HETPE3B

Every single headlight has a reflector, regardless it is lensed or non-lensed headlight. Without a reflector you won't see much light at all
But since the reflector is behind the lens - you cannot see it.

StasB

my mistake the lense does come with reflector inside but what I meant to say is that I don't believe it has a complex shape, it's function is only to direct the light towards the lense and in turn lens does all the beam spreading and directing. Of course, I'm not an expert so can be easily mistaken so correct me if I'm wrong

black06c230

Once I pick up my GL in about 7-10 days I plan to do a number of mods to the headlights. 2 of the 4 mods will be done to improve headlight performance. I will be swapping the lens with a clear lens instead of the stock fresnel lens, using the ZKW-R lens ($40) I used in my E55. I will also be using the latest and "greatest" DS1 bulb from Osram, the CBH ($225). Bulbs should be similar is color of the LED on GLS but also improve performance. Both can be sourced from theretrofitsource.com

I plan to take before pics, side/side, and final. So I will make a thread once I start this up.

I will also be adding a LED switchback sequential strip to replace the stock amber running and turn signal strip. Will look like the Euro lights and the new GLS. Lastly I will see about removing the amber reflector to make them clear and just add a LED amber bulb or leave it out, just depends.

StasB

Thanks for the info on bulbs! I will def order them from the source you mentioned and check if it helps to alleviate the problem. I don't think I will try swapping the lens for now just cause I don't feel comfortable opening up the headlight assembly but it would be nice to see if the lens is indeed at fault for overall poor performance, I hope the bulb will be a quick fix))

jet_fl

One thing that seems to be off on some of the German cars is that the headlights are aimed far too high. This disperses the light too much and it isn't very bright in front of you. BMW's have this issue. I re-aimed my BMW and the difference was very dramatic. Driving my wife's GL450 with xenon it seems like my BMW when it was stock. I am going to try adjusting hers are some point to see if it helps also. It might be worth a shot for others having issues and before you spend money on bulbs.

DC-BENZ

What height are you recommending when the light is shown against a wall or garage and at what distance?

If I lower mine then I may lose deer finding disbursement lighting for my drives at dusk or dark on back roads, and I like to have eyes up and forward when driving to help straighten out corners/curves.

t3steve

I have the bi-xenon's and they are aimed pretty well from the factory. Most other (non-German) cars are aimed to low.
I like to see where I am going not where I already am.

jet_fl

A good rule of thumb is to park 10' from your garage door. Measure the top of the light beam right at the headlight, then adjust so it is 1" lower at the garage door. The angle of the driveway needs to be a constant angle, but does not have to be level.

maximase86

I have the intelligent headlights, and I think the aiming is spot on. You are on to something about the light being dispersed right in front. However I think that's because of the height of driving the SUV, it takes away some of the fore-lighting you might get from say a car or some LED setups.

However I think where you get your money's worth is the throw (distance) these lights have, and the consistent, even beam pattern. High beams are fantastic too. Every car I've been next to on the road with high end LED, they have way more fore-lighting, but not nearly enough range. LEDs also seem to washout more easily in dark, wet conditions too.

S

Blake4@aol.com

Thanks for all the headlight info. I have a 2014 GL 350 blue tech and a 2015 GLK 250 blue tech both with the intelligent active system and they are pretty good. The only thing I don't like is on the GL they did not include the cornering lights like they did on the GLK. I am getting the LED active lighting system in my 2018 GLS 450 I pick up next week. Will be interesting to see what those are like!

wilburh1

I installed the Osram D1S cool blue and they are amazing, literally night & day difference. Highly recommend. Install took less than 10 minutes total in my 13 GL350. I purchased here for 170$


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