Cheap light upgrade

Feb 7, 2012 | 08:05 PM

vrdoshi350

Thread Starter

Newbie

Joined: Feb 2012

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2012 ML350 w/ pano

Cheap light upgrade

I got the 2012 ML350 white with a pano roof and parktronics but didnt get the upgraded lighting. I found a H7 bulb that worked on my ML and now it looks beautiful. I didnt have to get a HID kit installed just had to plug and play direct replace my stock headlight bulb

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Feb 7, 2012 | 08:14 PM

71406

Newbie

Joined: Dec 2011

Posts: 10

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From: IL

ML350 C63

Looks great! What H7 bulb did you get?

Feb 7, 2012 | 10:30 PM

GregW / Oregon

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Joined: Jul 2003

Posts: 6,778

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From: Lake Oswego, OR

2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe

Quote:

Originally Posted by vrdoshi350

If it's just a blue-tinted halogen, your light output is reduced, so not sure it's an "upgrade."

Feb 8, 2012 | 12:31 PM

lovecarz

Newbie

Joined: Feb 2012

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2012 ML350 BlueTec

HID Lights

Hi, I just picked up my 2012 ML350 BlueTec and realized that it does not have HIDs. I thought these lights were standard. Anyways, I want to do exactly what you did. Before I do that, I have couple of questions -

. Is your light Xenon HID or blue colored halogen?
. What is the difference between buying a HID Kit and just replacing the blub with a H7 blub?
. As one of the members stated, is there reduced power output from the light?
. I have never installed after market lights, always got HIDs standard with all the cars that I have purchased in the past. Do you know about their long term reliability?
. Can you please let me know where you got the blub, exact part number would be helpfull so I can get the exact same ones. I really like the look on your car.

Thanks in advance!

Feb 8, 2012 | 01:28 PM

GregW / Oregon

MBWorld Fanatic!

Joined: Jul 2003

Posts: 6,778

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From: Lake Oswego, OR

2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe

Aftermarket halogen vs. HID

Quote:

Originally Posted by lovecarz

All HIDs (Xenons) require external ballasts. Plug and play lamps are tungsten halogen, usually with a blue tint to make the light "whiter". Unless the wattage of the bulb is simultaneously increased (dangerous because of heat issues), the net amount of light reaching the road will be less. All halogens should have similar life expectancies; HIDs typically last much longer.

Feb 8, 2012 | 02:42 PM

metidogeno

Junior Member

Joined: Dec 2011

Posts: 34

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2012 ML350(gas) P1 w/ pano, Parktronic & keyless; 2012 Audi A4 2.0 sport pkg w/ Nav & Keyless

h7 HID colored halogen bulbs= less light output

Everyone know that the lumens of a 55w tinted bulb, usually referred to HID color, is going to be lower; thus aesthetically pleasing, but reduces your visibility at night as a driver. Do not purchase higher wattage bulbs that attempt to "make up" for the lost lumens due to the tint; these higher wattage bulbs emit more heat obviously which could result to burning/melting issues. Also, the OBC may shut off the entire headlamp functions since there is a discrepancy between the wattage required OEM vs. the higher required wattage of the aftermarket bulb

Please review my HID setup named "HID kit w/video" in this thread since I troubleshooted 5 different kits.