Changing US spec Intelligent Headlights to Euro/UK spec
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Tampa, FL
2019 E450 4Matic & 2018 E400 4Matic
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.
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From: Venice Florida
2018 S560
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.
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From: Tampa, FL
2019 E450 4Matic & 2018 E400 4Matic
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.
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From: Greater Cleveland area
2019 Dune Silver Metallic E-450 Mercedes Cabriolet NEW Mercedes 2020 GLC300 graphite gray SUV
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.
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From: Tampa, FL
2019 E450 4Matic & 2018 E400 4Matic
I hope you're right on all counts. While I think the Intelligent Lights are already fantastic, better would be icing on the cake!
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From: Austin, TX / Munich, DE
E 53 Wagon
I’ve done the conversion. It required new hardware, access to factory diagnostic tools, factory software, and lots of trial and error. There are dozens of steps required including flashing numerous control modules. I made a few mistakes and thankfully have SCN access to code my car back to stock automatically.
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Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Tampa, FL
2019 E450 4Matic & 2018 E400 4Matic
*waves*
I’ve done the conversion. It required new hardware, access to factory diagnostic tools, factory software, and lots of trial and error. There are dozens of steps required including flashing numerous control modules. I made a few mistakes and thankfully have SCN access to code my car back to stock automatically.
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From: Austin, TX / Munich, DE
E 53 Wagon
Yes, I’m in the US. I hope once the regulatory environment changes you’ll be able to activate the functionality. Until then, no software exists for US-spec headlamps.
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From: Northeast
'20 E Wagon
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.
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.
Member
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From: Northeast
'20 E Wagon
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.
Last edited by jl199986; Jan 12, 2019 at 12:39 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2018
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From: Austin, TX / Munich, DE
E 53 Wagon
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.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 420
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From: Austin, TX / Munich, DE
E 53 Wagon
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.
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’m known for my retrofits on BMW, VW, and Audi. This is my second Mercedes and the first I’ve tweaked.
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From: NorCal
2015 ML350+2025 E350
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.
Senior Member
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From: Austin, TX / Munich, DE
E 53 Wagon
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From: Greater Cleveland area
2019 Dune Silver Metallic E-450 Mercedes Cabriolet NEW Mercedes 2020 GLC300 graphite gray SUV
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. 
Senior Member
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From: Austin, TX / Munich, DE
E 53 Wagon
It shouldn’t require new headlamps. Right now, it does, because there’s no software.
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From: Greater Cleveland area
2019 Dune Silver Metallic E-450 Mercedes Cabriolet NEW Mercedes 2020 GLC300 graphite gray SUV
Senior Member
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From: Austin, TX / Munich, DE
E 53 Wagon
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2021 M550i
https://www.autoblog.com/2019/04/22/...ve-headlights/
seems like we may get clearance in the future for European spec headlights...
seems like we may get clearance in the future for European spec headlights...
