Changing US spec Intelligent Headlights to Euro/UK spec
 

Is there a software change or update to enable full intelligent LEDs in the new E-Class with the ILS? (P02)

In the US? At this time there is not. Only recently has the NHTSA even recommended the use of the European system to use the full intelligent lights and it still has to go for public comment and full ratification before completely permitted. Then we have to see if we even have the very same lights in our cars they do in Europe AND if MBUSA will consider offering reprogramming of our lights if we do.

I think we are SOL on this one. It's a shame because we pay extra for the lights and then can't really utilize them, oh well, at least the lights are pretty good as they are.

I suspect you are right. MB doesn't seem to like to reprogram things after the sale. I would be more than willing to pay for a reprogram if it becomes reality that we can finally have the same lights they have in Europe.

I sincerely doubt they put a different light system in US vehicles, it's probably a software update of some kind. I'm sure once the NHTSA bs has run it's course, if not MB, someone will figured out the software necessary to get it up & running.

I hope you're right on all counts. While I think the Intelligent Lights are already fantastic, better would be icing on the cake!

I would suspect hacking into your car's programming could void your warranty?

Are you in the US? What hardware is required? That is disconcerting as I had hoped once fully approved for the US market, dealers would be able reprogram our intelligent lights to the new spec.

You said it required new hardware. What new hardware is needed?

Thanks WD. Reading up on your E63 exploits. While I've got "above average" skill from modding VW's thru VCDS and even ECU software I've tweaked myself- I'll hold off on this for now. My first MB.

The $takes with MB are a bit higher to fix my mistakes. And I've not got ample time these days. So for now the combination of hoping for US relief and running my warranty out a good bit longer should give me pause to wait.

We'll see how long that lasts.

I think he means a new headlamp unit with a EU spec serial number that MB software recognizes. That's the challenge with intelligent (chipped) hardware- not necessarily interchangeable even if the actual hardware is the same- if the chip says it's different- it's different.

This may be a moot point as it appears MB is already adopting a new design. See my post about "New Headlight Option". They're not likely to upgrade any old designs. Hackers notwithstanding.

The long and short of it sounds as if the majority of us are SOL. I too was hoping for just a software update. If this requires different headlamps, then there is no way MB is going to switch out us previous owners. :nix:

So, if the proper software was available, no additional hardware would be necessary in order to convert....correct?

MB is not known for retrofitting software to older models. If there is an upgrade it will most likely be in the E Class refresh.

Perhaps not new software, but they do embed a lot of options in OEM modules that can be activated with the right tools. I had active fog lights and tire pressure monitoring (ABS-type) turned on in my old W203 AMG C55.

https://www.autoblog.com/2019/04/22/...ve-headlights/

seems like we may get clearance in the future for European spec headlights...