E-Class (W210) 1995-2002: E 200, E 220D, E 240, E 290TD, E 300TD, E 200, E 240, E 280, E 320, E 420, E 430 (Wagon, Touring, 4Matic)

HID Upgrade

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Oct 16, 2002 | 01:00 AM
  #1  
MTL's Avatar
MTL
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: New York, NY
1996 E320
Talking HID Upgrade

I recently installed an entire HID system on my 1996 E320, including the headlight washer system and self leveling system. I brought the Hella light assemblies used off of e-bay for $500.00 for the pair, including bulbs and ballast. and I brought the washer and self leveling system from PUMA for $380.00. Every hole is in place for direct bolt-in. Even the brake line holders have an extra slot for the cable that must be run from the rear axle, where the leveling system bolts-in, to the headlights. In addition, the kit from PUMA, which is also made by Hella, has a wiring harness for the headlight washers. Further the kits come with the body parts for the washers (they need to be painted to match your car color) and new washer bottles and hoses with clips. The job is a little involved, but the kit comes with complete instructions. Contrary to what I have read on this forum, every part is a direct plug-in and bolt-in. No cutting involved. I have been running this system for about three months and have had no problems at all. Believe me, there is a big difference in the lighting. Once you go HID you will never go back. I also brought a new set of HID lenses from Capital West because, living in New York City, I was concerned that if the lense got cracked, the dealer does not sell replacement leneses -- you have to buy the whole light assembly.
Reply
Old Oct 16, 2002 | 09:19 AM
  #2  
E320's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 340
Likes: 0
Nice mod.one question do you have to cut a hole for the switch plus where do you connect the auto leveling in the rear axle?
Reply
Old Oct 17, 2002 | 12:40 PM
  #3  
cabby850's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
want to upgrade to HID for my E420 too!

HI,

I am also thinking of upgrading my 97 E420 to HID.

I know the HID kits cost around $500 to $600. But the clear headlight assembly for HID from mercedes cost about $2000.

When you upgrade to HID did you use the original headlights?

YOu mentioned you were able to get clear lens for your headlight without buying the whole headlight assembly. Can you please give me more info on this? Where can I buy just the clear lens fro my leadlights and how much are they?

Thanks

Ed
Reply
Old Oct 17, 2002 | 01:45 PM
  #4  
MARK CUMMINS's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,860
Likes: 3
From: Jacksonville Florida
209/W210 Estate /W211 modded by MBENZNL
Try the Clear Plastic 3m Film from www.clearbra.com
They offer a $1000.00 Warranty on the lens
I Have Used them After I replaced a Lite Assy
So Far So Good!
Reply
Old Oct 17, 2002 | 02:32 PM
  #5  
E55 KEV's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
Veteran: Air Force
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
 
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 5,583
Likes: 212
From: Washington D.C.
2024 GLE63s / 2016 GLE63s (traded) / 2016 E63s / 2002 E55
Re: want to upgrade to HID for my E420 too!

Originally posted by cabby850
HI,

I am also thinking of upgrading my 97 E420 to HID.

I know the HID kits cost around $500 to $600. But the clear headlight assembly for HID from mercedes cost about $2000.

When you upgrade to HID did you use the original headlights?

YOu mentioned you were able to get clear lens for your headlight without buying the whole headlight assembly. Can you please give me more info on this? Where can I buy just the clear lens fro my leadlights and how much are they?

Thanks

Ed
You can purchase the OEM factory HID units from www.bekkers.com for $1094. They also sell the clear lenses but the lenses are not listed on their website.
Reply
Old Oct 20, 2002 | 01:49 AM
  #6  
cabby850's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
capital west in NYC?

Hi MTL,

Can you give me more info on Capital West in NYC? THe placewhere you said you get the clear lens from. How much did it cost? I also live in NYC and would like to upgrade to HID too.

Thanks for your help.

Ed
Reply
Old Oct 20, 2002 | 03:52 AM
  #7  
chaser's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco
2001 E320, 2001 330CI, 1995 325i, 1988 RX7 Trubo
Xenon

I just install the xenon headlight kit to my 2001 E320, It works well coz it just plug and play (replace the headight with Xenon ballast inside). The lens is clear and its REALLY brighter & whiter than the factory xenon. I bought it from bekkers.com for $1199. The headlight kit it made by Hella and it is same as the OEM, just the OEM has the Mecedes & Hella sticker and my headlight only has the Hella sticker. I believe it is the EURO model headlight style coz it comes with clear lens. US version IS NOT COME WITH CLEAR LENS
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 10:19 PM.

story-0
New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes-AMG's new electric GT 4-Door Coupe trades combustion for software, synthetic noise, and more than 1,100 horsepower.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 20:08:15


VIEW MORE
story-1
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-2
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-3
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-4
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-5
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-6
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-7
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-9
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE