2012 ML Headlamps Swap?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 4
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From: San Diego
2012 ML350
2012 ML Headlamps Swap?
I drive a 2012 ML350 with standard halogen lighting package and am very interested in trying to swap out these for the sleek 2014 ml350/63 Xenon "amber" headlamps. However when discussing this w/ a Parts manager at my local dealer he mentioned that the biggest hurdle would be getting the car's comp. system to recognize the new lamps/features and that getting everything setup working properly could cost up to $8,000-10,000 USD. Now this clearly is not worth that kind of cost, but I was seeing if there was a cheaper alternative in modding the headlamps (Xenon convert) without spending an "arm and a leg". Or is there a cheaper avenue in getting the 2014 Xenon's installed. Currently I have 3rd Party xenon bulbs that flicker like crazy everything I run the ignition due to the computer not recognizing the after-market bulbs and as I drive they continue to flicker (right light sometimes never powering on), which makes the vehicle seem very tacky. All suggestions are appreciated.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 714
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From: Los Angeles
2025 Panamera GTS
It's. It that expensive to do the real diversion but it did cost about 4k to do it for one forum user on here. He can chime in to reveal his actual cost. Either way it wasn't worth it. Too much.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: San Diego
2012 ML350
Thanks for the feedback guys-ya I think the site provided below is my best bet for upgrading the lights with spending a fortune however they just won't look as sharp as the 2014 MLs, the $ is better spent elsewhere. By the time I get my next ML I doubt the halogen lights will even be in circulation for MB. Will let all know how after MKT xenons turn out.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: San Diego
2012 ML350
Thanks for the feedback guys-ya I think the site provided below is my best bet for upgrading the lights with spending a fortune however they just won't look as sharp as the 2014 MLs, the $ is better spent elsewhere. By the time I get my next ML I doubt the halogen lights will even be in circulation for MB. Will let all know how after MKT xenons turn out.
http://www.hidkitsxenonlights.com/mercedes-ml350-xenon-kits-lights-conversions-headlights-bulbs/
http://www.hidkitsxenonlights.com/mercedes-ml350-xenon-kits-lights-conversions-headlights-bulbs/
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 625
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From: Australia
X350d GLE500e 2017, ML350 BlueTec 2012(sold), A200 2013, ML350CDI 2009(sold), Aston Martin DB7 2003
Think twice before you go to the MB HID lights.
The advertising blurb says they are BiXenon, which is untrue!
The W164 did have BiXenon and they were simply brilliant.
The W166 has a single Xenon globe for low beam, with a mechanical reflector that deflects some light upwards for high beam.
Result - excellent low beam with good spread, but high beam is patchy with limited extra visibility.
If you only drive in the city then you will be happy, but hit the rural/country roads and you will suffer. My next step is to see if I can connect external driving lights.
Also the auto dimming lights are useless. Continually going up and down when the see white posts on the roadside, and not dipping until the oncoming car flashes me. I now always manually use high beam.
These lights have been my only complaint for the dealer in 24,000km. And they report everything is normal?
The advertising blurb says they are BiXenon, which is untrue!
The W164 did have BiXenon and they were simply brilliant.
The W166 has a single Xenon globe for low beam, with a mechanical reflector that deflects some light upwards for high beam.
Result - excellent low beam with good spread, but high beam is patchy with limited extra visibility.
If you only drive in the city then you will be happy, but hit the rural/country roads and you will suffer. My next step is to see if I can connect external driving lights.
Also the auto dimming lights are useless. Continually going up and down when the see white posts on the roadside, and not dipping until the oncoming car flashes me. I now always manually use high beam.
These lights have been my only complaint for the dealer in 24,000km. And they report everything is normal?
