Confirming HIDs in GL
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Confirming HIDs in GL
Hey guys,
Tried to search, couldn't find the specific answer. Is there a way to tell if a GL450/550 has HIDs, without turning the headlight on? Is there an icon/logo/badge inside the cabin that's different from the halogens, or how an HID headlight looks from the halogens?
Factory HIDs will be one of my requirements when purchasing the GL but I would prefer not to take trips to each dealership just to inspect every one of them for HID. Any thoughts or guidance in the right direction is appreciated.
Tried to search, couldn't find the specific answer. Is there a way to tell if a GL450/550 has HIDs, without turning the headlight on? Is there an icon/logo/badge inside the cabin that's different from the halogens, or how an HID headlight looks from the halogens?
Factory HIDs will be one of my requirements when purchasing the GL but I would prefer not to take trips to each dealership just to inspect every one of them for HID. Any thoughts or guidance in the right direction is appreciated.
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Hey guys,
Tried to search, couldn't find the specific answer. Is there a way to tell if a GL450/550 has HIDs, without turning the headlight on? Is there an icon/logo/badge inside the cabin that's different from the halogens, or how an HID headlight looks from the halogens?
Factory HIDs will be one of my requirements when purchasing the GL but I would prefer not to take trips to each dealership just to inspect every one of them for HID. Any thoughts or guidance in the right direction is appreciated.
Tried to search, couldn't find the specific answer. Is there a way to tell if a GL450/550 has HIDs, without turning the headlight on? Is there an icon/logo/badge inside the cabin that's different from the halogens, or how an HID headlight looks from the halogens?
Factory HIDs will be one of my requirements when purchasing the GL but I would prefer not to take trips to each dealership just to inspect every one of them for HID. Any thoughts or guidance in the right direction is appreciated.
the hid ring has notches so it looks like a gear wheel.
i think
Last edited by alx; Mar 18, 2013 at 03:29 PM.
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15 GL550
Don't know about the 550 but the 350/320/450 have the HID lights as part of the lighting package. The lighting package includes headlamp washers that pop out of the bumper in front of the lights. Look for the washer covers on the bumper.
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so the washer covers are a good indication of hids.
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I really appreciate the help. If I understand correctly, the rectangular cover under the headlights on the bumper itself is the washer cover. If so that's an excellent way to help identify. Thanks alx and 43221B!!
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15 GL550
By the way, non-US GL's have all kinds of crazy options (some are great options) that we don't have in the US.
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merlyn412 is in Canada. US GL's will only have headlight washers if the lighting package was purchased. I have followed the option packages since purchasing my 09. I can tell you, there are no 09-12 GL 320/350/450s in the US (unless they were imported which would make no sense whatsoever) that have headlamp washers that don't have the HID lighting. It was all part of the lighting package. Since 09 at least, headlamp washers have never been a stand alone option.
By the way, non-US GL's have all kinds of crazy options (some are great options) that we don't have in the US.
By the way, non-US GL's have all kinds of crazy options (some are great options) that we don't have in the US.
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From: Vancouver, Canada
2011 GL350
True, I am Canadian. My car was imported from the USA 
merlyn412 is in Canada. US GL's will only have headlight washers if the lighting package was purchased. I have followed the option packages since purchasing my 09. I can tell you, there are no 09-12 GL 320/350/450s in the US (unless they were imported which would make no sense whatsoever) that have headlamp washers that don't have the HID lighting. It was all part of the lighting package. Since 09 at least, headlamp washers have never been a stand alone option.
By the way, non-US GL's have all kinds of crazy options (some are great options) that we don't have in the US.
By the way, non-US GL's have all kinds of crazy options (some are great options) that we don't have in the US.
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15 GL550
Okay, they must have made the headlamp washers or at least the covers standard on all bumpers after 09 or 10.
Another way to check would be to look for the chrome oval fog lights on the 2009s and the LED strips on the 2010-12. GLs with those fogs had HID lighting unless the previous owner changed the fogs for the sake of aesthetics.
Another way to check would be to look for the chrome oval fog lights on the 2009s and the LED strips on the 2010-12. GLs with those fogs had HID lighting unless the previous owner changed the fogs for the sake of aesthetics.
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From: In my garage
E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
The stock halogens are horrible and should have never been installed in any MB. HID retrofit made a huge difference in my GL. Clean cutoff and so much more light.
