2018 GLE head light upgrade
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 889
Likes: 148
From: Southern Illinois
, 2023 BMW X4, 1991 190E
Search this site and the ML site for other members upgrades to lights. Mercedes HID were an option, yours probably doesn't have them. It hard to believe they dont come standard.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 501
Likes: 138
From: Washington D.C. area
16 GLE400 4matic
Also you need to program/coding for the headlight (Star/Xentry). It's not that simple to slap in HID or LED in.
I don't remember if the MTec HID kit require ECU/ECM reprogramming. it's been over 14 years since I have done it. Other can chime in.
Last edited by amusa; Nov 21, 2022 at 05:53 AM.
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Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 8,882
Likes: 1,214
From: In my garage
E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
It's easy. Just get a kit with an inline resistor. Also, make sure the base of the bulb is made of metal. The plastic base bulbs are too thick to work properly. I did this to my old GL and it made a huge difference in output. You may need to adjust the headlights so they project properly but with projector bulbs you can get a really nice cutoff even with the stock hella projectors.
With that said, the best thing would be to remove the headlights, install HID projectors, and run normal HID bulbs and ballasts. The stock lighting is terrible, and the default should have been HID. MB should be embarrassed for using halogen headlights in the base models. I suspect it was for increased revenue so they could sell the upgraded lighting package.
With that said, the best thing would be to remove the headlights, install HID projectors, and run normal HID bulbs and ballasts. The stock lighting is terrible, and the default should have been HID. MB should be embarrassed for using halogen headlights in the base models. I suspect it was for increased revenue so they could sell the upgraded lighting package.
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,225
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From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
GET LED if you can.
For some time we used to have cars with 3 different light systems.
-LED really shine
-HID (hybrid with halogens for high beams) were noticeable lower output
- halogen - I had to step outside to check if the light are on
For some time we used to have cars with 3 different light systems.
-LED really shine
-HID (hybrid with halogens for high beams) were noticeable lower output
- halogen - I had to step outside to check if the light are on
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 8,882
Likes: 1,214
From: In my garage
E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
Aftermarket retrofit will yield different results than factory so I can't agree with the LED in the OP's H7 reflectors unless you are willing to change out the entire assembly for a factory type LED headlight system and have it programmed. Yes, the factory MB LED's are great as are the factory HID's. HID bulbs do dim over time and need to be replaced so that may be a symptom if you feel the light output is not up to spec. LED's also dim significantly over time so it will be interesting to see how the MB factory LED's perform long term. Yes, if you do a standard retrofit, the high beams will be halogen unless you change to a bi-xenon HID reflector. The HID low and halogen for high combo is not that bad. I lived with this on my old GL for 14 years without issue and was satisfied with the ligting. Yes, stock halogen lighting is beyond terrible and, in my opinion, unsafe.
The newer MB LED with active curve do work better than the previous HID. Not necessarily with light output but they are more responsive when turning and seem to have a wider range in movement from side to side than the previous generation HID's with active curve. I currently have two MB's with HID and two with LED's so I do have direct experience with both systems.
The newer MB LED with active curve do work better than the previous HID. Not necessarily with light output but they are more responsive when turning and seem to have a wider range in movement from side to side than the previous generation HID's with active curve. I currently have two MB's with HID and two with LED's so I do have direct experience with both systems.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,225
Likes: 1,798
From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
Aftermarket retrofit will yield different results than factory so I can't agree with the LED in the OP's H7 reflectors unless you are willing to change out the entire assembly for a factory type LED headlight system and have it programmed. Yes, the factory MB LED's are great as are the factory HID's. HID bulbs do dim over time and need to be replaced so that may be a symptom if you feel the light output is not up to spec. LED's also dim significantly over time so it will be interesting to see how the MB factory LED's perform long term..
