H7 Bulb Retainers for HIDs
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2011
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From: Highlands Ranch, Colorado
2014 BMW M235i
H7 Bulb Retainers for HIDs
This is a question that's been coming up a lot lately in threads and in DMs, so I thought I'd share this. For anyone looking to do an HID conversion, you really *need* new retainer clips with pre-cut slots and larger tabs so you can actually have your HID bulb fit in the assembly without falling out when you hit your first bump.
I originally got mine from Boardboy330, one of the nicest and most helpful guys on the forum (especially when it comes to HID questions) - he sent me some he had ordered and never used. These were really the ONLY way I was able to finish my install because not only is the design of the bulb holder system absolutely terrible, the OEM bulb holders are even worse. I feel really bad because I've told a lot of people "just DM Boardboy and ask him where to get them" but I've found the exact design I used so it's more helpful than tormenting that poor guy with so many inquiries.
To find the clips I am talking about, Google search "H7 HID bulb holder Mercedes" and you will get a number of results for the type of clip you need - the bigger the tabs the better for holding it in. Here's an example (I'm sure this will be a broken link in the future):
http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/321261888815?lpid=82
And another thing, don't worry about buying from a Chinese-sourced parts manufacturer. Mine were quite obviously not made in the US and they worked just fine - it's just a piece of CNC'd aluminum, just get these for cheap and don't stress about it.
-Joey
I originally got mine from Boardboy330, one of the nicest and most helpful guys on the forum (especially when it comes to HID questions) - he sent me some he had ordered and never used. These were really the ONLY way I was able to finish my install because not only is the design of the bulb holder system absolutely terrible, the OEM bulb holders are even worse. I feel really bad because I've told a lot of people "just DM Boardboy and ask him where to get them" but I've found the exact design I used so it's more helpful than tormenting that poor guy with so many inquiries.
To find the clips I am talking about, Google search "H7 HID bulb holder Mercedes" and you will get a number of results for the type of clip you need - the bigger the tabs the better for holding it in. Here's an example (I'm sure this will be a broken link in the future):
http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/321261888815?lpid=82
And another thing, don't worry about buying from a Chinese-sourced parts manufacturer. Mine were quite obviously not made in the US and they worked just fine - it's just a piece of CNC'd aluminum, just get these for cheap and don't stress about it.
-Joey
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From: Down Unda
W204 C63 AMG, W212 E250 CGI, C207 E250 CGI
nice! this will help a lot of people...
I only found out about this after I opened my headlights. so I just cut a slit on my stock retainers and they're holdin' up good so far.
I only found out about this after I opened my headlights. so I just cut a slit on my stock retainers and they're holdin' up good so far.
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06 E320 CDI (GONE), 14 Jeep GC EcoDiesel, 01 Disco II (GONE), 09 BMW X3 3.0 Si Xdrive
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Highlands Ranch, Colorado
2014 BMW M235i
This may not be REQUIRED but definitely make the install easier, I'm not saying they are needed I'm simply saying for people that have been having problems and are looking for this aftermarket clips here is what you need.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2011
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From: Highlands Ranch, Colorado
2014 BMW M235i
Honestly it's a terrible design in the first place, they could have made it much easier with a spring style bulb holder like you see on the Toyotas where it's an easy latch on latch off. Oh well
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2007 E350
They can also be found here if you don't want to go the eBay route
http://www.theretrofitsource.com/acc...l#.UyW0APq9KK0
http://www.theretrofitsource.com/acc...l#.UyW0APq9KK0
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Joined: May 2009
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From: Frederick
2000 ML320, 2005 E320 CDI
OEM def don't work. I had to cut them open with a dremel to use them. I ordered the set I sent to AMG and didn't have the patience to wait. I modded the OEM instead. They work without issue.
Thanks for posting this up. Def helpful info for those wanting to do an HID upgrade.
Thanks for posting this up. Def helpful info for those wanting to do an HID upgrade.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2013
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Likes: 134
From: Down Unda
W204 C63 AMG, W212 E250 CGI, C207 E250 CGI
I dont really use the double clip trick so i wouldnt know if it holds or not. Never really had problems with the oem retainers, i just took a photo of it to show that its possible. Ill try it for a few days and see if it holds. I also thought about the glue gun but wouldnt it melt with the heat from the HID?
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 3,184
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From: Highlands Ranch, Colorado
2014 BMW M235i
I did that initially but for certain kits the OEM holders will no longer fit, plus you run into possible shorting issues if you just solder and use electrical tape, so if you do it's probably a good idea to use heat shrink tubing over the cut section.
