Piranajoe

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?

GDawgC220

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.

Piranajoe

Thanks for the info, however I am still trying to determine if the yellowish color is standard?

GDawgC220

Well, the halogens output a yellowish color so that is where it is coming from. A standard halogen hi-beam bulb is standard IIRC.

pinebaron

It is on my 07 E320 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.

lkchris

Halogen bulbs are used in the inner lights because HID bulbs--which are arc lights and not filaments--warm up too slowly to be used as flashers.

It's this way on all cars, not just Mercedes.

pinebaron

OMG; such a simple explaination 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.

pinebaron

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.

Taylor-Made'90

Another suggestion: get a set of H7s 100w blue xenons. The 8000/8500K color outshines any halogen you'll find....

You should be able to find them on eBay or other sites.

pinebaron

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.

Roehl

Just becarefull of using higher wattage bulbs because your wiring may not be design to handle such load. It will melt your wiring.

pinebaron

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.

E500Newbee

pinebaron,

how much was the light(high beam) kit and where did you ordered?

pinebaron

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

E500Newbee

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...

pinebaron

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.

Piranajoe

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?

pinebaron

The following information is not to cause alarm but more to bring to your attention.

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.

E500Newbee

That's cool, I like the clean look. Down here in Charlotte, NC we don't get fog too often, therefore, I love the clean look of whiter light. Plus I like to use a lot of light on my car to drive at night. I guess I'm blind or something. I just changed the clear corner lamp too...and now, I'm working on changing the running light to whiter. I having found one I really like yet.

pinebaron

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.

vettdvr

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.

pinebaron

I hope your hand gets better soon.

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