Halogen to HID success!
#176
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#177
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Location: Ramsey, NJ
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2007 M5, 2004 X3 3.0i
I also got the same kit from aznoptics and met the same stumbling block. I tried cutting the bracket, one kinda worked, one didn’t that well. I didn’t glue it though.
i just ordered the bracket with the slit from somewhere else, but really they need to update their kit to have the correct bracket.
i just ordered the bracket with the slit from somewhere else, but really they need to update their kit to have the correct bracket.
#178
SPONSOR/MBworld Guru
Working with Morimoto on this. Apparently there's a new batch of bulbs in circulation with the wider sockets that doesn't fit into the bulb opening. For now, will have to cut a split in the adapter so you can feed the wires through. There are many adapters out there in the market for like $3-5 that already have a split opening if you don't want to cut the provided adapter though.
#179
Junior Member
I also got the same kit from aznoptics and met the same stumbling block. I tried cutting the bracket, one kinda worked, one didn’t that well. I didn’t glue it though.
i just ordered the bracket with the slit from somewhere else, but really they need to update their kit to have the correct bracket.
i just ordered the bracket with the slit from somewhere else, but really they need to update their kit to have the correct bracket.
I cut a slot in the H7 holder but did not glue them yet. I am a bit hesitant to glue them now because with the slit in them it might make it difficult to glue them just right so they align correctly. I haven't tried to install them yet...will do this weekend.
Where did you find the H7s with the slot already in them? I looked on Amazon but couldn't find them. Can you please post a link?
I messaged Morimoto about the problem and they recommended I depin the connector and repin...I might buy a pair of unslotted H7s and try that if I can't properly install the bulbs as they are now with the slot.
Last edited by tootallll; 02-13-2019 at 10:24 AM.
#180
SPONSOR/MBworld Guru
Ok, you can remove the socket to slide the adapter through
https://youtu.be/X2tve--n1pw
https://youtu.be/X2tve--n1pw
#181
Junior Member
Great...thanks for the vid link...that's what I'll do.
#182
Senior Member
Working with Morimoto on this. Apparently there's a new batch of bulbs in circulation with the wider sockets that doesn't fit into the bulb opening. For now, will have to cut a split in the adapter so you can feed the wires through. There are many adapters out there in the market for like $3-5 that already have a split opening if you don't want to cut the provided adapter though.
While I’m considering HID options and this forum is an awesome source for information, what I’d like to know is shouldn’t kits come with the correct adapters?
If I identify my car and pick the bulbs and ballast, the last thing I’d expect is to modify a “plug-and-play” kit or stop to order additional parts.
How is the correct and complete parts kit ordered?
If I identify my car and pick the bulbs and ballast, the last thing I’d expect is to modify a “plug-and-play” kit or stop to order additional parts.
How is the correct and complete parts kit ordered?
#183
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2007 M5, 2004 X3 3.0i
While I’m considering HID options and this forum is an awesome source for information, what I’d like to know is shouldn’t kits come with the correct adapters?
If I identify my car and pick the bulbs and ballast, the last thing I’d expect is to modify a “plug-and-play” kit or stop to order additional parts.
How is the correct and complete parts kit ordered?
If I identify my car and pick the bulbs and ballast, the last thing I’d expect is to modify a “plug-and-play” kit or stop to order additional parts.
How is the correct and complete parts kit ordered?
I can’t get either the ones I cut or those to turn 100% into position. I’m at like 95% I believe once are cut they lose the integrity to turn and sit in position and hold the bulb. I could’ve done this install in less than 30 mins for both sides. But this adapter BS has taken way too much effort and time. At this point the hid’s are in, I just won’t be surprised if one day they pop out.
The following users liked this post:
SUV John (02-17-2019)
#184
SPONSOR/MBworld Guru
You're absolutely correct. Because we part source HID components to put together this kit, Morimoto caught us by surprise with the shift in socket component before explaining to us that the socket could be disconnected. As such, during that period before that instruction came out, shoot us an email with your order number during that period and I'll issue you a refund for that piece.
#185
Senior Member
You're absolutely correct. Because we part source HID components to put together this kit, Morimoto caught us by surprise with the shift in socket component before explaining to us that the socket could be disconnected. As such, during that period before that instruction came out, shoot us an email with your order number during that period and I'll issue you a refund for that piece.
Am I correct that for a 2016 GLE 350 I do not need any other wiring or parts to ensure no "bulb out" messages? Then, with my dealer telling me about overheating and troubles with retrofit lighting (I suspect they may be referring to peoples' choices of LED and poor quality bulbs being the factor there), I'd rather wait until I can get a truly plug-and-play kit. I prefer to use adapters and so on that do not need modification to then be concerned with long-term reliability.
Is waiting for manufacturing issues to be resolved the answer or are there proper bulb adapters, complete parts, and all that is needed available now?
#186
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2007 M5, 2004 X3 3.0i
That combination is definitely the way to go, and is the setup I have, with the only issue being the adapters. Mike at Azn optics can provide you better info on the solution.
#187
SPONSOR/MBworld Guru
From what I've seen from this thread and several others, for satisfaction and reliability I'm leaning towards Hylux ballasts and Morimoto H7 bulbs.
Am I correct that for a 2016 GLE 350 I do not need any other wiring or parts to ensure no "bulb out" messages? Then, with my dealer telling me about overheating and troubles with retrofit lighting (I suspect they may be referring to peoples' choices of LED and poor quality bulbs being the factor there), I'd rather wait until I can get a truly plug-and-play kit. I prefer to use adapters and so on that do not need modification to then be concerned with long-term reliability.
Is waiting for manufacturing issues to be resolved the answer or are there proper bulb adapters, complete parts, and all that is needed available now?
Am I correct that for a 2016 GLE 350 I do not need any other wiring or parts to ensure no "bulb out" messages? Then, with my dealer telling me about overheating and troubles with retrofit lighting (I suspect they may be referring to peoples' choices of LED and poor quality bulbs being the factor there), I'd rather wait until I can get a truly plug-and-play kit. I prefer to use adapters and so on that do not need modification to then be concerned with long-term reliability.
Is waiting for manufacturing issues to be resolved the answer or are there proper bulb adapters, complete parts, and all that is needed available now?
#189
SPONSOR/MBworld Guru
The video Morimoto sent me that I posted was of the latest socket they said. I'm having them send me a one of the new bulbs so we can play around with it in house here, but you're saying the video and the bulb you have isn't the same?
#190
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2007 M5, 2004 X3 3.0i
I don’t know about any video or what morimoto sent you vs what was sent to me. I know I tried to pull the wire by hand and no go. I tried to hold it with a pair of pliers and pulled it so to also not break anything and it did not budge at all. That’s why I gave up and cut the bracket. Now if someone needs to use excessive force, I don’t think that’s a viable solution.
#191
SPONSOR/MBworld Guru
I don’t know about any video or what morimoto sent you vs what was sent to me. I know I tried to pull the wire by hand and no go. I tried to hold it with a pair of pliers and pulled it so to also not break anything and it did not budge at all. That’s why I gave up and cut the bracket. Now if someone needs to use excessive force, I don’t think that’s a viable solution.
This video link I posted up earlier (
#192
Junior Member
Hi,
I found a Hylux HID kit from the site below and was wondering what the difference is between these and the kit Azn Optics is selling. Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks!
https://hidkitpros.com/shop/2015-201...am-hid-system/
I found a Hylux HID kit from the site below and was wondering what the difference is between these and the kit Azn Optics is selling. Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks!
https://hidkitpros.com/shop/2015-201...am-hid-system/
#193
SPONSOR/MBworld Guru
We use high end Morimoto XB bulbs, also include the mounting velco and the bulb adapter.
#194
Junior Member
Took the wire pins off two different connectors on the Morimoto bulb, slid the H7 retaining clips on, and glued the retainer clips to the bulb retaining ring. De-pining (removing the wire pins from the connector) and re-pinning the connectors was easy I used a small jewelers screwdriver and used the video above for reference. I'll install the lights tomorrow
install the lights tomorrow.
install the lights tomorrow.
Last edited by tootallll; 02-20-2019 at 05:04 PM.
#196
SPONSOR/MBworld Guru
Ok cool. I noticed that user tootallll had to cut the H7 holder. Will I have to do the same? I don't think I have the proper tools to do what he did. Thanks!
No need to cut. I posted a video how to get around the large bulb socket to thread the adapter/holder through. And he didn't cut anything.... just use a push pin, sewing needle, tweezer, precision screwdriver, or whatever small pointed object to release the clip on the socket and the wire will slide out like in his picture.
#197
Junior Member
I cut a slot in the original H7 retainers included in the AZN kit but decided it seemed flimsy so I ordered more H7 retainers from ebay and installed them. I de-pinned the two connectors, slid the H7 retainers on, and re-pinned the connectors... that was fairly straightforward and went well.
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jashic81 (02-20-2019)
#198
Junior Member
Installed the AZN HID 35w kit....it is not for the faint of heart. I am not 100% satisfied with the results but it is definitely better than the stock halogen bulbs. I found the H7 retainers do not push the bulb securely to the bulb socket resulting in some brightness loss. The drivers side fit pretty secure but I had difficulty with the passenger side as you can see in the video below. If I pushed the bulb securely to the socket the brightness improved. In the video you can see the brightness increase when I push the bulb into the socket. After about three hours of messing with it I gave up and accepted I was not going to achieve max brightness. It is an improvement over the stock halogen bulbs. I may mess with it some more another day
Process:
De-pin two connectors to slide on H7 retainer (two connectors each side)
Re-pin connectors
Slide H7 retainer on glue to bulb base
Drill hole in headlight protective cover for wire harness protective boot
Drill hole in metal bracket to attach bulb ground wire
Connect ballast wires and light control connector and test lights make sure come on... if it does not come on flip light control connector
Disconnect ballast wires and fish through headlight protective cover and seat rubber boot.
Put headlight protective cover on an reconnect wires.
Attach ballast to frame using supplied velcro
Attach ground wire to frame
Check lights make sure working properly
Replace headlight fenderwall access panel
Here are some pic and a vid
New HID on left, old halogen on right
Both HIDs installed
Fully installed
Process:
De-pin two connectors to slide on H7 retainer (two connectors each side)
Re-pin connectors
Slide H7 retainer on glue to bulb base
Drill hole in headlight protective cover for wire harness protective boot
Drill hole in metal bracket to attach bulb ground wire
Connect ballast wires and light control connector and test lights make sure come on... if it does not come on flip light control connector
Disconnect ballast wires and fish through headlight protective cover and seat rubber boot.
Put headlight protective cover on an reconnect wires.
Attach ballast to frame using supplied velcro
Attach ground wire to frame
Check lights make sure working properly
Replace headlight fenderwall access panel
Here are some pic and a vid
New HID on left, old halogen on right
Both HIDs installed
Fully installed
Last edited by tootallll; 02-23-2019 at 02:24 PM.
#199
Junior Member
First night using the new HIDs. The improvement in lighting is impressive... I'm happy
The weak link in this retrofit are the H7 retainers. if those retainers could be improved...not so flimsy... this would be a perfect retrofit. But overall im happy with the system. It does what it's supposed to, improve lighting.
The weak link in this retrofit are the H7 retainers. if those retainers could be improved...not so flimsy... this would be a perfect retrofit. But overall im happy with the system. It does what it's supposed to, improve lighting.
Last edited by tootallll; 02-25-2019 at 01:43 PM.
#200
Junior Member
Major props to all the guys that have done the HID conversion. Looks like a big improvement. Like everyone else, my 2016 came with halogens, but we have an E350 with the intelligent lighting, and it is light years better (no pun intended). So...I've been holding out for a complete Intelligent Lighting retrofit, figuring somebody, somewhere will put a package together...but so far no luck. I'm in the southeastern US, and the only shop I've found that says they can do it want $5k and are in the UK. Probably doesn't make financial sense but I like the car and will probably keep it longer if the wife is happier driving at night, so the costs sort of balance out...but if I can't find anyone to do it, it actually may make sense to trade it in.