2016/2017 GLE 350 headlight problem
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 57
Likes: 10
From: Chattanooga, TN
Currently shopping
I am actively looking to retrofit the LED package on a 2016 GLE with factory halogens, but so far no luck. It seems we need the two headlight assemblies, the rear view mirror sensor, and a harness connector (?). I have a shop that will charge me factory list, order the parts, has never done it and admits it doesn't have the programming to make it work, near Atlanta for $4500...doesn't sound like a great option just yet. I'd really like to connect with someone who has had a successful transplant.
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 14
Likes: 4
N/A
I am actively looking to retrofit the LED package on a 2016 GLE with factory halogens, but so far no luck. It seems we need the two headlight assemblies, the rear view mirror sensor, and a harness connector (?). I have a shop that will charge me factory list, order the parts, has never done it and admits it doesn't have the programming to make it work, near Atlanta for $4500...doesn't sound like a great option just yet. I'd really like to connect with someone who has had a successful transplant.
I hope you find somebody that has done it as I’d love to see the result. In my reading of the lighting threads here, I don’t believe I’ve seen anybody that has.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 57
Likes: 10
From: Chattanooga, TN
Currently shopping
Chefcct, thanks, and that thread was certainly helpful and informative. My entire point is that I don't want to just add aftermarket HID...even if it is an improvement, it isn't what I'm expecting to be the optimal solution. I respect everyone who has taken that route, but there has to be a way to retrofit ILS. This isn't nuclear fusion.
Last edited by JediJD; Mar 23, 2020 at 10:01 AM.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 343
Likes: 86
From: Chicago, U.S.A.
2016 GLE 350 4-Matic
Well...sure.... with a ton of money, you can retrofit the car. But it seems that for a partial solution that doesn’t break the bank, to do the HID bulbs instead.
Good luck and stay safe, stay in, and stay healthy!
Good luck and stay safe, stay in, and stay healthy!
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 10
Likes: 12
2016 C300, 2011 E550 cabrio, 2016 GL550
Upgrading halogen to LED
Hey guys, I am fairly new here and I just purchased a 2017 GLE350 with halogen lights 
I knew they suck but I got a great deal on it so I purchased it. I’m in the middle of getting the OEM LED headlights installed on my GLE.. I found this website CKM and he sells the wiring so the oem LED lights can work with our halogen factory GLE.. he also sells the headlights but I got them cheaper at eBay so I went that route. Cables are $280 and then once you get it all installed then he does the coding remotely.. I’m just about to get the cables in a week or so, I will keep you guys updated.
I knew they suck but I got a great deal on it so I purchased it. I’m in the middle of getting the OEM LED headlights installed on my GLE.. I found this website CKM and he sells the wiring so the oem LED lights can work with our halogen factory GLE.. he also sells the headlights but I got them cheaper at eBay so I went that route. Cables are $280 and then once you get it all installed then he does the coding remotely.. I’m just about to get the cables in a week or so, I will keep you guys updated.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 8,384
Likes: 800
2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL
Wow this thread was a train wreck through 2016-2017 with no one seeming to know the difference between lighting technologies.
I do find it odd that the GLE was still going with halogens well after the E-class had moved on, having gone to a minimum of static low beam LED as of the 2014 model year.
I do find it odd that the GLE was still going with halogens well after the E-class had moved on, having gone to a minimum of static low beam LED as of the 2014 model year.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 295
Likes: 52
From: Texas
2016 GLE350 4Matic, 2017 GLC300
Hey guys, I am fairly new here and I just purchased a 2017 GLE350 with halogen lights I knew they suck but I got a great deal on it so I purchased it. I’m in the middle of getting the OEM LED headlights installed on my GLE.. I found this website CKM and he sells the wiring so the oem LED lights can work with our halogen factory GLE.. he also sells the headlights but I got them cheaper at eBay so I went that route. Cables are $280 and then once you get it all installed then he does the coding remotely.. I’m just about to get the cables in a week or so, I will keep you guys updated.
I knew they suck but I got a great deal on it so I purchased it. I’m in the middle of getting the OEM LED headlights installed on my GLE.. I found this website CKM and he sells the wiring so the oem LED lights can work with our halogen factory GLE.. he also sells the headlights but I got them cheaper at eBay so I went that route. Cables are $280 and then once you get it all installed then he does the coding remotely.. I’m just about to get the cables in a week or so, I will keep you guys updated.We’ve always option paid for the intelligent adaptive LED lights, at times of purchase. We love our bright and clear lights, it’s the best part of this GLE. The rest of the SUV is defiantly a big meh 😑. Drives like a sprinter cargo van
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Newbie
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
GLE 400
Thanks for this! I see in this thread that most people are talking about converting from halogen to HID, with one post that perhaps the LED bulbs won't work optimally in the halogen housing.
So, I'm wondering why more people aren't upgrading from halogen to LED. It still seems like it's the easiest upgrade for my 2019 GLE 400. I just talked with Lasfit and they're not sure whether their Pro-MB2-N bulbs will work in in the high beam connector. (They know they will work in the low beam). They wanted me to remove my high beam bulb and send a photo of the connector, but honestly - I don't feel comfortable trying to remove the high beam bulb (since I don't know what I'm doing). Did you order the same Lasfit bulbs for both high and low beams? (Sorry for the newbie questions!)
So, I'm wondering why more people aren't upgrading from halogen to LED. It still seems like it's the easiest upgrade for my 2019 GLE 400. I just talked with Lasfit and they're not sure whether their Pro-MB2-N bulbs will work in in the high beam connector. (They know they will work in the low beam). They wanted me to remove my high beam bulb and send a photo of the connector, but honestly - I don't feel comfortable trying to remove the high beam bulb (since I don't know what I'm doing). Did you order the same Lasfit bulbs for both high and low beams? (Sorry for the newbie questions!)
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 475
Likes: 149
From: Florida
Aston Martin Vantage, GLE 43 AMG, Volvo XC60, BMW X1 35i, Ram 1500, BMW Z4 35i
FWIW I did a halogen to HID to LED conversion (not a MBZ). the headlights were projectors...The HID gave alot of great bright light but it was not focused as well and had some glare for other drivers... For that reason, along with recent much better LED bulbs, I tried LED. Found the glare was reduced but real life lighting was less...I used 10,000 lumen bulbs (claimed)...
I found the LED bulbs to be an adequate replacement for Halogen and will likely keep them, since I drive mainly on well lit streets... if I drove out in the country much I would go back to HID, even with the extra glare
I found the LED bulbs to be an adequate replacement for Halogen and will likely keep them, since I drive mainly on well lit streets... if I drove out in the country much I would go back to HID, even with the extra glare
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 64
Likes: 12
From: West Michigan
2017 W166 GLE350, 2005 W163 ML350 Special Edition
I ran across this vender who has created a modification that they claim improves the lighting problem: https://www.enormis.net/nighttime-vi...rcedes-gle350/
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
2017 Mercedes Benz GLE 350 4MATIC
Luckily I read about the bad lighting issues before I purchased my 2017 GLE350 and purchased the package with the HID lights. BUT, I noticed the the right side beams out further not too much but I can tell the difference and it is not as bright, being 3 years old, does the brightness get dimmer?
I have a 2020 GLB loaner and this vehicles lights are way brighter and I can see further with these lights...what gives??
I have a 2020 GLB loaner and this vehicles lights are way brighter and I can see further with these lights...what gives??
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
mercedes gle 350
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
E400
2019 GLE400
We leased the 2018.GLE 400 not realizing MB had delivered a substandard unsafe to drive at night vehicle. Dealer is not helping stating that the halogen lights are within specs. So after reading all of these posts I see many of us trusted a brand that no longer has safety as a top priority. How could Mercedes Benz put a $70K + vehicle out there and tell the customer it is safe to drive at night? I paid this money assuming MB does not cut corners, where else have they just simply design and built to just meet specs vs safety and quality above the competition?
Dealer informed to have reached to MB US but they are not willing to help.
Dealer informed to have reached to MB US but they are not willing to help.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 8,882
Likes: 1,212
From: In my garage
E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
Stock halogen lights are horrible. I always recommend doing research before buying a vehicle but sounds like that may not have been done. Either way, as mentioned, do the halogen to HID conversion and call it a day. That's the first thing I did on my 164GL. Yes, I agree the stock halogens are not safe and are way below standard for anything MB should ever put in a vehicle.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 475
Likes: 149
From: Florida
Aston Martin Vantage, GLE 43 AMG, Volvo XC60, BMW X1 35i, Ram 1500, BMW Z4 35i
I've done halogen to HID and most recently LED conversions on many vehicles... often the "glare" to oncoming drivers can be overstated, especially by zealous folks who like to claim it's illegal to change factory headlights, e.t.c.
I've only had some folks flash me, that was on one of my large tall pickup trucks...
The conversions are rather easy if your handy under the hood and can change a headlight bulb. I also realize that some MB owners are only capable of driving and fueling their vehicles...
A good conversion kit installed, should be under $500.
It pays to do a little research before you buy a $70k vehicle... internet is loaded with info.
I've only had some folks flash me, that was on one of my large tall pickup trucks...
The conversions are rather easy if your handy under the hood and can change a headlight bulb. I also realize that some MB owners are only capable of driving and fueling their vehicles...
A good conversion kit installed, should be under $500.
It pays to do a little research before you buy a $70k vehicle... internet is loaded with info.
Last edited by whitewagon; Jan 2, 2021 at 02:06 PM.
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 10
Likes: 12
2016 C300, 2011 E550 cabrio, 2016 GL550
GLE oem LED headlights installed
It is possible to add the original LED MB headlights to our GLE with halogen. I purchased my GLE this past May 2019 and I knew about the terrible headlights but I loved the color and bought it anyway. I spend about 2k but I got the headlights installed. I purchased the lights used (oem) from eBay for about 1k and the cables for the new lights for $300 (Ckm website) and that guy hook me up with his friend in Germany that virtually programmed my lights using some software called vemo I believe. I just had to take it to a body shop that had the software so he could do it virtually. Body shop charged me $600 for installation and the guy in Germany $150 for programming. They worked great and is a huge difference at night, it was well worth the money I spent.
Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 196
Likes: 80
From: Chicago suburbs
2019 C43 Coupe, 2017 GLE63, 2007 CL600, 2001 E430, 2002 S500, 2006 E350, 1985 SEC560, 2015 FIAT 500
I tested several LED's and HID kits. We used a LUX meter to confirm the results. The best LED is Hikari H7's at 2200 LUX from a distance of 20 feet. We tried a lot of different LED's but most weren't that good. You have to clock them correctly or the LUX is significantly reduced.
The Morimoto HID kit from Headlight Revolution looked bright but in reality, the LUX was 1225.
I think we invested about $1,000 in different bulbs. My advice is to stay away from the cheap bulbs on AMAZON. Our last test was today between Hikari and Morimoto. I still have a set of LASfit specifically for European cars that I need to try but I'm satisfied with Hikari. FYI, make sure you get the correct H7 adapter.
NOTE: I forgot to add you need to purchase "anti-flicker" modules for the Hikari LED's.
The Morimoto HID kit from Headlight Revolution looked bright but in reality, the LUX was 1225.
I think we invested about $1,000 in different bulbs. My advice is to stay away from the cheap bulbs on AMAZON. Our last test was today between Hikari and Morimoto. I still have a set of LASfit specifically for European cars that I need to try but I'm satisfied with Hikari. FYI, make sure you get the correct H7 adapter.
NOTE: I forgot to add you need to purchase "anti-flicker" modules for the Hikari LED's.
Last edited by Bill Baird; Jan 18, 2021 at 10:37 PM. Reason: forgot to add information
Member
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 97
Likes: 43
2017 GLE350
Hi Bill, Thanks for doing this! So an amazon, the hikari h7LED bulbs are shown at $40/pair. There is also a Hikari ultra "eye of megatron" bulb pair for $90/pair/ Which one did you evaluate? And what happens if you don't purchase the anti-flicker modules? Finally, does the back cover fit with the new LED bulb in place? I'm talking about a 2017 GLE350 suv.
Thanks!
Tom
Thanks!
Tom
Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 196
Likes: 80
From: Chicago suburbs
2019 C43 Coupe, 2017 GLE63, 2007 CL600, 2001 E430, 2002 S500, 2006 E350, 1985 SEC560, 2015 FIAT 500
I used the Hikari Ultras. They come in the white box. The anti-flickers are essential because, within one minute of turning on the ignition, the lights will shut off. I bought rubber dust covers from LASfit but I haven't installed them. I did drill 8mm holes in the covers right where I thought the fans were located. They are not located in the center of the cap. Don't forget you have to clock the bulbs at the 3 and 9 positions for the best results.
Member
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 97
Likes: 43
2017 GLE350
Bill,
Sorry to keep pestering you...where did you buy the ultras? And where did you get the correct H7 adapter? Finally Lasfit has a bunch of rubber dust covers, but I don't see one specifically for the GLE...I measured the hole OD and it is 3 15/16". Do you have part numbers you could share? Thanks so much!
Sorry to keep pestering you...where did you buy the ultras? And where did you get the correct H7 adapter? Finally Lasfit has a bunch of rubber dust covers, but I don't see one specifically for the GLE...I measured the hole OD and it is 3 15/16". Do you have part numbers you could share? Thanks so much!
Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 196
Likes: 80
From: Chicago suburbs
2019 C43 Coupe, 2017 GLE63, 2007 CL600, 2001 E430, 2002 S500, 2006 E350, 1985 SEC560, 2015 FIAT 500
FOR THE DUST COVERS, I BOUGHT THE 55MM AND 75MM - https://www.lasfit.com/collections/r...27997351936084
AMAZON, TOO -
FOR THE ADAPTERS, I'VE BOUGHT SEVERAL KINDS WITH THE LASFIT TK003 MY FAVORITE -https://www.lasfit.com/collections/adapter/products/h7-led-bulb-metal-retainer-adapter-for-mercedes-benz-ml350-2004-2007-e350-2011
FOR THE HIKARI'S, I BOUGHT THEM ON AMAZON -
FOR THE ANTI FLICKERS - AND -
I BOUGHT OTHER LED'S BUT NOTHING IS CLOSE TO THE HIKARI'S IN A MERCEDES PROJECTOR. THERE'S NEW STUFF COMING OUT ALL THE TIME AND I EXPERIMENTING FOR A YEAR. I TOLD MY WIFE IF THIS DIDN'T WORK, I WAS BUYING A NEW CAR. FORTUNATELY, THE HIKARI'S ARE MUCH BETTER THAN STOCK HALOGENS BUT STILL NOT AS GOOD AS MY WIFE'S C43 LED'S. THOSE LIGHTS ARE REALLY GOOD.
AMAZON, TOO -
FOR THE ADAPTERS, I'VE BOUGHT SEVERAL KINDS WITH THE LASFIT TK003 MY FAVORITE -https://www.lasfit.com/collections/adapter/products/h7-led-bulb-metal-retainer-adapter-for-mercedes-benz-ml350-2004-2007-e350-2011
FOR THE HIKARI'S, I BOUGHT THEM ON AMAZON -
FOR THE ANTI FLICKERS - AND -
I BOUGHT OTHER LED'S BUT NOTHING IS CLOSE TO THE HIKARI'S IN A MERCEDES PROJECTOR. THERE'S NEW STUFF COMING OUT ALL THE TIME AND I EXPERIMENTING FOR A YEAR. I TOLD MY WIFE IF THIS DIDN'T WORK, I WAS BUYING A NEW CAR. FORTUNATELY, THE HIKARI'S ARE MUCH BETTER THAN STOCK HALOGENS BUT STILL NOT AS GOOD AS MY WIFE'S C43 LED'S. THOSE LIGHTS ARE REALLY GOOD.
