Alfa Fan

I'd like to improve the lights on my '97 E320 with standard halogen lights. I don't want to imitate the HID look, I just want more light. I would prefer a simple bulb swap without any wiring changes. Any suggestions on bulb replacement and where to get them?

rob_fed

Bulb swaps probably will not provide much more usable light. They may seem brighter when you are looking at the headlight, but the actual light to the road is not significant.

The only other non-HID option is a "wiring change". This involves the additon of a Bosch type relay for each headlight bulb and the use of larger gauge wire. 10 to 12 gauge stranded wire is usually used and the power source is usually a direct hook up the alternator output.

The idea behind this scheme is to provide each headlight with the most current available. This in turn, allows each headlight bulb to receive the highest voltage. For every volt dropped or not being received by each bulb, there is a corresponding decrease in light output, which is not linear to the percentage of voltage drop.

zam2000

You should. Halogen bulb degrade about 10-15% in term of limunation each year, and they ussually last at most 3-4 years only.

Replace your bulb with high quality one like Philips Vision Plus. It's the best bulb out there, probably twice as bright as your old bulb. YOu won't get that lame purple look seen in like of HID-like bulb, instead, it's very bright.

Better off, it's last about 30% longer than regular bulb. Philips knows how to make bulb.

Research about Vision Plus on Google, you'll know what I mean.

<b> Do not, under any circumstance, run higher wattage to your bulb, you could cause the light housing melt down, or worse, fire to your car. All reputable bulb run with 55W, only lousy aftermarket one claim the 100W or so, but that's a recepie for disaster </b>

raymond g-

Just to interjet, there may be lousy 100 watt bulbs, but more likely that they are quality, HOT, 100 watt bulbs out there which will overtax your existing wiring and requires minor rewiring. Rally drivers et al, love these bulbs but perform appropriate mods prior to using.

Fast55

Zam has a point though. Even with upgraded sockets/wiring, you might melt the housing itself. The Vision plus or Sylvania SilverStars do make a difference, but with the stock 55 watt draw. Next step would be a HID conversion in the stock halogen housings, very nice upgrade that can be reversed quite easily.

raymond g-

Good point. Since my upgrades have been with high end reflectors, I've never had to deal with anything melting. Thanks for highlighting this potential problem .

Alfa Fan

Thanks for all of the great input. I am trying to buy either the Sylvania silver star or Philips Vision Plus bulbs, but there aren't many auto parts stores around. I did some research and found that the low beams are H7 bulbs and the high and fogs are H1's.

Any suggestions to good suppliers via the internet?

mobinakhtar

Try Ebay, you will be surprized at th variety available to you. The only concern would be returns in case of a problem with the merchandise. I have factory Xenons in my 97 e430 and one of those went out. Dealer wanted $650.00 for the pair of bulbs but I got them for $175 brand new in the box from Ebay. Worked like a charm. Original OEM Bosch Xenon elements.

my 2c.

mobinakhtar

Hi sorry about the previous post. its a e420 not a e430 (I wish it was)

MikeyE430

I have tried them all and have been using Philips BlueVision in my "city lights" and headlights with great results. Brighter, whiter light, easy install, and decent price. They also last longer than some of the AutoZone "designer" bulbs.

Best place I have found to buy Euro bulbs is:

http://www.epimporters.com

Great selection, decent pricing, super fast shipping.

zam2000

The Mercedes uses Philips D2R on their pre 2003 headlight, and D2S on '03-later. Price is pretty much the same.

I paid $65 for a pair of Philips D2S, from eBay. Dealer wants $800 for it. Bunch of crook.

If you search "Philips xenon bulbs" on eBay, you would see that price have dropped significantly.

Fast55

Zam, what is your opinion of the Philips 82156+ bulbs at 5000K? I've found a pair for only about $80.00 brand new. The HID conversion I had in my 430 was 5000K and definitely seemed brighter than the 4300K stock HID's in my 55. I don't believe they're legal in Ca. but as long as they're aimed right this shouldn't be a problem. Same wattage, so no problem with the stock ballasts?

MikeyE430

The Philips BlueVision halogen H7 bulbs are rated at 4000K brightness.