omega48er

Hi Guys,

So, as I mentioned before I purchased a new to me clean 2012 GL450. However, I was not aware that it did not have the Xenon headlights (who buys a brand new Benz and cheaps out on the lighting? thats the first option I would want)

Anyways, I am looking to do some modding. I really want to swap out the Projectors to the Morimoto evox-r 2.0 which is supposed to be a direct swap with out cracking open the headlight. I know that if you have the active headlights you have to open them, but I don't believe I have that option.

The other option is to just stick a HID kit in there and call it a day.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

AZN Optics

You're still going to need to bake open the lens cover to swap out the projectors. Morimoto evox-r 2.0 are higher quality units though so you'll get a fairly dramatic improvement. Really just comes down to how much effort or $ you want to throw at the problem. Many just upgrade with an HID conversion kit and call it a day.

omega48er

Thanks for your input. I have done the mod on my old 06 commander and. Asked the headlights. With a wedding coming up I dont really have that much time.

I think I might just throw in the headlights. I think I have my Morimoto XB55 somewhere in the basement which I pulled out of my clk.

I was reading on retrofitlab for the w164 which I believe is the same headlight as the GL that you didnt have to take the headlight apart. Guess I will save that part for after the wedding. Lol

AZN Optics

Oh, sorry, missed that you didn't have active cornering headlights. As you already have an XB55 kit available, I'd just throw those in there first to see how they turn out and if that satisfies your needs

omega48er

so i should be able to swap the projectors without taking apart the headlight?

Thanks!

TX07GL450

Yes, you have to open headlights to replace projectors.

AZN Optics

I've heard you can unscrew from rear... Haven't done it ourselves on that model... Most still bake open.

omega48er

Thanks, when I'm ready I will just pull the headlights and do a DIY.

I also have a set of h1 minis 7 laying around as welllaying around. Lol

omega48er

So, installed the XB55 and dash is throwing errors. Do i need to use the Canbus harness? Also, do i need a relay?

Thanks,

AZN Optics

You need the canbus canceller.

omega48er

So, I did not like the hid in the stock projector, the cut off sucked and I wasn't too happy with the distance

I ordered the Morimoto Evox-R 2.0 and a d2s bulb and the XB35. Now I need to decide if I want to run the xb35 or xb55 (since I have the xb55 ballasts already).

Will keep everyone posted with the conversion.

EWT

Good move. Replacing the projectors is the right way to do it and will give significantly better results. Higher wattage ballasts will give you somewhat more light (not as much as you'd think given the extra wattage) but will shorten bulb and maybe projector bowl life. When the Morimotos fail (they do not have a good reputation for longevity), consider the same brand of ballast (Hella) that MB uses. You can't get them from the big HID vendors, but they're readily available as take-offs from german cars for a reasonable price: https://www.ebay.com/itm/HID217-OEM-...0AAOSwctJcJTWO They last forever, and start up fast. They can also be modified for higher wattage if you're handy with a soldering iron. I bought a set of modded 43W ballasts and use them in an other car (my 550 had factory HIDs, so I just used the OEM ballast) and love them (other than the size which makes them harder to hide/mount).

omega48er

Alright guys, this is a very simple process. I followed another members video on taking the bumper off and it took about 30 minutes. Popped the headlights off and the projector is held in place by 4 bolts. And 2 little alignment numbs.

Here is the little issue, the bottom 2 bolts align perfectly and the 2 numbs fit the other hole, however the top bolts do not align as they are higher up, you can probably drill 2 new holes, but after screwing in the bottom , they are perfectly secure, especially since the little alignment numbs fit the other hole, so there is no movement.

I used the 35w morimoto 2.0 along with their 55w bulb and will post pics of that tonight.

On a separate note, could someone provide me with the part number for the torx bolt which secures the bumper bracket? I have no idea what i did with 1 of them, even though I was very carefully. Lol

Benztech858

I thinking about doing the same to my wife's car, can't wait to see the results!

omega48er

I will try to get a photo tonight.

omega48er

Attached is a photo from last night, didnt give them much warmup time. Also considering changi g the bulb to a Osram CBB (I believe it's the brightest bulb. But is expensive)

omega48er

Just added the Ostam CBB and they are a step above the morimoto xb. I would definently upgrade for anyone thinking about it

rich30769

Dang, that's a huge difference. I have the Morimoto Evox-R 2.0 projectors also,I am just looking for the time to do this swap. I hate these OEM HIDs.

omega48er

I will try and get more photos by the weekend, have to aim the headlights

rich30769

I have a 550 with the adaptive headlights so, mine will definitely have to be baked and opened up.

omega48er

if you dont want to break them open you should try just swapping out the bulb. I believe they are D1S.

This way, if you dont like the output, and want to upgrade the projector, you wont need to buy new bulbs since the EVOs can use D1S.

I also picked up a set of Osram D1s CBI for my Range Rover, I will post a picture for you, so you can see if you like the output.

Yup497

2010 GL550 Osram D1S CBB with EvoXR projectors. Best decision I've made.

rich30769

Did the bulb swap thing already, barely made a difference.

rich30769

This will be my next project. I just need to find the time to pull the bumper, remove the housings, bake/separate, install new projectors, re-silicone housing, reinstall lights, mounts bumper. Definitely a multiple day project.