Xenon vs. stock headlamps
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Joined: Jun 2003
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1973 280SEL 4.5; 2021 E450S4 Wagon
Xenon vs. stock headlamps
I am shopping for a W211 and currently own a W210 with xenon headlamps. While I have found them to be superb, how are the headlights on a W211 without them?
I ask because in looking for a 2004-2005 W211 wagon, they are part of either the optional lighting or appearance packages, which some wagons of interest don't have.
Thanks.
I ask because in looking for a 2004-2005 W211 wagon, they are part of either the optional lighting or appearance packages, which some wagons of interest don't have.
Thanks.
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From: Arizona
BMW FTW
I think the halogen projectors work just fine. They are a heck of a lot better than regular halogen lights.. But personally I am not a fan of xenon lights I have had them on 1 car and didnt think it was worth it, yet some people swear by them. Legally the light pattern is the same, the only advantage you would get is if you lived out in the dark rural areas and used your brights a lot.
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From: Northern NJ
2014 BMW 550i
Once you go HID, you can't go back. I've found the late model Mercedes HID packages to be quite superb. The HID in my ML is excellent. My old W211 had HID, but I have also driven in a non-HID W211, and I'd say definitely worth the investment. And I believe that the cornering foglamps only come with the HID package.
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From: Michigan, USA
'05 E320 CDI, '07 VW Touareg V10 TDI, 2007 Porsche GT3
The Bi-Xenon system are the best headlamps I've ever used, period! Our previous grocery-getter, a 2000 BMW 5-series, had Xenon low beams, and they couldn't hold a candle to the W211 system.
W211s do come with the low beams aimed dangerously low, IMHO, but adjustment is easy and with them adjusted to be comfortably high, I never get flashed by oncoming traffic.
Sorry, can't comment on the standard lighting package, as I have no experience with it.
W211s do come with the low beams aimed dangerously low, IMHO, but adjustment is easy and with them adjusted to be comfortably high, I never get flashed by oncoming traffic.
Sorry, can't comment on the standard lighting package, as I have no experience with it.
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From: Vancouver, BC
2015 E250 BT 4M
Halogen v's Bi-zenon (HID)
I strongly agree. My experience with bi-zenons is limited to BMW and my previous experience with halogen lights was with MB. There is no comparison in lighting effectiveness. IMO, bi-zenons are the single most important option for increased safety. Why are bi-zenons now standard in Canada for E 350/550/63, S Class and CL Class ? The extra margin of safety provided by these lights could save your life. 
Last edited by DerekACS; Apr 5, 2007 at 12:00 AM.
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From: SoCal
2008 E350
The bi-xenon uses a movable shutter to move the projector out of the way. To me that is just asking for something to go wrong. That type of mechanism is bound to fail sometime. HID's need a halogen high beam for throw (as you know xenon is generally not an option for a high beam because they take 2+ seconds to get to full brightness and it kills HID lamps to cycle them on and off). Also, HID lamps have a low Color Rendering Index. If you can find a good Halogen lamp putting out 2000-2500 lumens like HIR bulbs, they will easily hold their own against HID's.
BTW, I also agree the 211's are aimed too low. Can they be adjusted easily or does the dealer do that?
BTW, I also agree the 211's are aimed too low. Can they be adjusted easily or does the dealer do that?
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From: socal
HID's need a halogen high beam for throw (as you know xenon is generally not an option for a high beam because they take 2+ seconds to get to full brightness and it kills HID lamps to cycle them on and off). Also, HID lamps have a low Color Rendering Index. If you can find a good Halogen lamp putting out 2000-2500 lumens like HIR bulbs, they will easily hold their own against HID's.
I thought the halogens had a adjuster on top?
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Vancouver, BC
2015 E250 BT 4M
Bi-zenon (HID) failures ????
I cannot recall one observation of a failed zenon headlight, but I continuously see failed halogen lights; it's almost a daily occurence. Perhaps up here in Canada, where day time lights are mandatory, the life expectancy for halogen is shortened.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 46
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From: SoCal
2008 E350
http://www.danielsternlighting.com/t...dvantages.html
This article should be a sticky for those wanting to know more about lighting.
http://www.danielsternlighting.com/t...lbs/bulbs.html
This article should be a sticky for those wanting to know more about lighting.
http://www.danielsternlighting.com/t...lbs/bulbs.html
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,860
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From: Jacksonville Florida
209/W210 Estate /W211 modded by MBENZNL
I am shopping for a W211 and currently own a W210 with xenon headlamps. While I have found them to be superb, how are the headlights on a W211 without them?
I ask because in looking for a 2004-2005 W211 wagon, they are part of either the optional lighting or appearance packages, which some wagons of interest don't have.
Thanks.
I ask because in looking for a 2004-2005 W211 wagon, they are part of either the optional lighting or appearance packages, which some wagons of interest don't have.
Thanks.
I had NON Xenons on the wifes 2006 ..Then replaced them with Active Euro Xenons they make a HUGE difference ...They are Worth the Price...
One can add them later as I did ..so If You locate a W211 Without them..
You can swap them out ...version code the car to xenon Present via the star and you are done
Got the Headlights from Steve @MBENZNL.com
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From: The OC
The bi-xenon uses a movable shutter to move the projector out of the way. To me that is just asking for something to go wrong. That type of mechanism is bound to fail sometime. HID's need a halogen high beam for throw (as you know xenon is generally not an option for a high beam because they take 2+ seconds to get to full brightness and it kills HID lamps to cycle them on and off). Also, HID lamps have a low Color Rendering Index. If you can find a good Halogen lamp putting out 2000-2500 lumens like HIR bulbs, they will easily hold their own against HID's.
BTW, I also agree the 211's are aimed too low. Can they be adjusted easily or does the dealer do that?
BTW, I also agree the 211's are aimed too low. Can they be adjusted easily or does the dealer do that?
what i would like to know is whether or not you can retro xenons onto the w211 without it wiggin out due to the low voltage pull
Last edited by foofighter; Apr 20, 2007 at 01:07 PM.
Senior Member
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From: socal
Almost a Member!
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 44
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From: The OC
i'm new to MB but what is the STAR? is that similar to the VAG scan tool that VW/AUDI's use to access the settings in the ecu?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,860
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From: Jacksonville Florida
209/W210 Estate /W211 modded by MBENZNL
YES it CAN Be done...I Have done SEVERAL .. They wont cause any problems..(IF) Installed right AND Version code the car to Xenon PRESENT Via the SDS
Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 86
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From: 925
2003 E320 sport
http://www.danielsternlighting.com/t...dvantages.html
This article should be a sticky for those wanting to know more about lighting.
http://www.danielsternlighting.com/t...lbs/bulbs.html
This article should be a sticky for those wanting to know more about lighting.
http://www.danielsternlighting.com/t...lbs/bulbs.html
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From: West Michigan
2007 E63
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Walnut Creek, CA
03 E320
Are my zenons aimed too high?
I get flashed because my zenons seem to be too bright for oncoming traffic, and some people driving in front of me say the driving side beam shines directly in their interior rear view mirror. I have also noticed that the zenons light up the freeway signs mounted 40 feet above the road from a few hundred yards away...is this normal, or can the zenons be adjusted? I notice that when the headlights turn on, they start aimed low and then adjusted upward (perhaps some kind of self leveling function?). Any insights would be appreciated as my dealership thinks everything is normal.
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From: Valley of the Sun, Arizona
2011 E550, 2013 GLK
I've just ordered an '08 E350 which has tracking Xenons. They can turn up to 15 degrees as you go around a curve. I don't think you can get the latest full blown intelligent lighting system available in Europe because the civil servants in Washington are probably opposed to it. It took years for those idiots to give up on sealed beam headlights.
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Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 352
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From: fl
1992 500E, 2006 E500, 2007 GL 450
My 2006 E500 has active HD's, my GL450 has standard projectors. The difference is significant. If I am going to be out at night on strange roads I try to take the E500.
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From: Longmont, CO
04 E320 4 Matic, 95 Audi S6, 99 Carrera 4 Cabrio, 12 Fiat 500 Sport, 00 BMW R1200C 10, BMW R1200R
The bi-xenon uses a movable shutter to move the projector out of the way. To me that is just asking for something to go wrong. That type of mechanism is bound to fail sometime. HID's need a halogen high beam for throw (as you know xenon is generally not an option for a high beam because they take 2+ seconds to get to full brightness and it kills HID lamps to cycle them on and off). Also, HID lamps have a low Color Rendering Index. If you can find a good Halogen lamp putting out 2000-2500 lumens like HIR bulbs, they will easily hold their own against HID's.
BTW, I also agree the 211's are aimed too low. Can they be adjusted easily or does the dealer do that?
BTW, I also agree the 211's are aimed too low. Can they be adjusted easily or does the dealer do that?
As per the above argument; who cares if the shutter were to eventually malfunction. Also, if the shutter fails, it is designed to fail and stay as a standard low beam. The center two headlights are still H7 standard halogen bulbs that will still render at least the same light as if you had the non-xenon system. With the bi-xenon, you have the low-beam xenon that are already incredible, then you have better brights because you have both the H7 highs and the shutter lifts on the xenon low-beams which gives you even more light than you could EVER get out of the standard lights (no matter what bulb you put in the low beam socket).
The way I see it, all Mercedes vehicles should have Xenon lights as standard equipment. Xenon lights are particularly good when the road is wet and it becomes a lot more opaque. With conventional lights it sometimes looks as if you don't have the headlights on, but the Xenon lights illuminate much better. I always notice this when I pass cars or even trucks. When I am next to them my headlights are the only illumination that is seen on the road. It is amazing to me sometimes how dim the other standard halogen lights are.
Steve
Last edited by SAguirre; May 10, 2007 at 04:10 PM.
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From: So CA
check out http://www.seekspeed.com
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Posts: 343
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From: Palm Beach Gardens, Fl
‘08 E-350 Sport, C6 Vette & Harley Davidson
I'm probably the only one who doesn’t know this, BUT,
are the Xenon lights the ones that give out a blue tint?
(I don’t like that blue tint.)
And .. how is Xenon pronounced?
jimm
==========
On Order: 08 E350 Sport, P2, Black/black,
Parktronic, Voice, Bluetooth, Burl Walnut,
Split rear seat, Rear mud flaps
are the Xenon lights the ones that give out a blue tint?
(I don’t like that blue tint.)
And .. how is Xenon pronounced?
jimm
==========
On Order: 08 E350 Sport, P2, Black/black,
Parktronic, Voice, Bluetooth, Burl Walnut,
Split rear seat, Rear mud flaps
Last edited by jimm; May 13, 2007 at 03:11 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA
2015 ML 350
The MB Bi Xenon lights are a bright White. Not Blue at all. They work sort of like a flourescent bulb.. but not really... they have Xenon gas inside them. The rays of light emitted by them are focused thru a lens with a shutter in it which adjusts for low or high beams use.
Some of the blue lights you see approaching you are "fake" Xenon lamps created to look like fancy headlamps by using different gasses inside the bulb capsule, combined with sometimes deep blue, light blue coated or uncoated glass on the bulb. The combination of all the factors they play with determine the color light emitted. People then choose who's bulb to buy, and then choose what color light output they want by choosing the "K" rating of the bulb. (From yellowish thru white up to blue.)
MB E class Bi Xenons are the best headlight system I have ever driven with. I've been driving since 1966, and still remember 6 Volt Auto electrical systems too. You will absolutely love them.
Some of the blue lights you see approaching you are "fake" Xenon lamps created to look like fancy headlamps by using different gasses inside the bulb capsule, combined with sometimes deep blue, light blue coated or uncoated glass on the bulb. The combination of all the factors they play with determine the color light emitted. People then choose who's bulb to buy, and then choose what color light output they want by choosing the "K" rating of the bulb. (From yellowish thru white up to blue.)
MB E class Bi Xenons are the best headlight system I have ever driven with. I've been driving since 1966, and still remember 6 Volt Auto electrical systems too. You will absolutely love them.
