"Cost effective" way to upgrade to real Xenon
07-07-2005, 11:30 PM
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"Cost effective" way to upgrade to real Xenon
My friend asked me to upgrade his W124 (E320) headlight to xenon. He wants to keep the OEM headlight, yet wants nice blue-hue & bright output of real xenon system. Another requirement: keep the cost as low as possible (knowing that he has two kids, you could see why 
)
I've been checking here and there, and surfing the net & Costco last week, I found the solution. In selected (limited) Costo stores, they carry xenon-system spot beam light (yep, real xenon system), for $75/each. I bought two, rip out the xenon ballast & bulb. Even better, the bulbs are H7 based, so they fit straight into any headlight that use H7 (straight in, no mod needed). Another good thing is that they're 6000K bulbs, so you get a good combination of bright light and nice color (kind of blueish tint)
As with everything sold at Costco, the light & its internal is pretty well built. The ballast are quite compact and have buiit-in ignitor. They build the light for marine usage, so that whole ballast was filled with silicon. Never have to worry about water leak in or corrsion. Btw, the battery are heavy duty 12v, rechargeable with either home or car electrical system. So you could use them for any purpose (computer backup, security, car).
The light output is both bright and nice color (given that they're 6000K). <b><i>Since with xenon ballast, it's important get you get the polarity correct, so connect positive YELLOW from the headlight to positive RED on the ballast, and negative BROWN from the headlight to negative BLACK on the ballast. If not, you will fry the ballast </i></b>, and mount the ballast somewhere in the bottom of the headlight.
Cost of two lights: $160.
Sold two battery to my co-worker: $50
Net cost: $110
Labor: 1 million dollars
Final cost: $110 + 5 thousand smiles
If any of you is looking for a good/cheap way to upgrade your light to xenon, you might want to give this a try.
Again, this light is being sold in certain Costo stores only (trial), the item number is 871155
The last picture is from the output of the light compared to some other H4 (I copied this pix from the light forum), you could see that it's much both brighter and whiter.
)I've been checking here and there, and surfing the net & Costco last week, I found the solution. In selected (limited) Costo stores, they carry xenon-system spot beam light (yep, real xenon system), for $75/each. I bought two, rip out the xenon ballast & bulb. Even better, the bulbs are H7 based, so they fit straight into any headlight that use H7 (straight in, no mod needed). Another good thing is that they're 6000K bulbs, so you get a good combination of bright light and nice color (kind of blueish tint)
As with everything sold at Costco, the light & its internal is pretty well built. The ballast are quite compact and have buiit-in ignitor. They build the light for marine usage, so that whole ballast was filled with silicon. Never have to worry about water leak in or corrsion. Btw, the battery are heavy duty 12v, rechargeable with either home or car electrical system. So you could use them for any purpose (computer backup, security, car).
The light output is both bright and nice color (given that they're 6000K). <b><i>Since with xenon ballast, it's important get you get the polarity correct, so connect positive YELLOW from the headlight to positive RED on the ballast, and negative BROWN from the headlight to negative BLACK on the ballast. If not, you will fry the ballast </i></b>, and mount the ballast somewhere in the bottom of the headlight.
Cost of two lights: $160.
Sold two battery to my co-worker: $50
Net cost: $110
Labor: 1 million dollars
Final cost: $110 + 5 thousand smiles
If any of you is looking for a good/cheap way to upgrade your light to xenon, you might want to give this a try.
Again, this light is being sold in certain Costo stores only (trial), the item number is 871155
The last picture is from the output of the light compared to some other H4 (I copied this pix from the light forum), you could see that it's much both brighter and whiter.
Last edited by zam2000; 07-08-2005 at 12:12 AM.
07-08-2005, 12:10 AM
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Originally Posted by ricky.agrawal
What does 3x mean?
Originally Posted by mysticblu999
hey zam, i just got my projectors in. i was wondering if there was any way to used my OEM xenons with it, or if there is a cheaper way to get xenons.
07-08-2005, 12:18 AM
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hey zam, i just got my projectors in. i was wondering if there was any way to used my OEM xenons with it, or if there is a cheaper way to get xenons.
07-08-2005, 01:13 AM
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98 E320
Once again Zam, you've gone over the top. That's just badass and very creative. Great job and add yet another smile to your list. If you see security harassing some guy in a white E320 at Costco a couple of hours before they open; don't worry, it's just me
I like the original style lights and not projector types, but I also have 98' - and the lens are looking pretty old/faded. Any suggestions for replacing them, and what about the city lights? What similar colors for them?
Please check your PM, I would like to return the favor of your valuable research.
C2
I like the original style lights and not projector types, but I also have 98' - and the lens are looking pretty old/faded. Any suggestions for replacing them, and what about the city lights? What similar colors for them?
Please check your PM, I would like to return the favor of your valuable research.
C2
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07-08-2005, 03:11 AM
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Originally Posted by lexrex
Mysticblue999, if you decide to sell your OEM xenons, I may be interested in buying them.
07-08-2005, 12:45 PM
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2003 e320
could i do the same thing with my 97 e 420? how do I connect the ballasts and bulbs to my existing wiring? I am not very handy so you may have to show pix and explain in very simple terms. Thanks
07-08-2005, 10:38 PM
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Originally Posted by lexrex
Mysticblue999, if you decide to sell your OEM xenons, I may be interested in buying them.
zam, what is this d2r bulb you are talking about? i think ill have my dad try out the cool flash light deal you came up with....
07-08-2005, 11:26 PM
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1979 911SC, 2001 E55, 1999 CLK430, 1993 190E 2.6
Originally Posted by zam2000
My friend asked me to upgrade his W124 (E320) headlight to xenon. He wants to keep the OEM headlight, yet wants nice blue-hue & bright output of real xenon system. Another requirement: keep the cost as low as possible (knowing that he has two kids, you could see why )
I've been checking here and there, and surfing the net & Costco last week, I found the solution. In selected (limited) Costo stores, they carry xenon-system spot beam light (yep, real xenon system), for $75/each. I bought two, rip out the xenon ballast & bulb. Even better, the bulbs are H7 based, so they fit straight into any headlight that use H7 (straight in, no mod needed). Another good thing is that they're 6000K bulbs, so you get a good combination of bright light and nice color (kind of blueish tint)
As with everything sold at Costco, the light & its internal is pretty well built. The ballast are quite compact and have buiit-in ignitor. They build the light for marine usage, so that whole ballast was filled with silicon. Never have to worry about water leak in or corrsion. Btw, the battery are heavy duty 12v, rechargeable with either home or car electrical system. So you could use them for any purpose (computer backup, security, car).
The light output is both bright and nice color (given that they're 6000K). <b><i>Since with xenon ballast, it's important get you get the polarity correct, so connect positive YELLOW from the headlight to positive RED on the ballast, and negative BROWN from the headlight to negative BLACK on the ballast. If not, you will fry the ballast </i></b>, and mount the ballast somewhere in the bottom of the headlight.
Cost of two lights: $160.
Sold two battery to my co-worker: $50
Net cost: $110
Labor: 1 million dollars
Final cost: $110 + 5 thousand smiles
If any of you is looking for a good/cheap way to upgrade your light to xenon, you might want to give this a try.
Again, this light is being sold in certain Costo stores only (trial), the item number is 871155
The last picture is from the output of the light compared to some other H4 (I copied this pix from the light forum), you could see that it's much both brighter and whiter.
)I've been checking here and there, and surfing the net & Costco last week, I found the solution. In selected (limited) Costo stores, they carry xenon-system spot beam light (yep, real xenon system), for $75/each. I bought two, rip out the xenon ballast & bulb. Even better, the bulbs are H7 based, so they fit straight into any headlight that use H7 (straight in, no mod needed). Another good thing is that they're 6000K bulbs, so you get a good combination of bright light and nice color (kind of blueish tint)
As with everything sold at Costco, the light & its internal is pretty well built. The ballast are quite compact and have buiit-in ignitor. They build the light for marine usage, so that whole ballast was filled with silicon. Never have to worry about water leak in or corrsion. Btw, the battery are heavy duty 12v, rechargeable with either home or car electrical system. So you could use them for any purpose (computer backup, security, car).
The light output is both bright and nice color (given that they're 6000K). <b><i>Since with xenon ballast, it's important get you get the polarity correct, so connect positive YELLOW from the headlight to positive RED on the ballast, and negative BROWN from the headlight to negative BLACK on the ballast. If not, you will fry the ballast </i></b>, and mount the ballast somewhere in the bottom of the headlight.
Cost of two lights: $160.
Sold two battery to my co-worker: $50
Net cost: $110
Labor: 1 million dollars
Final cost: $110 + 5 thousand smiles
If any of you is looking for a good/cheap way to upgrade your light to xenon, you might want to give this a try.
Again, this light is being sold in certain Costo stores only (trial), the item number is 871155
The last picture is from the output of the light compared to some other H4 (I copied this pix from the light forum), you could see that it's much both brighter and whiter.
Awesome. So we just have to grab some Depo projectors and get these and we are set??? Seems like the cheapest and the easy way to upgrade, nice job!
07-21-2005, 10:55 AM
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Hey Zam,
Now that I am working, married, and have a baby, that's exactly the stuff I need to know. I've been wanting xenons on my car forever, but never bought it because of the cost.
I tried to look the item number up on the costco website but couldn't find anything. Can I find the light at other retailers? Is there a direct website to the manufacturer on the box anywhere? Thanks.
Now that I am working, married, and have a baby, that's exactly the stuff I need to know. I've been wanting xenons on my car forever, but never bought it because of the cost.
I tried to look the item number up on the costco website but couldn't find anything. Can I find the light at other retailers? Is there a direct website to the manufacturer on the box anywhere? Thanks.
07-21-2005, 12:35 PM
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These spot beam light are being sold in selected Costco stores in the West Coast, and most of them are sold out quickly, since they're only $20 more than the H4 halogen one, yet much brighter and last longer (battery life).
If you know someone in California, you can ask them to look for you.
If you know someone in California, you can ask them to look for you.
Originally Posted by mbzpower
Hey Zam,
Now that I am working, married, and have a baby, that's exactly the stuff I need to know. I've been wanting xenons on my car forever, but never bought it because of the cost.
I tried to look the item number up on the costco website but couldn't find anything. Can I find the light at other retailers? Is there a direct website to the manufacturer on the box anywhere? Thanks.
Now that I am working, married, and have a baby, that's exactly the stuff I need to know. I've been wanting xenons on my car forever, but never bought it because of the cost.
I tried to look the item number up on the costco website but couldn't find anything. Can I find the light at other retailers? Is there a direct website to the manufacturer on the box anywhere? Thanks.
07-21-2005, 01:10 PM
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This is an awesome IDEA!
What kind of Amperage do these pull?
How much brighter are these over silverstars? (what i currently have)
Does this "trigger" a faulty bulb in the MFD? Or cause the lights to go out if the computer is not set to the proper bulb type?
OK, now my dumbest question of all... What is the diff between Xenon and projectors and HID.
What kind of Amperage do these pull?
How much brighter are these over silverstars? (what i currently have)
Does this "trigger" a faulty bulb in the MFD? Or cause the lights to go out if the computer is not set to the proper bulb type?
OK, now my dumbest question of all... What is the diff between Xenon and projectors and HID.
07-21-2005, 02:21 PM
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Originally Posted by Justinius7
This is an awesome IDEA!
What kind of Amperage do these pull?
How much brighter are these over silverstars? (what i currently have)
Does this "trigger" a faulty bulb in the MFD? Or cause the lights to go out if the computer is not set to the proper bulb type?
OK, now my dumbest question of all... What is the diff between Xenon and projectors and HID.
What kind of Amperage do these pull?
How much brighter are these over silverstars? (what i currently have)
Does this "trigger" a faulty bulb in the MFD? Or cause the lights to go out if the computer is not set to the proper bulb type?
OK, now my dumbest question of all... What is the diff between Xenon and projectors and HID.
If you go this route, I would try to wire the ballasts into the stock harness, then check to see if you get "bad bulb" message. I have found that 2.2K ohms is low enough to keep the warning off, but go lower until the warning does not appear.
Please find the diagram in this post:
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w210/48247-installed-catz-hid-99-e320.html
Last edited by rob_fed; 07-21-2005 at 02:25 PM.
07-21-2005, 02:26 PM
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ZAM, the real way to do a cost effective conversion to Xenon, is to buy a pair of lights from you and have the dealer install them for free! 
07-21-2005, 03:17 PM
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Originally Posted by zam2000
These spot beam light are being sold in selected Costco stores in the West Coast, and most of them are sold out quickly, since they're only $20 more than the H4 halogen one, yet much brighter and last longer (battery life).
If you know someone in California, you can ask them to look for you.
If you know someone in California, you can ask them to look for you.
07-21-2005, 06:09 PM
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One last question, before i run of to Costco...
Replacement bulbs? Expensive/hard to find/universal/life hours?????
seems like taking a flash light bulb and putting it in a car, for a daily commute, may tend to burn out frequntly? Yes/No? please advise...
Replacement bulbs? Expensive/hard to find/universal/life hours?????
seems like taking a flash light bulb and putting it in a car, for a daily commute, may tend to burn out frequntly? Yes/No? please advise...
07-21-2005, 07:13 PM
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Originally Posted by Justinius7
One last question, before i run of to Costco...
Replacement bulbs? Expensive/hard to find/universal/life hours?????
seems like taking a flash light bulb and putting it in a car, for a daily commute, may tend to burn out frequntly? Yes/No? please advise...
Replacement bulbs? Expensive/hard to find/universal/life hours?????
seems like taking a flash light bulb and putting it in a car, for a daily commute, may tend to burn out frequntly? Yes/No? please advise...
The bulb use standard AMP adaptor, so it's quite easy to find replacement bulb. You can also buy an AMP/D2R-S adaptor if you want to run standard D2S/R bulb.
The box advertise that bulb suppose to last 3000 hours, and the ballast is filled w/ silicon, so no need to worry about corrosion.
Nevertheless, this stuff is new, so no one can really attest about the longivity and reliability of it.
If you want to run standard xenon bulb, simply get this adaptor for $20.
Originally Posted by Justinius7
This is an awesome IDEA!
What kind of Amperage do these pull?
How much brighter are these over silverstars? (what i currently have)
Does this "trigger" a faulty bulb in the MFD? Or cause the lights to go out if the computer is not set to the proper bulb type?
OK, now my dumbest question of all... What is the diff between Xenon and projectors and HID.
What kind of Amperage do these pull?
How much brighter are these over silverstars? (what i currently have)
Does this "trigger" a faulty bulb in the MFD? Or cause the lights to go out if the computer is not set to the proper bulb type?
OK, now my dumbest question of all... What is the diff between Xenon and projectors and HID.
If it cause faulty Lamp Msg, you can always add a resistor.
Xenon and HID is the same, given that we're talking about xenon burner (not halogen filament), not one of those "xenon filled" halogen bulb. On average, they're about 2-3 times brighter than halogen (silverstar). As you go up in color temperature, brightnes (lumen) go down. Xenon bulb (burner) into reflector designed for xenon headlight, or into projector designed for xenon source. 6000K probably give best combination of color and brightness. Anything higher than that will be at great cost to brightness. A pair of Philips Ultinon 6000K run about $200-250. And both Philips and Osram stop at 6000K.
Originally Posted by CE750
ZAM, the real way to do a cost effective conversion to Xenon, is to buy a pair of lights from you and have the dealer install them for free!
Last edited by zam2000; 07-21-2005 at 07:23 PM.
07-22-2005, 01:35 PM
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Thanks ZAM2000.
I'm definatly giving this a try, then i'll swap my silverstars into my highbeams, and I'll be able to LIGHT everything up!
also thanks for explaining the diff between xenon burners and filled, been trying to figure that out for the longest time.
I'm definatly giving this a try, then i'll swap my silverstars into my highbeams, and I'll be able to LIGHT everything up!
also thanks for explaining the diff between xenon burners and filled, been trying to figure that out for the longest time.
07-22-2005, 11:59 PM
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98 E320
08-06-2005, 04:16 PM
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You're were right....
