2016/2017 GLE 350 headlight problem
Member
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 97
Likes: 43
2017 GLE350
Bill - great info! Thanks! For the dust cover, my opening measures at just under 4" so it looks like a 100mm dust cover would be the one to get. I"ll probably be getting these parts for an upgrade...fun stuff!
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
Great to hear. I just noticed how many sets of LED's, HID's, and extra wattage halogens I have laying around. At least 10 sets. My wife drove my GLE yesterday while I had her car serviced. I asked her enthusiastically how she liked my lights and she said they are nothing compared to her LED's in her =18 C43 coupe. I almost started crying.
I have to admit her lights are unbelievable. They dim automatically and are brighter than the sun.
I have to admit her lights are unbelievable. They dim automatically and are brighter than the sun.
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
FYI, I ordered Morimoto 2-stroke 3.0's today from Morimoto. I am going to put them in and swap the Hikari's into high beams.
My wife was following me early this morning in her C43. Those lights are something else. The brights automatically dim to oncoming traffic. At least I have a heated steering wheel. She doesn't.
My wife was following me early this morning in her C43. Those lights are something else. The brights automatically dim to oncoming traffic. At least I have a heated steering wheel. She doesn't.
Member
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 97
Likes: 43
2017 GLE350
Bill - Let me know about the Morimotos! It will be interesting to see how they compare to the Hikaris. And speaking of high beams, I would love to retrofit the auto high-beam. I know it's possible, but probably expensive. And a huge plus to the heated steering wheel. I swore I was not going to buy another vehicle without it. Used it tonight....man, it feels so good! Enjoy the weekend!
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
Got the Morimoto anti-flickers in the mail yesterday along with the 50-watt ballasts. No 2-stroke 3.0's yet but as soon as they get here I'll try them out. Also, I have a set of LASFIT with adapters to try.
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
The Hikari's need adapters and the round adapters work fine. The square adapters are needed for HID bulbs, In fact, the only one I've seen that don't need adapters is the LASFIT with the adapters built into the bulbs.
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
Got this in the mail today.Dear Amazon Customer,
We have learned of a potential safety issue that may impact your Amazon purchase(s) below:
HIKARI H13/9008 LED bulbs, New Gen of Japanese CSP LED Tech, Adjustable Beam, Easy install, 6K Cool White Fog Light IP68 HIKARI H7 LED bulbs, New Gen of Japanese CSP LED Tech, Adjustable Beam, Easy install, Halogen Replacement 6K Cool White Foglight IP68
UPC/SKU: B07GKCNPD1,B07GKRKN5B
11/26/2020 - 111-7552877-3286622 - HIKARI H13/9008 LED bulbs, New Gen of Japanese CSP LED Tech, Adjustable Beam, Easy install, 6K Cool White Fog Light IP68
12/31/2019 - 112-6616387-4593850 - HIKARI H7 LED bulbs, New Gen of Japanese CSP LED Tech, Adjustable Beam, Easy install, Halogen Replacement 6K Cool White Foglight IP68
More details, including how to determine if your purchase is impacted and what you should do next can be found in the following notification:
https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=21E002000
If you made this purchase for someone else, please notify the recipient immediately and provide them with the information.
Sincerely,
Customer Service
Amazon.com
www.amazon.com
Please note: this e-mail was sent from a notification-only address that cannot accept incoming e-mail. Please do not reply to this message. Please be aware that links contained in this message may not be owned by Amazon.
We have learned of a potential safety issue that may impact your Amazon purchase(s) below:
HIKARI H13/9008 LED bulbs, New Gen of Japanese CSP LED Tech, Adjustable Beam, Easy install, 6K Cool White Fog Light IP68 HIKARI H7 LED bulbs, New Gen of Japanese CSP LED Tech, Adjustable Beam, Easy install, Halogen Replacement 6K Cool White Foglight IP68
UPC/SKU: B07GKCNPD1,B07GKRKN5B
11/26/2020 - 111-7552877-3286622 - HIKARI H13/9008 LED bulbs, New Gen of Japanese CSP LED Tech, Adjustable Beam, Easy install, 6K Cool White Fog Light IP68
12/31/2019 - 112-6616387-4593850 - HIKARI H7 LED bulbs, New Gen of Japanese CSP LED Tech, Adjustable Beam, Easy install, Halogen Replacement 6K Cool White Foglight IP68
More details, including how to determine if your purchase is impacted and what you should do next can be found in the following notification:
https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=21E002000
If you made this purchase for someone else, please notify the recipient immediately and provide them with the information.
Sincerely,
Customer Service
Amazon.com
www.amazon.com
Please note: this e-mail was sent from a notification-only address that cannot accept incoming e-mail. Please do not reply to this message. Please be aware that links contained in this message may not be owned by Amazon.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
2017 GLE 350 4 matic
Hi Chao Hang Lu,
I am considering this option as well. Which led bulbs did you buy from lastfit? How would you rate the install 1-10?
Did you have to leave the dust covers off from the back?
Did you find them to throw the light further out into the roadway or were they just brighter?
I am considering this option as well. Which led bulbs did you buy from lastfit? How would you rate the install 1-10?
Did you have to leave the dust covers off from the back?
Did you find them to throw the light further out into the roadway or were they just brighter?
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
Hang Lu,
The first LASFIT I installed was the LC Plus with adapters. Not a big improvement and I wouldn't recommend them. I bought the Custom H7's with built-in adapters but haven't installed them yet. They all install about the same and you have to go through the fender liner for the low beams. We were not able to install the high beams because both Steve and I have big hands. The Hikari's are the best out of all sets I tried. They were better than the Morimoto 35W HID's. I have 50-watt ballasts I will try also but it's going to be at least a week. I'm waiting on my Morimoto 2-stroke 3.0's which are back-ordered plus it's going to be cold as -10F this week.
I left the dust covers on. The Hikari's throw light farther.
The first LASFIT I installed was the LC Plus with adapters. Not a big improvement and I wouldn't recommend them. I bought the Custom H7's with built-in adapters but haven't installed them yet. They all install about the same and you have to go through the fender liner for the low beams. We were not able to install the high beams because both Steve and I have big hands. The Hikari's are the best out of all sets I tried. They were better than the Morimoto 35W HID's. I have 50-watt ballasts I will try also but it's going to be at least a week. I'm waiting on my Morimoto 2-stroke 3.0's which are back-ordered plus it's going to be cold as -10F this week.
I left the dust covers on. The Hikari's throw light farther.
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
OK gents, Steven at Star European installed the MORIMOTO 2-Stroke 3.0's today. They are supposed to be the latest and greatest. I watched him check with his LUX meter and the MORIMOTO's came in at 1142 LUX. The HIKARI ULTRA came in at 2245 LUX. I told Steven the testing is over and the HIKARI ULTRA's are the best I've tested for GLE headlights. I've spent over $1,000 on LED bulbs and HID kits. None perform as well irregardless of what you see in the ads or on Youtube. I hope this helps you all.
Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 215
Likes: 65
From: Georgia
2016 GLE350 4MATIC
OK gents, Steven at Star European installed the MORIMOTO 2-Stroke 3.0's today. They are supposed to be the latest and greatest. I watched him check with his LUX meter and the MORIMOTO's came in at 1142 LUX. The HIKARI ULTRA came in at 2245 LUX. I told Steven the testing is over and the HIKARI ULTRA's are the best I've tested for GLE headlights. I've spent over $1,000 on LED bulbs and HID kits. None perform as well irregardless of what you see in the ads or on Youtube. I hope this helps you all.
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
Theoretically, they should be better but every time I tried the latest and greatest, nothing performed like the Ultras. They remind me of the Morimoto's which are twice the money. I really like your Estate.
Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 215
Likes: 65
From: Georgia
2016 GLE350 4MATIC
Thank you!
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 think it has a lot to do with individual designs of the lamps by manufacturers. What works in a Mercedes may not be very good in a Ford or vice versa. Theoretically, good xenon should be the best because it's not so sensitive to the position in the housing. I only tested Morimoto 35-watt even though I had 50-watt ballasts, too. The other thing is the quality of the projectors. There a lot of choices out there.
Member
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 97
Likes: 43
2017 GLE350
Hi Bill - I need some guidance! I have the hikari ultras and adapters but I don't see how this works for installation. It seems like the adapters should fit snugly on the bulbs to install the bulb/adapters together. But I can't see how to do this. Any pointers? I have the canbus decoder anti-flicker also. I guess you mount this somewhere in the wheel well? Or did you put it on the non-wheel well side of the wheel well liner? Did you strap it down or use 2 sided tape? Links to the parts I purchased...
adapters - hikaris - anti-flickers -
It seems like you need to get the adapter somehow behind the bulb's metal seat....
Thanks so much!
Tom
adapters - hikaris - anti-flickers -
It seems like you need to get the adapter somehow behind the bulb's metal seat....
Thanks so much!
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
Tom,
This video shows how to mount the bulbs in your GLE. You need to detach the ring on the bulb by turning it to the proper position and sliding it off. Then you install the adapter with the bumps on the adapter to the rear of the bulb. Then re-install the ring.
The bulbs install through the fenderwell. There is a rectangular cover held in place by a plastic pin. Then you have to remove the dust cover to get to the original bulb. It's a little tricky making sure the adapter engages correctly and the most important thing is to make sure you clock the LED bulb so the LED filaments are straight up and down. Otherwise, they won't perform very well.
I just left the anti-flickers loose inside the housing. I've had them installed for a year with no problems. I hope this helps and there are a lot of videos on youtube for help.
This video shows how to mount the bulbs in your GLE. You need to detach the ring on the bulb by turning it to the proper position and sliding it off. Then you install the adapter with the bumps on the adapter to the rear of the bulb. Then re-install the ring.
The bulbs install through the fenderwell. There is a rectangular cover held in place by a plastic pin. Then you have to remove the dust cover to get to the original bulb. It's a little tricky making sure the adapter engages correctly and the most important thing is to make sure you clock the LED bulb so the LED filaments are straight up and down. Otherwise, they won't perform very well.
I just left the anti-flickers loose inside the housing. I've had them installed for a year with no problems. I hope this helps and there are a lot of videos on youtube for help.
Member
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 97
Likes: 43
2017 GLE350
Bill - no video attached, but I did pull the ring off the bulb so things should be smooth. I certainly know about the rectangular piece of plastic and pin. Laos I did purchase hemispherical covers to replace the flat plastic covers which I'm sure won't fit anymore with the LED bulbs. I'd still like to see the video - thanks so very much for all your help and patience with this!
Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 215
Likes: 65
From: Georgia
2016 GLE350 4MATIC
Is the reason not many have upgraded the high beam H7 bulb at the same time simply physical clearance?
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
One of these days I will mount LED's for high beams. Steve is convinced we have to remove the bumper cover. I sure hope not.
