genixmb

Hi guys,

I have several modifications planned or in the dreaming stages. One of these dream stage plans is to convert to adaptive bixenon headlamps to my AMG/sport package e350. Currently has the stock halogens...I found some adaptive bixenon headlamps on ebay however this presents a few problems. Car is missing the camera, the computer won't know to use the inputs/controls, and there may be electrical challenges as well. I looked around to see if anyone has done this and couldn't find anything. Is this conversion possible do you think? I can try and pick up the applicable OEM parts. Maybe I need to google harder or call my local MB dealer as well.

genixmb

I called into local MB dealer and they said it would likely be impossible. I think maybe it is a sensor in front and not a camera based on a parts check. Also sounds like there's going to be a lot of other intermediate parts, electrical, maybe front SAM, and possibly a COMAND update to support it. Has anyone got the 2011-13 W212 with adaptive front headlights and had any issues with them or know anything about how they're configured? Does MB update COMAND software if the hardware parts are put in place?

cetialpha5

How far are you going to go? The bixenons also have the headlamp washers and they also auto level. The curve illumination also activates the fog lights. I think many have tried, but trying to add OEM bixenons is pretty expensive, most just end up putting in xenon headlamps and projectors and that's about it. If you want the OEM functionality, you're better off just trying to find one that has the bixenons, they got rid of them in 2014 so you're just looking at 2010-2013. Look for the ones that have the cut outs in the bumper for the headlamp washers or the sticker under the hood that warns of high voltage, the halogens don't have those.

genixmb

All the way if possible. Challenges make me happy. I have the hockeysticks fog lights model so I have already found all the part no's for doing 2012+ led fogs and it comes out to about $500 to get them in, counting trim, lights, screws, brackets, shipping. I do the work myself so no labor in that. The headlight washers I can take or leave, but it is probably part of the unit so worth considering. Autoleveling is probably part of the lamp unit no? What I think wouldn't be is the controls for those leveling systems, which would either tie directly into the sensor circuit or controlled by the comand system (at the very least some settings are). Would you happen to know a link for another attempt so I could see how far they got with it. I did a lot of googling and only saw it mentioned.

genixmb

From research on other types of cars, I saw some users saying to get adaptive works needs LCM, xenon control unit, wiring harness, the levelers, footwell control module, and then coding all that in, which I guess has to do with the computer system?

teksurv

Most of the people in your position go with static HID retrofit. If you still want the challenge, perhaps members ChrisTheSwede or Vic Viper can assist with actual parts needed, though they likely are in different areas of this forum.

cetialpha5

I'm not sure about the changes on the W212, on the W211, there was some connection underneath the car that had something to do with the auto level. That's in case your rear is sitting low, then your lights would be aimed too high without the auto level. Headlamp washers I believe are needed in Europe because HIDs that have dust/dirt on them tend to scatter light so the washers are required to keep them clean. I don't think think there's a requirement for them in the US. I think the price difference between a car that has them and one that doesn't is minimal which is why most people say to just trade it in for a model that has it. Going to cost a lot more adding them in afterwards.

genixmb

I'm not sure about trading it in. I would trade in for a '12 I think or '13, but then I feel like I'm losing a lot of money, I'd probably get 22k for a trade and then another 8 for the car I want or something . I've never traded in before. And also I do get satisfaction from a project on a car... I will weigh it but it would be awesome if the several things I want were doable. I guess we can't always get what we want though..