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Had work done by RJ Automotive today to activate my ILS+ multibeam headlights. I purchased the OBD2 dongle from their site and it arrived 2 days later to the Boston area. Booked the appointment and I have to say, I am extremely happy with their service. From start to finish all it took was 4.5 minutes.... Super easy to use and great service. Only thing I would recommend (and I'm not sure if RJAutomotive would allow this or not), but buying your own OBD2 device and cable. I think it's a stretch paying 49GBP ($60+ USD) for a cheap USB A to USB A Mini 2.0 cable. You can find the same one they send you on Amazon for $15. Again, i'd ask RJ about that if it's even possible to do it without them sending you one and just purchasing the coding.
Now the best part... Went on a long trip from CT up to VT. Went through a bunch of backroads, highways, etc. I must say I am impressed on highways and on backroads equally. It's amazing what the W213 headlights do when they're activated 100%. They provide so much more light 90% more of the time vs when they're just lowbeam/highbeam activated (when ILS+ isn't activated). Most importantly, no one flashed their highbeams at me or honked once the entire 5+ hour trip.
I tried to capture a video to show what it does, but the video doesn't do it's justice. in person the entire road + the edges are all illuminated, and the lights just do really cool sh*t is all I can say. If you're thinking about doing it, it's worth every penny.
Had work done by RJ Automotive today to activate my ILS+ multibeam headlights. I purchased the OBD2 dongle from their site and it arrived 2 days later to the Boston area. Booked the appointment and I have to say, I am extremely happy with their service. From start to finish all it took was 4.5 minutes.... Super easy to use and great service. Only thing I would recommend (and I'm not sure if RJAutomotive would allow this or not), but buying your own OBD2 device and cable. I think it's a stretch paying 49GBP ($60+ USD) for a cheap USB A to USB A Mini 2.0 cable. You can find the same one they send you on Amazon for $15. Again, i'd ask RJ about that if it's even possible to do it without them sending you one and just purchasing the coding.
Now the best part... Went on a long trip from CT up to VT. Went through a bunch of backroads, highways, etc. I must say I am impressed on highways and on backroads equally. It's amazing what the W213 headlights do when they're activated 100%. They provide so much more light 90% more of the time vs when they're just lowbeam/highbeam activated (when ILS+ isn't activated). Most importantly, no one flashed their highbeams at me or honked once the entire 5+ hour trip.
I tried to capture a video to show what it does, but the video doesn't do it's justice. in person the entire road + the edges are all illuminated, and the lights just do really cool sh*t is all I can say. If you're thinking about doing it, it's worth every penny.
Thanks for posting this review - I just placed my order!
Everything I’ve read about this light upgrade itself has been very positive. Having a positive review about your experience actually getting the upgrade tipped me over the edge…. My old eyes need all the help they can get driving at night these days !!
2025 E450 All Terrain Wagon, Nautical Blue Metallic, Macchiato Beige/Black Interior
I had 2 different W213's - an E300 and an E400 Wagon. I had RJAutomotive code both cars' ILS. Fantastic job! Nightime driving with activated ILS is amazing. Now I have a W214 and I look forward to the day RJ can provide me the same ILS coding for that car, too!
2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
Originally Posted by beechcamp
I had 2 different W213's - an E300 and an E400 Wagon. I had RJAutomotive code both cars' ILS. Fantastic job! Nightime driving with activated ILS is amazing. Now I have a W214 and I look forward to the day RJ can provide me the same ILS coding for that car, too!
I thought starting with the W214, the intelligent lighting, DIGITAL LIGHT headlamps ($900) is the same as the coding?
@rjautomotive My 2013 SLK had the ILS+ lighting but it’s no longer working (at least I don’t see it light up corners and side ways at night). Can this be re coded to work or need to replace the entire biXenon headlight? If this is fixable LMK. Can PM me.. thx
@rjautomotive My 2013 SLK had the ILS+ lighting but it’s no longer working (at least I don’t see it light up corners and side ways at night). Can this be re coded to work or need to replace the entire biXenon headlight? If this is fixable LMK. Can PM me.. thx
If no errors regarding light's on Instruments Cluster, browse between menus with steering wheel buttons and check if ILS is On, Tourist Mode is Off, etc if the Lights Switch is on Auto.
If no errors regarding light's on Instruments Cluster, browse between menus with steering wheel buttons and check if ILS is On, Tourist Mode is Off, etc if the Lights Switch is on Auto.
Thank you kindly, sir. I'll look into this over the weekend and see if it works out.
Thanks for the reply. One more question before proceeding with this. Does this coding avoid my warranty (I have 1+2 years warranty)?
Forgot to mention that I already have intelligent high beam.
Thanks again.
Thanks for the reply. One more question before proceeding with this. Does this coding avoid my warranty (I have 1+2 years warranty)?
Forgot to mention that I already have intelligent high beam.
Thanks again.
It does not, as many on here will tell you they have had no problems with warranty or dealers with this activaiton
Got it yesterday for my 2022 E45O. The coding went very smoothly. Easy! RJ is awesome.
The changes in lighting as noted elsewhere are great. Bright road and surrounds. No flashes from oncoming cars and the cars ahead are clearly in a dark spot. So fun to see and watch. Not sure if there is a pattern change when the fog light is on.
The only caveat is that, just like the standard autodimming high beams, the intelligent high beams will not activate unless the road is very dark, meaning no streetlights. Basically, it's awesome on a dark two lane road, so if that is where you drive often it's totally worth it.
Thanks for sharing that. Can you explain the process of installing and a video how the lights work please (If you have one). I use my car usually on the highway and around city. Does that mean is not worth it?
Thanks in advance.
The install involves a device that plugs into the car under the dash and connects to a laptop that is on the internet. RJ works remotely through the laptop and not much happens. A few minutes later, it is done!
Value is relative. Over $400. Will not activate much in cities or well-lit freeways. I think my post is pretty clear.
Drive around with the stalk in high beam position and see if the car ever activates the high beams.
Maybe you just want everything. A lot of us do which is why we get suckered into the Mercedes world.
Addendum: I just rewatched this video. I see there are low-beam only effects as well.
Also note, "bend light" does not mean that these headlights actually bend the light. This is how the lights work around a "bend" or curve, very British.
Last edited by Lobsterotter; Jul 2, 2025 at 12:57 PM.
I’m not sure if these features were present before the upgrade, but I’ve noticed them recently in the low beam position:
1. There is definite, albeit subtle,( not like the dramatic swinging of the lightbulbs that occurs in my Subaru) movement of the light pattern when turning from side to side.
2. There is a small area in the upper right light pattern that lightens up when the fog light is turned on. I guess this is designed to illuminate the right side of the road better in fog. This is best seen against a wall at night.
3. When the highbeams are activated, I have never noticed it dimming brightly reflective signs, but it does definitely dim cars ahead of me. I cannot detect dimming on the oncoming traffic, but they never flash their brights at me.
In summary, cool!
Last edited by Lobsterotter; Jan 9, 2026 at 05:05 PM.
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
