BM2BZ

ok, i know what's going to happen but please do not even read this post if you are about to start another heated debate regarding hid kit and/or led bulbs. this is a thread for someone like me who want to know the answer and i've posted the same questions to w211 amg forum. so for the ones who could care less, please move on and have a wonderful day, week, month, year, decade, and rest of your life .

now for the ones who are scratch their heads, here we go:

ok, i have a e550 w/p1, no p2, and want to change a bunch of light bulbs .

1. first thing first, hid kit for low beams. is it really that much of a different between 35w and 55w? how about slim and regular ballasts? i've read someone said slim makes the light a little more blue. will it? who would you order the kit and bulbs from, ijdmtoy or aznoptics ?
2. i just need a pair of 194 wedge led for city lights (inner lights), right?
3. same as license plate, just 1 pair of 194 wedge led?
4. would you recommend changing both the drl and fog to led bulbs or hid kits? are they sh23w (p13w) and h11? wanted to change them to hockey sticks but no one could come up with an absolute answer regarding cost of parts and possibility. not from dealer, though.
5. trunk. also 194 wedge led and just need 1 piece, right?
6. 1 pair of 6418 led for license plate?
7. how about the lights underneath the side mirrors? what size are they?
8. 2 pairs of side door courtesy lights but what size are they, 194 wedge led?
9. 1 pair of front map lights, 194 wedge led again, right?
10. 1 piece of center dome and 1 pair of rear dome. i think they are festoons but what sizes are they?
11. 2 pairs of foot area light, what size?
12. 1 piece glove box light, what size?

sorry for the long list but am i missing anything ? do i need error-free for everything, including interior bulbs? how hard/easy to have everything diy except hid kit for low beams? pics/video instructions are much appreciated. i've been doing research on these like crazy . if we could come up with a master list, admin could possibly make it as sticky and no one will ever ask the same questions again. thanks a million in advance !!!

CEB

OK, so you've already read the other thread so you are aware of both the legalities and warranty implications of changing ti aftermarket HID.

There are a few additional considerations not mentioned in that thread. Modern cars have very fragile electronics. With all of the sophisticated electronics and inter-related systems, any change may cause issues that might not rear their ugly heads right away. A problem may arise weeks or months after you made your mod.

The possibility of problems increase as you change the electrical draw.

You always need to ask yourself if the benefits of your mod (often cheapening the look of your car) are worth the benefits.

hyperion667

wow! sounds like a lot of work! good luck, hope it all works out

BM2BZ

thank you but it'll never work out until i hear some answers from the ones who have done it .

ImInPA

I would say that modern cars have more complex electronics, but, not "fragile" electronics. Legalities and druthers aside, as long as the parts you replace have the same power rating you will not damage your electronics. This is also true of tires. As long as you replace the tires with tires with an equal rating, you will cause no issues. Now, as you will learn here, your immortal soul is in jeopardy changing anything out without a hand written letter (or papal approval) from your manufacturer.

CEB

I would say that in this case fragile and complex are the same. The system expects to see a certain value and if it doesn't then parts shut down. Once parts shut down then other systems start to be affected.

A prime example is LEDs. As they draw less current this can cause issues unless you hang resistors on them to fool the system. These resistors turn the extra energy into heat causing their own problems.

Quite frankly, modern cars aren't as mod friendly as older cars and the modded ends up paying

BM2BZ

Pierredekock

It seems you have put good efforts on it, best of luck mate

bigigg

Ok let me help you, aznoptics makes a great product.. hes a w204 owner and is knowledgeable of MB. 55 watt hid kit puts out more heat, you run the risk of melting the housing/wires.. go with 35 watt its plenty. 194 wedge for city lights.. your license plate lights should of already came with leds.. aznoptics leds have built in resistors soo there wont be any problems there.. go on the w204 forum and you will see many members using his product.. Mike will assist you in getting the proper bulbs you need. good luck

BM2BZ

thanks for the first official post which finally contains some answers . i did pm'd him but he didn't carry some of the items. that's why i put out a whole list and see if anyone could help.

chrisvr6

I want to change the bulbs in the dual round fogs that are daytime running. Are those the city lights?

BM2BZ

no, the city lights are inner lights next to the headlights. the quad round lights on the bumper are drl and fog.

chrisvr6

So can i use led bulbs for drl's?

BM2BZ

yes, i think so. you see what so funny, chris? i've come up with the list and hoping someone w/either the knowledge or experience could help people like us but i ended up answering your question. isn't it weird ?

chrisvr6

No error codes with drl leds?

BM2BZ

you have to get the error-free bulbs.

BM2BZ

again...

PHML

Try benzworld...you might get a better response there.

BM2BZ

i was about to give up and just add hid kit and forget about everything else . even hid kit, i don't know where to have it install locally . i hate to join different forums just to ask one question but i guess i have to . thanks, pete.

PHML

I have some LEDs coming in...hopefully I have what I need....I'll volunteer to be the beta tester...

Btw, did you test your HID kit yet? You should install it inside the lowbeam housing...and connect it...see if it works properly. If it does work, then decide how to install it cleanly.

BM2BZ

i've asked around different shops for both parts and labors. all i can say is ridiculous ! please let me know how yours go. i want to have mine done asap. thanks in advance !

OceanView

Keep us posted.
I too have a P1 car and would love to upgrade my lights.

aqsc815616

I order a set of Mtec HID. been searching around too and found out a lot of people chose this set. also have P1 car. looks like a lot of work to install the kit. you have to drill a hole on the bulb cover, the driver side bulb is very hard to get to.

BM2BZ

so yours are done? an extremely cool dude has done mine and yes, they are pita.

captj3

No you don't have to drill the cover. There is another way. You can notch the cover on the inside. When you take it off you will see what I mean. Then run the wires through it and replace the dust cover. It will be a little hard to get it on, but it will make the install a little cleaner imo. Yes the drivers side is a pain in the a$$ to install. Best to do it through the wheel well.