I would like to change it to the same white xenon if possible though I have not looked into where to start. Perhaps someone can advise on this forum.
Yellowish color high beams
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Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Nassau, Bahamas
2003 E500
Yellowish color high beams
My 2003 E 500 BiXenons have yellowish color high beam lights, is this the same on all these models ? The low beams are a bright white color which I prefer. Are both high beam and low beam bulbs Xenon or is one halogen?
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From: Boston
'05 A4 1.8TQM6
Bixenons are basically one bulb but there is a flap that limits light output. So when you're in low beam mode, the flap is partially closed to limit the light output. Flick on the high beams, the flap opens and allows all the light out. There is also a halogen high beam as well. So you're getting 100% of the xenon output and the halogen.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 167
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From: Nassau, Bahamas
2003 E500
Bixenons are basically one bulb but there is a flap that limits light output. So when you're in low beam mode, the flap is partially closed to limit the light output. Flick on the high beams, the flap opens and allows all the light out. There is also a halogen high beam as well. So you're getting 100% of the xenon output and the halogen.
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From: Blaine, WA
07 E320 Bluetec
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From: Albuquerque
'10 CL550, '12 GL550
It's this way on all cars, not just Mercedes.
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From: Blaine, WA
07 E320 Bluetec
Here I was thinking I needed an upgrade, but just found one; see below.I checked Hoen and they sell a xenonmatch Titanium rated at 70W/4,300K; I wonder if this higher wattage halogen replacement will cause an error as opposed to the OEM 55W bulb. Someone on the forum can please comment if this will work before I order it.
Last edited by pinebaron; Jan 4, 2008 at 03:20 PM.
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From: Blaine, WA
07 E320 Bluetec
Here is an update and for it I owe you a thanks for bringing this to my attention. I ordered Hoen Colormatch H7 bulbs, 55W (I also ordered the Titanium 70W) both of which arrived today. I was only brave enough to install the Colormatch H7 and I am absolutely pleased with them, same power, more light and white light. A couple of pics one with the yellow and one with white.
Last edited by pinebaron; Jan 7, 2008 at 06:25 PM.
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From: Blaine, WA
07 E320 Bluetec
These ones are same wattage, no wiring upgrade issue; OEMs are 55W. Besides I wanted a color match with my BiXenon headlamps and these worked perfect.
Last edited by pinebaron; Jan 7, 2008 at 06:39 PM.
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From: Blaine, WA
07 E320 Bluetec
Though I ordered two sets, I used the set with the same wattage as OEM 55W and these match perfect with my bixenons. I am delighted with the results.
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From: Blaine, WA
07 E320 Bluetec
I ordered these from Hoen. Click on H7 on this link and these are $37/pair plus shipping
http://www.hoen-usa.com/plus.htm
http://www.hoen-usa.com/plus.htm
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From: Charlotte, NC
2005 MB E500
thanks pinebaron, I just ordered 2 sets xexonmatch, 1 for the highbeam, and 1 for the fog light. I thought about upgrade the HID for the foglight but I guess this is a cheaper way out of it. I'm sure I'll be happy with this setup...
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From: Blaine, WA
07 E320 Bluetec
I chose not to replace fogs since I prefer yellow fog lights; we occasionally get fog in NJ. Additionally, I have the corner illuminating ones(takes getting used to since they switch on and off softly and HIDs are a no-no here); I am one of those guys who does not use fogs unneccessarily; only if there is real fog.
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Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Nassau, Bahamas
2003 E500
I just received and installed H7 100Watt Blue/White for my High beams and they look great and match the Xenons perfectly, I am wondering about the wiring and the increase in wattage, any idea if this may cause a problem?
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From: Blaine, WA
07 E320 Bluetec
By using 100Watt bulbs, you have almost doubled the current draw through existing wiring. OEM wiring and halogen headlamp fixtures are designed to safely use 55Watt bulbs. Most would reccomend a wiring harness upgrade (with perhaps a relay switch) when using high wattage bulbs, to avoid wiring damage.
Secondly, each plastic headlamp housing will now need to dissipate an additional 45Watts of heat. Minimal use of high beams will prevent heat accumulation and damage. Extended use may cause damage. I located a link for you to read some related information.
55W/12V = 4.58A (Watts/Volts = Current)
100W/12V = 8.33A
http://www.club-tc.com/forums/lighti...formation.html
Late Edition: Another thing you need to consider when using higher power bulbs or any other device creating an appreciable load within a vehicles electrical system, leaves less current/power available for other vital electrical functions like ignition and battery charging etc., though an MB's electronics is quite clever; it starts switching off unneccessary functions in case of an overload. I am not sure how well it works.
In the past I have built custom 1000 watt plus lighting systems on my off-road vehicles (not in the USA) which involved upgrades of engine, custom wiring, dual alternators, dual 250+amphr batteries etc.
Last edited by pinebaron; Jan 17, 2008 at 08:04 AM.
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From: Charlotte, NC
2005 MB E500
I chose not to replace fogs since I prefer yellow fog lights; we occasionally get fog in NJ. Additionally, I have the corner illuminating ones(takes getting used to since they switch on and off softly and HIDs are a no-no here); I am one of those guys who does not use fogs unneccessarily; only if there is real fog.
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From: Blaine, WA
07 E320 Bluetec
I think I drive too fast, conditions permitting, hence drive the Benz in stealth mode without attracting too much attention. I use my SUV to drive off-road where I need more light at close proximity.
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From: Louisiana
03 E500 and Corvette
Low Beam
Any help on low beams. My high are bright enough. The lows are almost non existant on a dark night. They appear yellow. Standard lights on the E500. They have been this way since new. Is there anything being used that improves this lighting. I plan to replace the bulbs to see if this improves the condition when my hand heals enough to work in tight places again. Otherwise I would have already replaced the bulbs. But after reading here just wondered if there is a upgrade bulb for the low beam that would not draw excessive current and be a plug and play option. Thanks.
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,252
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From: Blaine, WA
07 E320 Bluetec
Any help on low beams. My high are bright enough. The lows are almost non existant on a dark night. They appear yellow. Standard lights on the E500. They have been this way since new. Is there anything being used that improves this lighting. I plan to replace the bulbs to see if this improves the condition when my hand heals enough to work in tight places again. Otherwise I would have already replaced the bulbs. But after reading here just wondered if there is a upgrade bulb for the low beam that would not draw excessive current and be a plug and play option. Thanks.
An easy plug and play option is to replace standard bulbs with a Hoen Colormatch 55W bulb set; a low investment and safe option.
You say your low beams produced inadequate light from new. Review the condition of your headlamp lens; it won't let all the light pass through if it is not absolutely clear. You can purchase kits online to help resurrect a dull headlamp surface. My Ford Expedition headlamps had suffered due to extended exposure to sand and sea water spray while fishing sandy beaches in NJ. I recently replaced its headlamp shells with standard OEM shells; a Xmas present from my very observant son. I replaced the yellow halogens with white 4300K 55W halogens. They look cool and emit a great white light; a little better visibility than new OEMs.
Other than plug and play you could install HIDs; there is a sticky up there in this forum.
Other expensive plug and play options:
http://www.eautoworks.com/index20!ma...ght%20bulb.cfm
Last edited by pinebaron; Jan 17, 2008 at 10:12 AM.
