Activated Intelligent High Beam Plus on My U.S. E300
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Joined: Jan 2021
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From: The Middle of the Fairway
2025 E450 All Terrain Wagon, Nautical Blue Metallic, Macchiato Beige/Black Interior
Activated My Intelligent High Beam Plus on My U.S. E300
I had Intelligent High Beam Plus activated on my 2017 E300 yesterday. Went for a ride on some dark, windy, 2-lane country roads last night and it was great to see the adaptive high beams in action. There were at least 30 cars on the other side of the road at various points during the drive. My high beams stayed on and at no point did a single car flash me to turn off my high beams. At low speeds and in neighborhoods with lots of streetlights, the high beams turned themselves off.
In some dark neighborhoods where a home had two lights at their door or at the end of their driveway, the new Intelligent High Beams stayed on. Previously, with auto on/off high beam, my car would turn off high beams there (the car thought the 2 lights were oncoming cars).
I had https://rjautomotive.net perform the coding remotely as they were recommended by others on MBWorld. The process was flawless, took about 20 minutes and they were great to work with. I was able to do the remote coding right from my own garage. Intelligent High Beam Plus is a big step up from Auto High Beams.
In some dark neighborhoods where a home had two lights at their door or at the end of their driveway, the new Intelligent High Beams stayed on. Previously, with auto on/off high beam, my car would turn off high beams there (the car thought the 2 lights were oncoming cars).
I had https://rjautomotive.net perform the coding remotely as they were recommended by others on MBWorld. The process was flawless, took about 20 minutes and they were great to work with. I was able to do the remote coding right from my own garage. Intelligent High Beam Plus is a big step up from Auto High Beams.
Last edited by beechcamp; Apr 12, 2022 at 10:08 AM. Reason: typos
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Joined: May 2018
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From: Long Island, NY
2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
I had Intelligent High Beam Plus activated on my 2017 E300 yesterday. Went for a ride on some dark, windy, 2-lane country roads last night and it was great to see the adaptive high beams in action. There were at least 30 cars on the other side of the road at various points during the drive. My high beams stayed on and at no point did a single car flash me to turn off my high beams. At low speeds and in neighborhoods with lots of streetlights, the high beams turned themselves off.
In some dark neighborhoods where a home had two lights at their door or at the end of their driveway, the new Intelligent High Beams stayed on. Previously, with auto on/off high beam, my car would turn off high beams there (the car thought the 2 lights were oncoming cars).
I had https://rjautomotive.net perform the coding remotely as they were recommended by others on MBWorld. The process was flawless, took about 20 minutes and they were great to work with. I was able to do the remote coding right from my own garage. Intelligent High Beam Plus is a big step up from Auto High Beams.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0OJj...d5cxMjA0MjAyMg
In some dark neighborhoods where a home had two lights at their door or at the end of their driveway, the new Intelligent High Beams stayed on. Previously, with auto on/off high beam, my car would turn off high beams there (the car thought the 2 lights were oncoming cars).
I had https://rjautomotive.net perform the coding remotely as they were recommended by others on MBWorld. The process was flawless, took about 20 minutes and they were great to work with. I was able to do the remote coding right from my own garage. Intelligent High Beam Plus is a big step up from Auto High Beams.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0OJj...d5cxMjA0MjAyMg
Sounds great! Did you have the intelligent lights on your car? I do on my 2019 E450, but not "full" so I am thinking about doing it as well. What was the charge?
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E450 presently.
I’m sure he did, as the guy would not be able to do the remote MOD. I have it as well. It’s unclear as to what exactly is going on presently with these, but I think this MOD is not too expensive, and doesn’t require hardware.
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From: Long Island, NY
2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
When I went to rjautomotive website it indicated that you needed a laptop to complete the modification. I love the way my present intelligent high beams work and would love the total intelligent modifications: Can you imagine your high beams only on your side of the road, with oncoming traffic! Also I read that reflections from traffic signs are no longer a problem as those particular pixels are automatically turned off while the balance of the high beams remain on. I am pushing 80, my eyesight is nothing like it was even 10 years ago, and any and all help I can get from my headlights I want. To me this is a safety issue - it will make me a much safer driver at night.
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E450 presently.
So we will both get it. Guy gets some business. 
Makes me a bit nervous, but I’m going to this website and gather info. Maybe they have a primer, or instruction on what it entails.
you would THINK, that now that i’ts legal in the US that there would be guidance. Fat chance for that.
Makes me a bit nervous, but I’m going to this website and gather info. Maybe they have a primer, or instruction on what it entails.
you would THINK, that now that i’ts legal in the US that there would be guidance. Fat chance for that.
Last edited by Mac Jones 55; Apr 12, 2022 at 06:47 PM.
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From: MO, USA
2019 E450 Wagon
I’m very much considering this mod too. Glad to be on this forum as I hadn’t heard of it anywhere else. My own fault for not knowing this, but when I ordered my car I thought the upgraded lighting option was going to have the fancy bits like shown in that video, especially for the added cost, but it wasn’t made clear to me that it wouldn’t be fully functional in the US. I’m not sure I would have ordered the option had I known then, so I’m quite pleased there’s an aftermarket option to fully enable the hardware.
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Joined: Nov 2021
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From: Hong Kong, China
2021 S450 4Matic
2 important points of consideration for activating this feature in older MBs:-
1. Current ruling is aimed at new vehicles only
''It isn’t clear if the regulation allows recent models with existing hardware to be activated with ADB, because the language is focused on new vehicles. NHTSA hasn’t responded to our request for clarification.''
https://www.consumerreports.org/car-...s-a8128257819/
I think this is the reason why you do not see any online instruction showing how to do it on older vehicles. And, for this reason, I bet most (if not all) MB dealers will not do it on older MBs.
2. Even Adaptive headlights are now legal, they will not be as bright as Europe's
''The ruling came with a caveat, however: The lights will have to be dimmer than those used in Europe, for example, owing to a standard set in the United States in the 1970s.''
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/18/b...eadlights.html
This is important because shops like RJ Automotive is an UK shop, which might not provide this online mod service fully compliant with the US NHTSA's standard. Europe and UK will have the headlights in full brighness while the US will have a lower brightness. Better ask them if their mod fully satisfies the US standard.
This two points could have some serious consequence. Of course, if nothing happens, then all is good. But, if there is an accident, this could lead to serious legal and car insurance complications.
Sorry if I have poured some cold water on anyone's enthusiasm and excitement.
1. Current ruling is aimed at new vehicles only
''It isn’t clear if the regulation allows recent models with existing hardware to be activated with ADB, because the language is focused on new vehicles. NHTSA hasn’t responded to our request for clarification.''
https://www.consumerreports.org/car-...s-a8128257819/
I think this is the reason why you do not see any online instruction showing how to do it on older vehicles. And, for this reason, I bet most (if not all) MB dealers will not do it on older MBs.
2. Even Adaptive headlights are now legal, they will not be as bright as Europe's
''The ruling came with a caveat, however: The lights will have to be dimmer than those used in Europe, for example, owing to a standard set in the United States in the 1970s.''
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/18/b...eadlights.html
This is important because shops like RJ Automotive is an UK shop, which might not provide this online mod service fully compliant with the US NHTSA's standard. Europe and UK will have the headlights in full brighness while the US will have a lower brightness. Better ask them if their mod fully satisfies the US standard.
This two points could have some serious consequence. Of course, if nothing happens, then all is good. But, if there is an accident, this could lead to serious legal and car insurance complications.
Sorry if I have poured some cold water on anyone's enthusiasm and excitement.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 3,048
Likes: 905
From: Long Island, NY
2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
2 important points of consideration for activating this feature in older MBs:-
1. Current ruling is aimed at new vehicles only
''It isn’t clear if the regulation allows recent models with existing hardware to be activated with ADB, because the language is focused on new vehicles. NHTSA hasn’t responded to our request for clarification.''
https://www.consumerreports.org/car-...s-a8128257819/
I think this is the reason why you do not see any online instruction showing how to do it on older vehicles. And, for this reason, I bet most (if not all) MB dealers will not do it on older MBs.
2. Even Adaptive headlights are now legal, they will not be as bright as Europe's
''The ruling came with a caveat, however: The lights will have to be dimmer than those used in Europe, for example, owing to a standard set in the United States in the 1970s.''
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/18/b...eadlights.html
This is important because shops like RJ Automotive is an UK shop, which might not provide this online mod service fully compliant with the US NHTSA's standard. Europe and UK will have the headlights in full brighness while the US will have a lower brightness. Better ask them if their mod fully satisfies the US standard.
This two points could have some serious consequence. Of course, if nothing happens, then all is good. But, if there is an accident, this could lead to serious legal and car insurance complications.
Sorry if I have poured some cold water on anyone's enthusiasm and excitement.
1. Current ruling is aimed at new vehicles only
''It isn’t clear if the regulation allows recent models with existing hardware to be activated with ADB, because the language is focused on new vehicles. NHTSA hasn’t responded to our request for clarification.''
https://www.consumerreports.org/car-...s-a8128257819/
I think this is the reason why you do not see any online instruction showing how to do it on older vehicles. And, for this reason, I bet most (if not all) MB dealers will not do it on older MBs.
2. Even Adaptive headlights are now legal, they will not be as bright as Europe's
''The ruling came with a caveat, however: The lights will have to be dimmer than those used in Europe, for example, owing to a standard set in the United States in the 1970s.''
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/18/b...eadlights.html
This is important because shops like RJ Automotive is an UK shop, which might not provide this online mod service fully compliant with the US NHTSA's standard. Europe and UK will have the headlights in full brighness while the US will have a lower brightness. Better ask them if their mod fully satisfies the US standard.
This two points could have some serious consequence. Of course, if nothing happens, then all is good. But, if there is an accident, this could lead to serious legal and car insurance complications.
Sorry if I have poured some cold water on anyone's enthusiasm and excitement.
Many, many years ago I was involved in a fire in a house: the insurance company found that there had been some wiring done by the owner: the wiring was absolutely and totally unrelated to the fire, but the homeowner never got the wiring inspected and/or approved.. The insurance company denied liability. As I remember it, eventually the insurance company paid but it was a long drawn out fight.
Your post reminded me of that incident which I had totally forgotten.
Thanks for your post.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 330
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From: The Middle of the Fairway
2025 E450 All Terrain Wagon, Nautical Blue Metallic, Macchiato Beige/Black Interior
When I went to rjautomotive website it indicated that you needed a laptop to complete the modification. I love the way my present intelligent high beams work and would love the total intelligent modifications: Can you imagine your high beams only on your side of the road, with oncoming traffic! Also I read that reflections from traffic signs are no longer a problem as those particular pixels are automatically turned off while the balance of the high beams remain on. I am pushing 80, my eyesight is nothing like it was even 10 years ago, and any and all help I can get from my headlights I want. To me this is a safety issue - it will make me a much safer driver at night.
I just had to download some reputable software that I researched beforehand, plugged in the supplied OBD device and RJ handled it from there. Once the job was done I deleted the software. I also spoke with other folks who had done similar codings with no issues. So I took my time making sure it was legit before taking the plunge.
Last edited by beechcamp; Apr 13, 2022 at 08:15 AM.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 330
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From: The Middle of the Fairway
2025 E450 All Terrain Wagon, Nautical Blue Metallic, Macchiato Beige/Black Interior
On the "Store" section of the RJ Automotive website it looks like 5 credits for £80.
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From: Hong Kong, China
2021 S450 4Matic
The headlights brightness is not changed & left to US spec(Even if it was changed, would be very hard for them to prove)
Also in the event of an accident, the insurance company would have to do some very deep analysis to figure out if intelligent high beam plus have been activated, even MB dealers in most cases cannot see if it has been activated. The only way they could probably tell is if they took it on a night drive (which if your car has been in an accident i doubt they can do...)
Here in UK and Europe we have much stricter/higher standard safety laws than the US NHTSA, so I also highly doubt that the intelligent high beam plus will cause "accidents" as it has been legal here for years.
In fact when I have visited the US and driven there, i have found at night that, there are a lot of vehicles lights would dazzle me.
Also in the event of an accident, the insurance company would have to do some very deep analysis to figure out if intelligent high beam plus have been activated, even MB dealers in most cases cannot see if it has been activated. The only way they could probably tell is if they took it on a night drive (which if your car has been in an accident i doubt they can do...)
Here in UK and Europe we have much stricter/higher standard safety laws than the US NHTSA, so I also highly doubt that the intelligent high beam plus will cause "accidents" as it has been legal here for years.
In fact when I have visited the US and driven there, i have found at night that, there are a lot of vehicles lights would dazzle me.
But, ''hard to prove'' is not the same as ''impossible to prove''. With all due respect to your technical work, when the software is hacked, then it can be found. This is especially so in the US. UK might have stricter/safer traffic standard, the US has a meaner litigation/liability culture. If a lawsuit is involved with a large amount of money (when there is severe permanent bodily damage or loss of life), this is good enough incentive for an involved party to dig the hack.
And then, ''hard to prove'' is also not the same as ''it is legal''. Having said this, we all are quite familiar with this mentality of ''I am doing something illegal but it is something very hard for the authority to catch me''. After all, most of us do sometimes drive above the posted speed limit and not receive a ticket. :-D
Anyway, everyone has his own take. Just my 2 cents.
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2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
Just my $.02:
I have been thinking about this and in consideration of the many thoughtful posts on this subject, I have revised my opinion:
Once the regulations in the US have changed to allow full intelligent lighting I see no harm or reason not to upgrade an existing system: to me this is no different than when we changed our stock halogen bulbs to Sylvania Silver Star, or retrofitted Halogen lights with HID. Both were perfectly legal.
Going full intelligent is not a modification but a safety upgrade: If full intelligent is available and legal on 2022 models and newer, there is no reason that an older model cannot be upgraded.
But to be on the safe side, I plan to wait until full intelligent systems are available in the US: then I plan the upgrade on my car: this would not be a modification but an upgrade of an existing system in full compliance with US laws.
I have been thinking about this and in consideration of the many thoughtful posts on this subject, I have revised my opinion:
Once the regulations in the US have changed to allow full intelligent lighting I see no harm or reason not to upgrade an existing system: to me this is no different than when we changed our stock halogen bulbs to Sylvania Silver Star, or retrofitted Halogen lights with HID. Both were perfectly legal.
Going full intelligent is not a modification but a safety upgrade: If full intelligent is available and legal on 2022 models and newer, there is no reason that an older model cannot be upgraded.
But to be on the safe side, I plan to wait until full intelligent systems are available in the US: then I plan the upgrade on my car: this would not be a modification but an upgrade of an existing system in full compliance with US laws.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 893
Likes: 397
From: Hong Kong, China
2021 S450 4Matic
Just my $.02:
I have been thinking about this and in consideration of the many thoughtful posts on this subject, I have revised my opinion:
Once the regulations in the US have changed to allow full intelligent lighting I see no harm or reason not to upgrade an existing system: to me this is no different than when we changed our stock halogen bulbs to Sylvania Silver Star, or retrofitted Halogen lights with HID. Both were perfectly legal.
Going full intelligent is not a modification but a safety upgrade: If full intelligent is available and legal on 2022 models and newer, there is no reason that an older model cannot be upgraded.
But to be on the safe side, I plan to wait until full intelligent systems are available in the US: then I plan the upgrade on my car: this would not be a modification but an upgrade of an existing system in full compliance with US laws.
I have been thinking about this and in consideration of the many thoughtful posts on this subject, I have revised my opinion:
Once the regulations in the US have changed to allow full intelligent lighting I see no harm or reason not to upgrade an existing system: to me this is no different than when we changed our stock halogen bulbs to Sylvania Silver Star, or retrofitted Halogen lights with HID. Both were perfectly legal.
Going full intelligent is not a modification but a safety upgrade: If full intelligent is available and legal on 2022 models and newer, there is no reason that an older model cannot be upgraded.
But to be on the safe side, I plan to wait until full intelligent systems are available in the US: then I plan the upgrade on my car: this would not be a modification but an upgrade of an existing system in full compliance with US laws.
But, some credit might be given to them as they probably want to be super cautious when such a law change affects road safety in a huge scale.
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From: SD
Various
I'd just like to be clear and say what we are doing is not a "software hack" of any kind. This is what makes it so hard to detect, as everything appears like its from the factory. Anyways in a court of law they would have to prove that the headlights themselves caused the accident( when in my opinion i think they reduce the likelihood of an accident haha)
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From: SW Desert USA
2014 Jag F-Type vert, 2004 Volvo V70R
Bishop64. You are incorrect on point one. The rule is of general applicability not just to new vehicles. The reporting is that at least Toyota who filed the original petition intends to activate existing equipment. I expected MBUSA will do the same rather than let third parties do it and have the revenue. Since it is a safety feature there are consequences of not making it available.
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From: Florida
Aston Martin Vantage, Hyundai Sonata, E450 Wagon
I would also like the app. I only have a Windows desktop, iPhone and I pad. I could drag the desktop to the garage and then connect the dongle but that is pain and the only thing holding me back at this time.
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E63 Wagon
so NHTSA approved adaptive headlight use in US. Have you guys explored whether this can be done free or with a fee by service department?
https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases...safety-drivers
https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases...safety-drivers
Member
Joined: Nov 2021
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E450 presently.
No for now. At this point I don’t think dealers have gotten a service notice for this, and I would not hold your breath. I would think it would take several months at least, potentially much longer. Slow are the wheels of bureaucracy. Then again, you would think….
Would like the app. ETA is soon I hope
Would like the app. ETA is soon I hope
Last edited by Mac Jones 55; Apr 25, 2022 at 03:53 PM.
Senior Member
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Posts: 383
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From: SW Desert USA
2014 Jag F-Type vert, 2004 Volvo V70R
MAC. Good edit. The ball is in MBUSA’s court. This should take maybe a couple of weeks. The software exists and is in use all over the world. How long should it take to put it in the hands of 300 dealers. But we shall see. Remember the semi functioning lights were an extra $800 USD.
Last edited by Hundens; Apr 25, 2022 at 06:04 PM.
