clubhops10

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.

alx

the halogen low beam ring on the len is smooth.

the hid ring has notches so it looks like a gear wheel.

i think

43221B

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.

alx

correct. washers are requirement for hids in the us.

so the washer covers are a good indication of hids.

clubhops10

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!!

43221B

You understand correctly.

merlyn412

I have a 2011 GL350 and did not get the lighting package, so i have standard halogen lights. I do, however, have the rectangular cover on the bumper.

alx

Argh...

clubhops10

Doh! Can anyone else confirm that they have halogens but have the washer bumper cover?

43221B

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.

clubhops10

Thanks for clarifying. After driving with HIDs, I just can't go back to halogens.

merlyn412

True, I am Canadian. My car was imported from the USA

43221B

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.

repguns

I dredged up this old thread because i have the headlight washers and crappy halogens on my 2012 450. Why oh why did they do this?!

BlownV8

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.