hillcreative

I have been gathering parts and intel for a few months now and Monday is the day my 2011 E350 Cabriolet (A207) goes in for a Halogen to Bi-Xenon conversion. I am excited (and exhausted) after reading any post or tidbit of info on anyone else who has tried to do this. As I mentioned in another post this is an expensive way to do this as the original P2 package costs around 3K and the xenon conversion is tipping the scales around 5K... but I gotta have it.

Since I am my own best advocate here I have supplied the details (and parts) to the dealership for the conversion and they will supply the technology and service to make this happen. Most importantly they will be able to code the new front SAM to allow the new Bi-Xenon codes to work with MBUSA's blessing. The typical kludge has been to program the SAM and control ECUs on a donor car that has these options and then transplant the upgraded parts to the retrofit car. I have been advised not to do this as any future issues (or warranty work) will negate those updates.

This is the best path to take if you are really really serious about making this happen with all codes firing.

I will report from the field, along with a list of parts on Monday and let you know how this works out.

Cheers

Hillcreative

hillcreative

E350 Cabriolet is into the dealership for Bi-Xenon conversion... should take two days. For those wishing to undertake this project I have attached the wiring harness instructions for a W212, W207 or A207 from www.KabelDaviko.de this is what makes this retro possible.

More to come...

chrisvr6

Hid bulbs $200. Lol

hillcreative

I understand the difference between a hack-job HID conversion and a properly designed and executed OEM headlight system that doesn't blind on-coming traffic and is fully integrated with the car. It's why I drive a Mercedes over a KIA... LOL

hillcreative

The dealership has had the car for 3 days and hasn't started on the conversion yet : ( I'm as jumpy as a kid on his first date.

Dueclaws

My neighbor owns a shop (All Out) that has converted a SL Coupe and others to led lights. $1,000 for the SL leds.
Our '12 E550 coupe has Bi-Xenon, but I would change to the leds.

hillcreative

I think the LED tech has finally come of age and I like the look. Perhaps on my next Benz : )

hillcreative

Car in pieces all over the shop floor....very sad to have had to see that. Work progresses!

mistert2

Did you get a quote for your e coupe? I have a 2013 E350 that I would love to do the halogen to led conversion.

mistert2

Any update on your bi-xenon conversion?

hillcreative

Should have the car on Monday with new Bi-Xenon conversion, Parktronix retrofit, headlight washers, DRL's and AMG bumper. Had a delay while they sorted out a small part that allowed the new rear headlight range sensor wire harness to connect to the rear distribution. All the folks at Mercedes-Benz of West Chester (PA) have been great: Vince, Andy & Eric in service, Dave in parts, Dave in service write-up and Mike in the body shop. Once the project is done I'll post the parts list.

I would not suggest trying for the 2014 facelift LED headlights just yet as there are very few if any conversions completed with success. The Bi-Xenon conversion has been challenging as it is.

More to come...

mistert2

I would think the Parktrinix retrofit would be even more difficult than the bi-xenon conversion.

hillcreative

No the Parktronix is very simple, especially if you are retrofitting the bumper at the time.

hillcreative

Picture of new front SAM and wired connectors to Bi-Xenon headlights

hillcreative

Picture of Bi-Xenon headlight with front bumper removed

hillcreative

A glitch in the upgrade.... the new front SAM requires a connection that is not part of the conversion wire harness. Circuit 15 needs a connection to the old Halogen plug so the SAM can properly power the headlight... I hate delays!

hillcreative

OEM Bi-Xenon conversion complete! All functions of P2 option as new and my dealer updated my datacard so there is a record of a full P2 OEM upgrade. Next on the agenda: a Code 772 AMG styling conversion- bumpers, sideskirts etc. Thanks to Dr Nab and those of you that lent ideas and suggestions. There were a number of gotchas along the way but thanks to Mercedes-Benz of West Chester we got it done. BTW it did cost more as a retrofit Vs. buying it as an original option. A suggestion to those who are configuring their new Benz!

mistert2

Good job on the upgrade, looks factory... Are you thinking about changing out the fog lights for the LED DRLs when you do the bumpers?

hillcreative

Yes, will do the straight LED DRLs when I install the AMG bumper. I would have done it during the Bi-Xenon conversion but the OEM bumper came back without the side light fixtures cutout and the paint shop painted the bumper without them. According to the dealer MB sends the code 772 AMG styling kit without the sidelights cutout!

hillcreative

BTW I upgraded the D1S stock Osram Xenon bulbs to Osram Xenarc 66144 CBI from the Retrofitsource.com (thanks Andrew) They are the same ones that MB is putting in the big SL cars and they are bright and white and out of sight!