Is it ok to buy GL without Lighting Package?
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Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 442
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From: Long Island, NY
2013 GL450
Is it ok to buy GL without Lighting Package?
I'm looking into buying a CPO GL. I'm really set on the Lighting Package. So my question is, is it ok without it? Can I just get HID conversion kit? Reason I ask is because it's so hard to find one with the options I want that also comes with Lighting Package. Thanks for your input.
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From: New York
2025 Range Rover, 2022 BMW M850 , 2017 MB E400 Coupe
I'm looking into buying a CPO GL. I'm really set on the Lighting Package. So my question is, is it ok without it? Can I just get HID conversion kit? Reason I ask is because it's so hard to find one with the options I want that also comes with Lighting Package. Thanks for your input.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 663
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From: Bucks Cty, PA
2015 gl450
While the lighting package is a great option, I wouldn't let it trump a great condition/mileage/price CPO deal.
The non-HID lights on the X166 are more than adequate, but it is a downgrade if you are coming out of a vehicle with HID's.
Aftermarket HID are hit and miss in my experience.
The non-HID lights on the X166 are more than adequate, but it is a downgrade if you are coming out of a vehicle with HID's.
Aftermarket HID are hit and miss in my experience.
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Joined: Jan 2014
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From: USA - Minnesota
2014 GL350
There are numerous threads dealing with HID (and HID "look") retrofits so personally I'd take a good look prior to pulling the trigger.
I'm mildly surprised that HID lights are not standard on the GL and this was a must have option for us since our other two cars have them. YMMV.
I'm mildly surprised that HID lights are not standard on the GL and this was a must have option for us since our other two cars have them. YMMV.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2009
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15 GL550
If most of your driving is done on well lit suburban and urban roads, highways, and freeways, then I don't think it is a big deal to not have the lighting package. IF you do much driving on rural roads and highways, particularly ones with deer, you should definitely get the bi xenon lighting. It makes a huge difference and allows you to see incredibly further at night. The lights seem to be trained on the license plates of the cars in front of you and smoothly and continuously illuminate probably a 140 degree arch. The bi xenon adaptive lighting is something Mercedes does particularly well.
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Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Minnesota
2015 Ram 2500, former 2013 GL350, 2007 GL450
If most of your driving is done on well lit suburban and urban roads, highways, and freeways, then I don't think it is a big deal to not have the lighting package. IF you do much driving on rural roads and highways, particularly ones with deer, you should definitely get the bi xenon lighting. It makes a huge difference and allows you to see incredibly further at night. The lights seem to be trained on the license plates of the cars in front of you and smoothly and continuously illuminate probably a 140 degree arch. The bi xenon adaptive lighting is something Mercedes does particularly well.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 36
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From: Los Angeles, Ca
08 S550, 08 E63
Its been awhile since I've been on here. But Just got a new '15 GL450. Unfortunately, I got it without the lighting package. I've heard that yes it can be changed or no it can't be changed.
I saw someone where another owner was able to change it by replacing the plug and updating the computer by using the mb star software.
Anyone have any info?
I'm going to take it to a local guy I know in LA to see if he can do it for me. Will keep those interested posted.
I saw someone where another owner was able to change it by replacing the plug and updating the computer by using the mb star software.
Anyone have any info?
I'm going to take it to a local guy I know in LA to see if he can do it for me. Will keep those interested posted.
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Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Hermosa Beach, CA
21 G63, 21 GLS580, 16 GTS Ed. 1
I think it can be done easily, I replaced a ml and e class without hid to aftermarket ones and it's still working fine. Day and night difference between halogen and hid. I changed out my d1s from stock to 5500k on the gl and it was really easy because the gl headlamp access had so much room to work with. If it's a great deal on one without the lighting package and you can live without the led drl then I say buy it and enjoy it.
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A gaggle of MB's
To clarify - it is not possible to upgrade to MB Intelligent headlamp system post-factory - so if you crave that feature and look search/wait for the right CPO or buy new.
A owner can always choose to start messing around with "upgraded" bulbs - and/or China made replacement headlamp fixtures - however, I would suggest you search this forum to find if someone else you trust has done a job you think will be acceptable to you - and frankly I can't recall seeing much "success" posted here on new gen GL's as compared to the overwhelming satisfaction on the MB system by those owners.
A owner can always choose to start messing around with "upgraded" bulbs - and/or China made replacement headlamp fixtures - however, I would suggest you search this forum to find if someone else you trust has done a job you think will be acceptable to you - and frankly I can't recall seeing much "success" posted here on new gen GL's as compared to the overwhelming satisfaction on the MB system by those owners.
