Headlights too dim, how to improve?
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2015 ML350
Headlights too dim, how to improve?
Hi,
Just picked up a 2015 ML350, but am disappointed in the headlights. I am coming from a 2012 S350 and the ML's are MUCH dimmer. Can I just swap out the bulbs or do something to improve them?
Thanks
Just picked up a 2015 ML350, but am disappointed in the headlights. I am coming from a 2012 S350 and the ML's are MUCH dimmer. Can I just swap out the bulbs or do something to improve them?
Thanks
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From: Alberta, Canada
'18 GLE63S AMG /'19 PORSCHE TURBO S / '09 CORVETTE ZR1 /'14 LEXUS RX350/'16 RAV4 Ltd
You could consider installing HID add ons but I don't recommend it...many have tried although I'm not sure the success rate...your headlight lenses are not designed for them..best would be to install factory complete OEM HID assemblies but this will be a very costly endeavor..
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From: Alberta, Canada
'18 GLE63S AMG /'19 PORSCHE TURBO S / '09 CORVETTE ZR1 /'14 LEXUS RX350/'16 RAV4 Ltd
Thread Starter
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2015 ML350
Any idea what a set of Bi-Xenon headlights like the Lighting Package would cost?
Separately, if you know, what type of bulb the ML uses and what's the standard wattage? Might try to swapping the bulbs first and see if that gets it better.
Separately, if you know, what type of bulb the ML uses and what's the standard wattage? Might try to swapping the bulbs first and see if that gets it better.
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Joined: Aug 2013
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From: Alberta, Canada
'18 GLE63S AMG /'19 PORSCHE TURBO S / '09 CORVETTE ZR1 /'14 LEXUS RX350/'16 RAV4 Ltd
Not sure on either...check manual for bulb..I'd guess H7...as far as HID headlights I'd guess 1000 each from dealer and maybe 600 on ebay...??? just guesses
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From: Alberta, Canada
'18 GLE63S AMG /'19 PORSCHE TURBO S / '09 CORVETTE ZR1 /'14 LEXUS RX350/'16 RAV4 Ltd
Correct on H7 55..if it had a 35 watt you could have added a 55 but I don't know if you can safely get/add a larger wattage than 55..that's the only way you'd get more light..
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From: North Texas
Presently 19 S560 SEDAN, 2014 XK, SOLD GLE 450e
S350
I have the Lighting Package on my ML350 Bluetec and they are great. I know this info is almost useless to you at this point.
But...I've been thinking about buying a S350 like you own. How do you like it? It has the same engine as my '14 ML and with a smaller frontal area I'd guess it's mpg at 75-80 mph is much better than a ML. Otherwise how do you like it?
But...I've been thinking about buying a S350 like you own. How do you like it? It has the same engine as my '14 ML and with a smaller frontal area I'd guess it's mpg at 75-80 mph is much better than a ML. Otherwise how do you like it?
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2015 ML350
I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED it! Had it for 30 months and 30k miles and never a problem. Thing drove like a freakin' tank with 455lbs of torque. I wasn't going to win any drag race, but it was more than enough. And once it was rolling, it really moved. Passing maneuvers on the highway gave me a smile every time. Mixed driving gave me 30 mpg and a tank would last for over 600 miles. I basically liked everything about it, it was a wonderful car.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2013
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From: North Texas
Presently 19 S560 SEDAN, 2014 XK, SOLD GLE 450e
I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED it! Had it for 30 months and 30k miles and never a problem. Thing drove like a freakin' tank with 455lbs of torque. I wasn't going to win any drag race, but it was more than enough. And once it was rolling, it really moved. Passing maneuvers on the highway gave me a smile every time. Mixed driving gave me 30 mpg and a tank would last for over 600 miles. I basically liked everything about it, it was a wonderful car.
Junior Member
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From: South Australia
2014 ML250BT
We have the lighting package on ours, and to be honest I am incredibly disappointed with the whole lighting system. I have not driven a ML without the lighting package so if this is an improvement over the standard halogens I would hate to see how bad they are. I find the intelligent lights to be very yellow and dull.
I had far better light output in my Holden Commodore ( Pontiac G8) with standard projector low and reflector high beam lenses fitted with aftermarket HID's.
I had far better light output in my Holden Commodore ( Pontiac G8) with standard projector low and reflector high beam lenses fitted with aftermarket HID's.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 355
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2013 ML 550, CLK63 AMG, 2012 E350 4MATIC
We have the lighting package on ours, and to be honest I am incredibly disappointed with the whole lighting system. I have not driven a ML without the lighting package so if this is an improvement over the standard halogens I would hate to see how bad they are. I find the intelligent lights to be very yellow and dull.
I had far better light output in my Holden Commodore ( Pontiac G8) with standard projector low and reflector high beam lenses fitted with aftermarket HID's.
I had far better light output in my Holden Commodore ( Pontiac G8) with standard projector low and reflector high beam lenses fitted with aftermarket HID's.
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Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2013
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2013 ML 550, CLK63 AMG, 2012 E350 4MATIC
My CPO arrived from texas in great shape, some swirls, after a light polish sealant, wax, detailer it looks fantastic but there are still a lot of swirls.
I'm thinking that whomever leased this black ML550 drove it through a car wash once a week.
This is the last black car I'll ever own, and I'll never go through a carwash!
My wife's palladium E350 always looks perfect. spray it with a hose and good to go.
I'm thinking that whomever leased this black ML550 drove it through a car wash once a week.
This is the last black car I'll ever own, and I'll never go through a carwash!
My wife's palladium E350 always looks perfect. spray it with a hose and good to go.
Last edited by schorert1; Dec 11, 2014 at 10:51 AM.
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Posts: 513
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From: SoCal
13ML BT
We have the lighting package on ours, and to be honest I am incredibly disappointed with the whole lighting system. I have not driven a ML without the lighting package so if this is an improvement over the standard halogens I would hate to see how bad they are. I find the intelligent lights to be very yellow and dull.
I had far better light output in my Holden Commodore ( Pontiac G8) with standard projector low and reflector high beam lenses fitted with aftermarket HID's.
I had far better light output in my Holden Commodore ( Pontiac G8) with standard projector low and reflector high beam lenses fitted with aftermarket HID's.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2014
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2014 ML350 BlueTec
Wish I could turn that off. I park in a garage at work and home and the lights turn on briefly before the sensor turn them back off. I hear that is not good for the Xeons.
Member
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From: Western Europe
2017 GLS 350d
+1. These headlights are by far the best I have been given to drive. Very bright, very white, and I love the way they adapt to the conditions. My only complaint would be that they can be blinding to people coming in front.
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From: markham, ON, Canada
2014 ML 350 BT
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From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA
2015 ML 350
Compared to any of the new technology headlights (LED, Bi Xenon, etc.) all of the old Halogen headlights seem horrible by comparison.
