I've done some searching, but I haven't come across any attempts to retrofit the entire LED headlight assembly/housing onto a GLE that was not originally equipped with the lighting package. Would this be a plug and play swap? I'm not looking for any of the active features, just fixed LED headlights.

 

It appears to have been done on a c-class:

https://mbworld.org/how-tos/a/merced...dlights-384224

 

I asked the dealer the same thing and part of the problem is the wiring. Now, whether or not they were just saying that I don't know but you might want to look into retrofitting. I'm looking into lightwerkz since they are recommended by the retrofit source (I Really appreciate the ethics both companies have too). I have emailed to see about getting OEM 35w ballasts, Lexus projectors, with 5k bulbs. They do charge a premium but from what I can tell, it looks like it's done properly. I'm talking 1000$ price range but also remember, getting the LED in any new model is $6k (because of the required package 2) and in the 2016 version was about 1200$. So, at the end of the day you end up about the same. I wanted exactly what you wanted, just the brighter output since the stock halogens are atrocious (even with osrams in), but it seems like retrofitting might be the better way to go. Btw, I tried to do just the plug and play method but getting the bulb to sit in the socket properly and getting the locking ring to fit was not working for me (some have had better luck). I also have a feeling the projectors are actually HID projectors given their design so swapping them might actually be easier than expected (there's no shroud or reflective surface, and when I opened them up, there are 4 screws that remove the stock projector, you just have to open the headlight itself). Btw, this does not void the warranty on the vehicle (say the transmission goes out), but if the lighting system dies then yea you'll have to take care of it yourself (or try the dealer and see). My suggestion if you go this route, purchase OEM headlights from the dealer and get those modified. Then get them swapped at the dealer or third party authorized company, this is my plan. It's a lot of money but I can not stand the lack of light on the stock lamps.

 

Thanks for sharing your experience so far. Please post up some photos/reviews once you install your proposed solution.

 

I too was EXTREMELY disappointed with the halogen lights in the GLS I recently leased. I had a 2014 GL with the lighting package which was OK But I didnt do my due diligence and ended up with a GLS without lighting package. I quickly installed an aftermarket HID kit and replaced the high beams with upgraded halogen bulbs. I will regret my mistake of not getting the lighting package for the next couple years until I can lease another one.

 

Were you able to open the headlights using the oven? I want to retrofit mine but am not sure if MB uses permaseal or the butyl seal.

 

I didn't open the headlights. Just installed an aftermarket HID kit. I lease so I am
Not gonna mess around with the housing.

 

I just took delivery of a 2016 GLE 350 4 matic loaded up pretty well except for the Halogen lights. They are decent but I wanted the LED's, but could not wait to special order. Lucky to get a 4 matic here in the South. I replaced the stock halogen headlights to oem HID's in a first gen ML years ago. It was plug and play except for getting MB to recode the car for the HID's. Of course they did not self level but I never towed. But these new intelligent LED's are a whole different animal. I am wondering if the wiring is there for the LED's and a recode by the dealer could get them working. I cannot find any information. If anyone knows please speak up. Thanks!

Ken

 

You can retrofit an HID kit in the GLE without having MB recode anything. It's a simple plug and play. Just make sure you get the Can Bus ballast so you don't get any codes. Been working fine in my GLS and I'm assuming the GLE would be exactly the same.
I would change the headlight assembly to LEDs if it's only a matter of getting the LED headlights and programming them to work.

 

Yes that is what I want to do. We put 146k miles on our 2007 ML350 that came with HID's, so I plan to keep this one a long time too. So I am willing to pony up for the OEM LED headlight assemblies and pay to get the car recoded. My question remains is the wiring there already and will the Dealer recode it?

Ken

 

Same here, really wanting to drop in an OEM assembly.

 

So you're saying you want the OEM GLE 350 LED assembly to be put into your GLE with the stock headlights? (basically a full swap of the entire unit, not just the internals) I asked this same question to the dealer, I don't even care if they are active motion or what have you, i just want the LED. They told me it's a completely different wiring system and the headlights are different sizes. I don't know how much I believe them but I also don't have a way to prove it. If you're able to get this LED assembly into the stock H7 headlight spot let me know!

 

I suspect that he's wanting to put the entire headlight assembly from an LED car onto a non-LED car, rather than just the internals. That is what I'm wanting to accomplish as well.

 

Yep, I'd like that as well, doesn't matter if it costs me double as long as it's OEM. Dealer said it's impossible because it requires new wire harnesses and the physical size of the lights is not the same. Again, no way for me to prove it, just what I was told. Hopefully someone can prove me wrong!

 

I have a hard time believing MB has different front parts for a different size LED head light assembly. Could be, but that would mean different front fascia parts for a LED truck vs a non LED truck. I can believe the wiring harness is different. I will probably just install Morimoto HID's in the low beam projector and call it a day. I am still pretty pissed MB would even install halogen's in a 65k ride as stock. I love MB and BMW, but sometimes I can't follow their logic with safety features that are not standard.

Ken

 

same here. I paid over $80k for my GLS 450 and cannot fathom why they put such CRAPPY lights in. The lights that come standard on some Toyotas and Hyundais are way better.

 

I own a ML350 of 2014 make, I like the new GLE Tail lamps
Can I install them on my ML? Without need for extra wiring or Codes ?