Jun 10, 2015, 12:35 PM
Last edit by: IB Advertising
See related guides and technical advice from our community experts:
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class: How to Replace headlights with HID
Guide to diagnose trouble and recommended solutions
HID, fog lights, headlight install guide 211 E series may work on other series models
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 289
Likes: 4
From: NYC
2014 E63 S-AMG
i just did this mod on my friend e63, however it did not stop the flickering. i upgraded the capacitor to the 4700µF 35V 20% Axial-Lead Electrolytic Capacitor
and that worked perfect.
the only thing is i cant seem to figure out which way the capacitor goes:
poistive ~~~> negative
or
Negative~~~~>> to positive
if you install the capacitor backwards the lights will still work but then the capicitor blows and you need to try again with a diffrent one.
also what kind of product should i use to tap the capacitor to the balast wire?
and that worked perfect.
the only thing is i cant seem to figure out which way the capacitor goes:
poistive ~~~> negative
or
Negative~~~~>> to positive
if you install the capacitor backwards the lights will still work but then the capicitor blows and you need to try again with a diffrent one.
also what kind of product should i use to tap the capacitor to the balast wire?
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 606
Likes: 4
From: Bellevue, WA
.... nothing to brag about, it is a previous model....
i just did this mod on my friend e63, however it did not stop the flickering. i upgraded the capacitor to the 4700µF 35V 20% Axial-Lead Electrolytic Capacitor
and that worked perfect.
the only thing is i cant seem to figure out which way the capacitor goes:
poistive ~~~> negative
or
Negative~~~~>> to positive
if you install the capacitor backwards the lights will still work but then the capicitor blows and you need to try again with a diffrent one.
also what kind of product should i use to tap the capacitor to the balast wire?
and that worked perfect.
the only thing is i cant seem to figure out which way the capacitor goes:
poistive ~~~> negative
or
Negative~~~~>> to positive
if you install the capacitor backwards the lights will still work but then the capicitor blows and you need to try again with a diffrent one.
also what kind of product should i use to tap the capacitor to the balast wire?
Take Radioshack capacitor for example.
There is " >>>>> " symbol on the capacitor.
POSITIVE >>>>>> Negative is the Correct way!
Use direct connect w/ electronic tape is the best way, since the capacitor's lead is long enough to do that, or you can use heat-shrink tube to seal them.
Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
From: CA
2006 C230
Guys, I installed the HID kit and everything, but I have a couple of ?'s. First of all, I rode with them on for like 10 minutes with the AC on and when I parked and popped the hood it was really hot. I'm guessing it was hot since I just finished driving it and the AC. Anyway, the ballast and the capacitor were pretty hot too but my guess is they were hot because of the metal surrounding them. Can you guys help me out? I don't want anything to happen. Thanks
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 606
Likes: 4
From: Bellevue, WA
.... nothing to brag about, it is a previous model....
Ballast meant to get hot! Just make sure it is properly insulated and keep it away from ABS controller.
In hot summer, inside the hood, EVERYTHING will get hot. But don't worry, HID kit is not rocket science. Just think of it as a super bright halogen bulb w/ attached extension cord.
In hot summer, inside the hood, EVERYTHING will get hot. But don't worry, HID kit is not rocket science. Just think of it as a super bright halogen bulb w/ attached extension cord.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 498
Likes: 3
From: HI transplant in Seattle
2024 G63, 2021 X7M50i
i just did this mod on my friend e63, however it did not stop the flickering. i upgraded the capacitor to the 4700µF 35V 20% Axial-Lead Electrolytic Capacitor
and that worked perfect.
the only thing is i cant seem to figure out which way the capacitor goes:
poistive ~~~> negative
or
Negative~~~~>> to positive
if you install the capacitor backwards the lights will still work but then the capicitor blows and you need to try again with a diffrent one.
also what kind of product should i use to tap the capacitor to the balast wire?
and that worked perfect.
the only thing is i cant seem to figure out which way the capacitor goes:
poistive ~~~> negative
or
Negative~~~~>> to positive
if you install the capacitor backwards the lights will still work but then the capicitor blows and you need to try again with a diffrent one.
also what kind of product should i use to tap the capacitor to the balast wire?
So you got this to work on the E63 foglights? And do the fogs still turnon when turning?
Is anyone running 3000k HIDs for the fogs? I am very interested in running yellow HIDs in my foglights but want to make sure it works.
I see that No_Clue is in my neck of the woods so perhaps he could help?
Thanks!
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 606
Likes: 4
From: Bellevue, WA
.... nothing to brag about, it is a previous model....
It has been more than 20 years since physic 101.
3000k light produce lower freqency wavelength, travel further w/ less heat.
In other word, it can penatrate better than higher frequency wavelength.
I would strongly vote against putting 3000k HID for your normal driving light.
It will not reflect like higher frequency color wavelength. It might be great if you are driving in the rain or fog, but most likely you can NOT even see the "STOP" sign under clear night.
On the other hand, if you using 8000K+ HID, you can spot "STOP" sign's reflective coating (mainly metallic/ white) mile ahead, but most likely can't even see a deer 100 feet ahead of you. ( okay, maybe deer's eyes )
3000k light produce lower freqency wavelength, travel further w/ less heat.
In other word, it can penatrate better than higher frequency wavelength.
I would strongly vote against putting 3000k HID for your normal driving light.
It will not reflect like higher frequency color wavelength. It might be great if you are driving in the rain or fog, but most likely you can NOT even see the "STOP" sign under clear night.
On the other hand, if you using 8000K+ HID, you can spot "STOP" sign's reflective coating (mainly metallic/ white) mile ahead, but most likely can't even see a deer 100 feet ahead of you. ( okay, maybe deer's eyes )
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 498
Likes: 3
From: HI transplant in Seattle
2024 G63, 2021 X7M50i
It has been more than 20 years since physic 101.
3000k light produce lower freqency wavelength, travel further w/ less heat.
In other word, it can penatrate better than higher frequency wavelength.
I would strongly vote against putting 3000k HID for your normal driving light.
It will not reflect like higher frequency color wavelength. It might be great if you are driving in the rain or fog, but most likely you can NOT even see the "STOP" sign under clear night.
On the other hand, if you using 8000K+ HID, you can spot "STOP" sign's reflective coating (mainly metallic/ white) mile ahead, but most likely can't even see a deer 100 feet ahead of you. ( okay, maybe deer's eyes )
3000k light produce lower freqency wavelength, travel further w/ less heat.
In other word, it can penatrate better than higher frequency wavelength.
I would strongly vote against putting 3000k HID for your normal driving light.
It will not reflect like higher frequency color wavelength. It might be great if you are driving in the rain or fog, but most likely you can NOT even see the "STOP" sign under clear night.
On the other hand, if you using 8000K+ HID, you can spot "STOP" sign's reflective coating (mainly metallic/ white) mile ahead, but most likely can't even see a deer 100 feet ahead of you. ( okay, maybe deer's eyes )
Thanks No_Clue, I agree and that is why I want to run the 3000 HIDs for the foglights and keep the 4300 for my driving lights.
I am just curious to know of how many have managed to make the HIDs work on the E63 foglights and whether there were any error messages, flickering and if the active turning still worked.
Also any recommendations on where to buy the HID kits? I found one on ebay for $130. Will this work?
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: St. Louis
2004 E320
hey guys... i'm new around here and have found this thread very very useful. i did the capacitor mod for the hid kit i bought for my 04 e320. but after i run the car and lights for a few min the capacitors get really hot. i don't know if i just have the cap on the wrong way.
does the neg end of the cap connect to the black (ground) or does it connect to red (power)?
right now i have (-) end of cap. connected to power and
(+) end of cap connected to ground.
I just don't want anything to blow up. If anyone could help i'd really really appreciate it.
does the neg end of the cap connect to the black (ground) or does it connect to red (power)?
right now i have (-) end of cap. connected to power and
(+) end of cap connected to ground.
I just don't want anything to blow up. If anyone could help i'd really really appreciate it.
Last edited by bjferrer; Sep 10, 2007 at 12:57 AM.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 606
Likes: 4
From: Bellevue, WA
.... nothing to brag about, it is a previous model....
hey guys... i'm new around here and have found this thread very very useful. i did the capacitor mod for the hid kit i bought for my 04 e320. but after i run the car and lights for a few min the capacitors get really hot. i don't know if i just have the cap on the wrong way.
does the neg end of the cap connect to the black (ground) or does it connect to red (power)?
right now i have (-) end of cap. connected to power and
(+) end of cap connected to ground.
I just don't want anything to blow up. If anyone could help i'd really really appreciate it.
does the neg end of the cap connect to the black (ground) or does it connect to red (power)?
right now i have (-) end of cap. connected to power and
(+) end of cap connected to ground.
I just don't want anything to blow up. If anyone could help i'd really really appreciate it.
Positive should go w/ power.
Negative should go w/ ground.
BUT!!!! I have no idea where did you get your capacitor. I will ONLY advice capacitor from RadioShack for clear instruction.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 340
Likes: 0
From: San Diego, CA
If anyone is interested we sell the HID fogs, you can pick them up here:
http://www.creativeautoworks.com/sto...h=732_802_2125
Also we have D2SHID replacements, those can be purchased here.
http://www.creativeautoworks.com/sto...oducts_id=4285
http://www.creativeautoworks.com/sto...h=732_802_2125
Also we have D2SHID replacements, those can be purchased here.
http://www.creativeautoworks.com/sto...oducts_id=4285
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
C270 CDI 2002 Avantagarde
Great thread..
I have fitted my cheap ebay HID kit today and had lotsof flickering..
So i got the Capacitor like you said and it has solved the flickering....
HOWEVER....
If i start the engine and then turn the lights on they dont come on.. after a few seconds they try and start flashing on and off..
If i turn the engine off.... then turn the light on and start the engine afterwards they work fine! Very wierd...!
I can then turn them on and off at will and they work fine..
So just have to remember to turn the light on first before the engine!
any ideas why?... is it because i have not got the Xenons present setting changed by MB?
UPDATE - if i start off with the lights off and then after a fewmins turn the lights on they dont start and i get the BULB OUT warning on the display!!
Thanks
Dean
I have fitted my cheap ebay HID kit today and had lotsof flickering..
So i got the Capacitor like you said and it has solved the flickering....
HOWEVER....
If i start the engine and then turn the lights on they dont come on.. after a few seconds they try and start flashing on and off..
If i turn the engine off.... then turn the light on and start the engine afterwards they work fine! Very wierd...!
I can then turn them on and off at will and they work fine..
So just have to remember to turn the light on first before the engine!
any ideas why?... is it because i have not got the Xenons present setting changed by MB?
UPDATE - if i start off with the lights off and then after a fewmins turn the lights on they dont start and i get the BULB OUT warning on the display!!
Thanks
Dean
Last edited by dward; Sep 28, 2007 at 01:35 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 606
Likes: 4
From: Bellevue, WA
.... nothing to brag about, it is a previous model....
Great thread..
I have fitted my cheap ebay HID kit today and had lotsof flickering..
So i got the Capacitor like you said and it has solved the flickering....
HOWEVER....
If i start the engine and then turn the lights on they dont come on.. after a few seconds they try and start flashing on and off..
If i turn the engine off.... then turn the light on and start the engine afterwards they work fine! Very wierd...!
I can then turn them on and off at will and they work fine..
So just have to remember to turn the light on first before the engine!
any ideas why?... is it because i have not got the Xenons present setting changed by MB?
UPDATE - if i start off with the lights off and then after a fewmins turn the lights on they dont start and i get the BULB OUT warning on the display!!
Thanks
Dean
I have fitted my cheap ebay HID kit today and had lotsof flickering..
So i got the Capacitor like you said and it has solved the flickering....
HOWEVER....
If i start the engine and then turn the lights on they dont come on.. after a few seconds they try and start flashing on and off..
If i turn the engine off.... then turn the light on and start the engine afterwards they work fine! Very wierd...!
I can then turn them on and off at will and they work fine..
So just have to remember to turn the light on first before the engine!
any ideas why?... is it because i have not got the Xenons present setting changed by MB?
UPDATE - if i start off with the lights off and then after a fewmins turn the lights on they dont start and i get the BULB OUT warning on the display!!
Thanks
Dean
Don't know how C-klass work. But do you have capacitor on each side?
In E-klass, you also need to switch off DRL. (it give out less current)
Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
2025 GLE53 Coupe
Great thread..
I have fitted my cheap ebay HID kit today and had lotsof flickering..
So i got the Capacitor like you said and it has solved the flickering....
HOWEVER....
If i start the engine and then turn the lights on they dont come on.. after a few seconds they try and start flashing on and off..
If i turn the engine off.... then turn the light on and start the engine afterwards they work fine! Very wierd...!
I can then turn them on and off at will and they work fine..
So just have to remember to turn the light on first before the engine!
any ideas why?... is it because i have not got the Xenons present setting changed by MB?
UPDATE - if i start off with the lights off and then after a fewmins turn the lights on they dont start and i get the BULB OUT warning on the display!!
Thanks
Dean
I have fitted my cheap ebay HID kit today and had lotsof flickering..
So i got the Capacitor like you said and it has solved the flickering....
HOWEVER....
If i start the engine and then turn the lights on they dont come on.. after a few seconds they try and start flashing on and off..
If i turn the engine off.... then turn the light on and start the engine afterwards they work fine! Very wierd...!
I can then turn them on and off at will and they work fine..
So just have to remember to turn the light on first before the engine!
any ideas why?... is it because i have not got the Xenons present setting changed by MB?
UPDATE - if i start off with the lights off and then after a fewmins turn the lights on they dont start and i get the BULB OUT warning on the display!!
Thanks
Dean
i have the same issue on my e class,
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,460
Likes: 37
From: Boston
S-class
i just did this mod on my friend e63, however it did not stop the flickering. i upgraded the capacitor to the 4700µF 35V 20% Axial-Lead Electrolytic Capacitor
and that worked perfect.
the only thing is i cant seem to figure out which way the capacitor goes:
poistive ~~~> negative
or
Negative~~~~>> to positive
if you install the capacitor backwards the lights will still work but then the capicitor blows and you need to try again with a diffrent one.
also what kind of product should i use to tap the capacitor to the balast wire?
and that worked perfect.
the only thing is i cant seem to figure out which way the capacitor goes:
poistive ~~~> negative
or
Negative~~~~>> to positive
if you install the capacitor backwards the lights will still work but then the capicitor blows and you need to try again with a diffrent one.
also what kind of product should i use to tap the capacitor to the balast wire?
I know I'm bring this back from the dead,but I just installed hid's into my fog lights(W209).And didn't get any luck with the smaller capacitor,BUT after trying out the upgraded (4700µF 35V 20% Axial-Lead Electrolytic Capacitor) That did the job.
Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 164
Likes: 1
From: Grand Prairie Texas
'24 GLE53 AMG Coupe
Thanks for the good info!!!!!
I'm new to the board.. When I started reading the thread I had more questions, but the more I read, you guys answered most of them.
I've got a '03 E500 and I want to upgrade to HID, but have been leery of the HID systems for sale on eBay ond other sites.
I've got a 2001 Chevy Suburban Z71 with a McCollough HID Conversion kit. The 8000K system produced a brilliant blue light that made my truck 'stand out'. I kinda want the same for my E500, but was apprehensive about installing anything.
But after reading your comments, I'm feeling better about purchasing a kit and cracking the hood and 'gettin to it'....
I'm new to the board.. When I started reading the thread I had more questions, but the more I read, you guys answered most of them.
I've got a '03 E500 and I want to upgrade to HID, but have been leery of the HID systems for sale on eBay ond other sites.
I've got a 2001 Chevy Suburban Z71 with a McCollough HID Conversion kit. The 8000K system produced a brilliant blue light that made my truck 'stand out'. I kinda want the same for my E500, but was apprehensive about installing anything.
But after reading your comments, I'm feeling better about purchasing a kit and cracking the hood and 'gettin to it'....
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,783
Likes: 21
From: San Diego
2004 E320
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
GOOD NEWS!!!!
I just finish install a HID kit and been testing for the past weeks.. This kits does NOT require a capacitor like other kit. Its "plug and play". Only modifcation you would need to do was enlarge the stock bulb hold to fit the HID bulb. I place the HID ballast inside my headlights (there's plenty of room) for a clean oem look. Most important it DOES NOT display the error code or required you to visit the dealership to turn on the HID option (=$$$$)... Oh.. NO FLICKER with engine off and on!!!!.
Here's pictures with only one HID installed on passenger side
both installed:
Closer shot of the lights:
Finally, shot of my gauge.. look mom... NO ERROR
Enjoy.. any questions you can post here or pm me...
I just finish install a HID kit and been testing for the past weeks.. This kits does NOT require a capacitor like other kit. Its "plug and play". Only modifcation you would need to do was enlarge the stock bulb hold to fit the HID bulb. I place the HID ballast inside my headlights (there's plenty of room) for a clean oem look. Most important it DOES NOT display the error code or required you to visit the dealership to turn on the HID option (=$$$$)... Oh.. NO FLICKER with engine off and on!!!!.
Here's pictures with only one HID installed on passenger side
both installed:
Closer shot of the lights:
Finally, shot of my gauge.. look mom... NO ERROR
Enjoy.. any questions you can post here or pm me...
Last edited by angeleye328i; Nov 20, 2007 at 12:20 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,460
Likes: 37
From: Boston
S-class
GOOD NEWS!!!!
I just finish install a HID kit and been testing for the past weeks.. This kits does NOT require a capacitor like other kit. Its "plug and play". Only modifcation you would need to do was enlarge the stock bulb hold to fit the HID bulb. I place the HID ballast inside my headlights (there's plenty of room) for a clean oem look. Most important it DOES NOT display the error code or required you to visit the dealership to turn on the HID option (=$$$$)... Oh.. NO FLICKER with engine off and on!!!!.
Here's pictures with only one HID installed on passenger side
both installed:
Closer shot of the lights:
Finally, shot of my gauge.. look mom... NO ERROR
Enjoy.. any questions you can post here or pm me...
I just finish install a HID kit and been testing for the past weeks.. This kits does NOT require a capacitor like other kit. Its "plug and play". Only modifcation you would need to do was enlarge the stock bulb hold to fit the HID bulb. I place the HID ballast inside my headlights (there's plenty of room) for a clean oem look. Most important it DOES NOT display the error code or required you to visit the dealership to turn on the HID option (=$$$$)... Oh.. NO FLICKER with engine off and on!!!!.
Here's pictures with only one HID installed on passenger side
both installed:
Closer shot of the lights:
Finally, shot of my gauge.. look mom... NO ERROR
Enjoy.. any questions you can post here or pm me...
What kit did you use and where did you get it from?Thanks
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
2003 e320
mine worked fine for a year and now...
I had HID installed on both fog and head lights and they worked perfectly for over a year. Now that the year is done, the right headlight does not come on at the start of the vehicle 4 out of about 5 times. 1 out of 5 start ups are flawless and I have no problems. Out of the 4 times, once i start driving, the headlight eventually turns on.
Another thing I noticed is my right fog light (only sometimes) starts to flicker.
I have tried different combinations of turning lights on - starting engine and vice versa along with setting the lights on auto. Sucks for me =(
Im going to try the capacitor sometime soon.
Another thing I noticed is my right fog light (only sometimes) starts to flicker.
I have tried different combinations of turning lights on - starting engine and vice versa along with setting the lights on auto. Sucks for me =(
Im going to try the capacitor sometime soon.
