *** it is to get to the bulbs). If you are going to go through the hassle of changing bulbs, go with HID. You will be much happier.
simply dropping in an HID bulb/kit into your halogen housing degrades the focus,
induces unwanted glare, and illegal (for folks who care). principles of HID vs halogen
lighting apply to reflectors and projectors...which are designed for the bulb/type.
Trending Topics
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 385
Likes: 7
From: Arroyo Grande, CA
w205 C63s, w212 E63,w219CLS500-SOLD! w211 E63, 2006 E60 M5 (KABOOM!)
LOL...what you're saying indicates a lack of understanding of halogen vs HIDs.
simply dropping in an HID bulb/kit into your halogen housing degrades the focus,
induces unwanted glare, and illegal (for folks who care). principles of HID vs halogen
lighting apply to reflectors and projectors...which are designed for the bulb/type.
simply dropping in an HID bulb/kit into your halogen housing degrades the focus,
induces unwanted glare, and illegal (for folks who care). principles of HID vs halogen
lighting apply to reflectors and projectors...which are designed for the bulb/type.
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
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 385
Likes: 7
From: Arroyo Grande, CA
w205 C63s, w212 E63,w219CLS500-SOLD! w211 E63, 2006 E60 M5 (KABOOM!)
I bought mine from ddmtuning.com FYI, with their kits, you do not need the error cancelling units. They now sell DS1 kits, which I do not have. If you decide to go that direction, let me know how it goes. I would imagine you will behappy with either.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,939
Likes: 178
From: Seattle WA
99 E320
I bought into this line of bull when I initially bought my HID lights. I installed the bulb on the driver side (simply because it was easier to get to) and left the halogen bulb in the passenger side. Turned on the lights and the pattern was very similar. As far as degrading focus, I would have to disagree. I will not dispute the fact the bulbs are definitely brighter, but even after a year of having them installed, I can count on one hand the amount of times people have flashed me because of the "unwanted glare". Believe what you want, its your car.
when you are successful defying the simple laws of physics, and can turn a
blind eye to motor vehicle laws which prohibits HID kits. at least you're happy
and can prosletyze for others to do the same with no regret.
Last edited by raymond g-; Feb 8, 2011 at 07:30 AM.
