Huge difference in lighting for H7 headlights
11-11-2007, 07:05 PM
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2008 S-550 AMG, 2008 GL450, 2005 Ford F-350, 1998 Bentley Turbo R, 1962 Bentley s-3 Saloon,
11-13-2007, 03:42 PM
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1992 500E, 2006 E500, 2007 GL 450
Replaced stock bulbs with piaa H7's yesterday. Great investment. Overall an easy install. Toughest part was getting the bulb and holder back into place - I had a tough time seeing how to line up the tabs so that the assembly would lock into place. Substantial difference in lighting. My last 6 cars all had HID's so I was not in good position to judge the stock lights on the GL. However compared with the piaa's the stock, non HID's are terrible IMO.
11-13-2007, 03:44 PM
#30
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I installed silver stars the first week I had the GL. They were a good upgrade without having to adjust the headlights. I have always found in the past that when installing silver stars on other vehicles I had to adjust the headlight up a little to get good performance.
11-13-2007, 06:39 PM
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2008 S-550 AMG, 2008 GL450, 2005 Ford F-350, 1998 Bentley Turbo R, 1962 Bentley s-3 Saloon,
I put my bulbs in today and had the same problem as nantucketsleigh trying to see if tabs are locked in, but I am pleasantly surprised at how much better i can see, they are much brighter, whiter and better looking than the stock ones. Thanks for the great advice everyone.
Regards
John
Regards
John
11-13-2007, 06:41 PM
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2008 S-550 AMG, 2008 GL450, 2005 Ford F-350, 1998 Bentley Turbo R, 1962 Bentley s-3 Saloon,
also a note to other installers, on the drivers side when you are changing bulbs there is a very sharp clamp that will cut you unless you wrap it or throw a towel over it.
11-13-2007, 07:38 PM
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E320 & GL450
11-13-2007, 08:34 PM
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I knew it would be a popular upgrade. It's a relatively cheap and easy upgrade that makes a huge difference. I highly recommend that anyone running the stock H7's change them asap. The improved lighting could be a lifesaver or at the very least provide a bit of accident avoidence.
The stock bulbs are horrible. I had a very difficult time seeing the road at hwy speeds on dark stretches of interstate. Now, the visibility is perfect.
The stock bulbs are horrible. I had a very difficult time seeing the road at hwy speeds on dark stretches of interstate. Now, the visibility is perfect.
11-13-2007, 09:11 PM
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I'm going to try and do a step-by-step like I did with the chrome fins. I think that'll take some of the scare out of doing it for folks. I know I'm going to be trying to be extra careful with it myself. Then again, I am doing it on a 320 so it will probably look different in the guts!
I just ordered two sets of the PIAA H7's (same guy as you listed above) so I can replace both lows and highs.
STP
I just ordered two sets of the PIAA H7's (same guy as you listed above) so I can replace both lows and highs.
STP
11-14-2007, 03:44 AM
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11-18-2007, 11:04 AM
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GL550
I have been upgrading headlights bulbs ever since they became available (early 90's) so i have a lot of experience on this. Light is measured in color (kelvins) and output(lumens). Now the average halogen filament bulb has a color of about 3000k and about 1000 lumens. HID's are 5000k and up and output is about 3000 lumens.HID's color resembles the color of sunlight, a white clean light while regular halogen have a yellow color. HID's color goes as high as 12000k the higher it goes the more blueish it gets. Now just comparing halogens against HID's you can see how inefficient they are, in both color and output. Now just by upgrading your regular bulb to an aftermarket bulb you can increase to a better color and output. High quality bulbs now can almost match HID's color, but not quite the output, but still a vast improvement over stock.The light is whiter so you see better, instead of the yellowish light that just get washed out .One of the first things i did when i got my GL was to change the fog lights bulbs for they were embarassing yellow(i posted pictures here somewhere). I highly recommend changing the bulbs, is a low investment for better safety. I also recommend better quality bulbs(PIAA,Raybrig etc) over the cheap ones for they don't last.
Now as far as adjusting the headlights, i think you have to be very careful and i think there is a safety issue. What you are doing is aiming the light higher at incoming traffic.People will think your high beams are on.
Now as far as adjusting the headlights, i think you have to be very careful and i think there is a safety issue. What you are doing is aiming the light higher at incoming traffic.People will think your high beams are on.
11-18-2007, 11:26 AM
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11-19-2007, 03:15 PM
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I replaced the PIAA H7 bulb last night but when I turn on the headlight why there is a burning smell comes from the headlight??? I turned off the headlight right away cuz i afraid something wrong with it.
11-20-2007, 12:42 PM
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I just upgraded my H7 lowbeam on 2007 c230 to PIAA Ext White plus. I agree with BlownV8 they almost give HID look and very bright. Does anyone know any matching city lights, I went with PIAA Super Plasma GT-X 194 and they light up purplish ; don't like the look with Ext White Plus. Any suggestion? Appreciate help in this matter. Cheers
11-20-2007, 03:52 PM
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I do not understand why replacing the a bulb would change the aim of the lights.
Only thing that I can imagine would change aim is improper installation of the bulb holder in its seat.
Only thing that I can imagine would change aim is improper installation of the bulb holder in its seat.
11-23-2007, 10:28 PM
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That would be the only way it would effect the aim. He was probably referring to the fact that he could see the cut-off line in the projector beams much better now and realizes they are set too low from the factory. I adjsted mine a little higher and have been a very happy with the improvement. You have got to be careful not to raise them too high but they are set too low from the factory for interstate speeds in rural areas.
11-25-2007, 12:35 AM
#47
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Thanks TM4EXC and OKNISH.
Yes my headlamps do turn in the direction of steering. Sounds like I do have the active system. Having said that - they are in dire need of adjustment, otherwise highway driving at night is too stressful. Shall check out the manual to see about adjusting.
Yes my headlamps do turn in the direction of steering. Sounds like I do have the active system. Having said that - they are in dire need of adjustment, otherwise highway driving at night is too stressful. Shall check out the manual to see about adjusting.
I wouild think Hyatt has the equipment also. Regards
Norbert in Calgary
11-25-2007, 08:13 AM
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I agree with this thread and the poor lighting of the stock GL head lamps and I give credit to you guys for trying to find better bulbs.
My wife and I just completed a trade of our 2007 GL 450 for a 2008 GL 320. The 2007 GL had stock head lamps which we did not like, very yellow in color and not very bright. The 2008 GL has the Bi-Xenon lighting which is much better. Plus the Bi-xenon option has directional lighting and the corner illuminating fog lamps which is a great idea! It also has the high pressure headlamp washer, which I haven't tested yet.
The point of my post is: if there are any "potential" GL of ML buyers out there that are researching and reading this thread, my recomendation is to consider spending the extra money for the Premium 2 packages in either the GL or the ML, you won't be disappointed. The Bi-xenon option is nice and it's more then just the different headlamps.
Great thread guys!
My wife and I just completed a trade of our 2007 GL 450 for a 2008 GL 320. The 2007 GL had stock head lamps which we did not like, very yellow in color and not very bright. The 2008 GL has the Bi-Xenon lighting which is much better. Plus the Bi-xenon option has directional lighting and the corner illuminating fog lamps which is a great idea! It also has the high pressure headlamp washer, which I haven't tested yet.
The point of my post is: if there are any "potential" GL of ML buyers out there that are researching and reading this thread, my recomendation is to consider spending the extra money for the Premium 2 packages in either the GL or the ML, you won't be disappointed. The Bi-xenon option is nice and it's more then just the different headlamps.
Great thread guys!
12-14-2007, 05:49 AM
#49
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I installed the PIAAs in my W204 as soon as I got it. I always use PIAA bulbs (best quality and guaranteed for 1 year). I still havent seen a post about how to replace fog light bulbs (Maybe a job for the dealer?) If anyone has any Good instructions- let me know.
12-15-2007, 02:35 PM
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manual says pry off fog light grill and unscrew lens cover.
Got silverstar ultra h7 on ebay much whiter than yellow stock headlights
Got silverstar ultra h7 on ebay much whiter than yellow stock headlights
