marcmayer

Hi - I have 2012 e350 that did not come with P2 package. I also have a set of Bi-Xenon headlights and ballast/control units that I would like to install.. What is involved in retrofit? If there a guide.

thelenswap

Im actually doing this now. Not non xenon to xenon but I am upgrading my internals with factory projectors clear lens and projector tuning.

S550e

marcmayer and thelenswap,

Please let me know how your modification goes. I also have a P1 optioned car and I am looking to do the same. Just looking for someone who has already completed the task to understand their labor and feedback

Arrie

In addition to the lights themselves you also need the camera in the windshield that is the sensor for the lights control. Just installing that may be a massive task.

It is like when I bought my first E350 without the driver assist package. I looked into having the Distronic installed later on it but the cost would have been just out of this world and the car would have had to be shipped to Holland and back where the shop that could do this is located. I desided to trade the car is and get one with the Driver assist package. This is a lot cheaper and in every way better option.

But, if you get it done let us know...

marcmayer

Good point. I have the camera - car has the Driver assistance package and uses the camera for lane tracking. So here is what I have learned that I will need so far:

1. Bi-Xenon headlight (x2)
2. Headlight control module (screws to bottom of headlights) (x2)
3. Front height sensor (attaches to front suspension)
4. Rear height sensor (attaches to rear suspension)
5. Custom harness - see, for example, attached.

6. Dealer that is willing to use MB service system to update data card & reprogram the front SAM, rear SAM, headlight modules

Arrie

Well heck,

If you have MB dealer service ready to help perhaps they could tell you all you need for this retrofit. If you get it done you will never buy a car without lights like these. They are just awesome.

New models light package has all LED lights that I guess are even better, which I have hard time to believe but then I don't have a new model.

Good luck with it.

marcmayer

Thanks. Dealer is willing to program but wants me to install the non factory parts (Hella headlights/modules/harness) or all parts and they will just program.

You are right - I love the Xenons on my older cars (2000 e430 & 2008 S550) and the new LEDs are awesome (2014 E63), I bought this car for my son because it had the driver assistance package/parktronic and was a fantastic deal. I'm just spoiled and not a big fan of the halogens

Mud

Very interesting, I'm considering this retrofit. I hope you will post results. Sounds like you made great headway in gathering parts and figuring out how to make them work.
I share your view on halogens, in my case the first thing I did several years ago on my P1 lights was to install a Morimoto 35w HID kit, huge difference. The best thing I can say about the stock halogen projectors is they perform quite well with the HID's in regards to beam pattern and cut-off. I've done a number of projector retrofits with Morimoto and E55 bi-xenon units and it's a lot of work - this sounds very close to plug and play (considering the "play" being the dealer programming).
Thanks for posting your info.