Replacement HID bulbs
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,748
Likes: 880
From: In the Shadow of the Tetons
2013 ML350 Bluetec
Replacement HID bulbs
I'm looking for suggestions and anecdotal experiences regarding the best HID bulbs to replace the ones currently in the headlights of my '13 ML350 bluetec. The current bulbs just seem tired to me: The output isn't nearly as bright as my '13 E350 was, nor is it as white. Indeed, these have a quite warm color temperature - not as warm as halogen, but not nearly as cool as I'd expect.
I want bright and about 5K color.
Suggestions? Stories?
Also, on an unrelated note: Why the hell didn't Mercedes put turn illumination on these lights? They've got active curve moving headlight beams, but for whatever reason they don't have the halogen H7 bulbs that light up the corners when the turn signal is on below 14mph. A rhetorical question perhaps, but if anyone knows WTF then I'm listening.
I want bright and about 5K color.
Suggestions? Stories?
Also, on an unrelated note: Why the hell didn't Mercedes put turn illumination on these lights? They've got active curve moving headlight beams, but for whatever reason they don't have the halogen H7 bulbs that light up the corners when the turn signal is on below 14mph. A rhetorical question perhaps, but if anyone knows WTF then I'm listening.
Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 170
Likes: 61
From: Toronto, ON
86 190E 2.3, 2014 ML350 Bluetec
Also, on an unrelated note: Why the hell didn't Mercedes put turn illumination on these lights? They've got active curve moving headlight beams, but for whatever reason they don't have the halogen H7 bulbs that light up the corners when the turn signal is on below 14mph. A rhetorical question perhaps, but if anyone knows WTF then I'm listening.
I recently upgraded my HID's to Morimoto D1s 5K, huge difference in brightness from the old bulbs:
Last edited by mike919; Mar 8, 2022 at 12:34 AM.
Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 190
Likes: 76
2013 ML550 US spec. Air+Offroad pkg
Is it possible to just pop in a bulb to get US Spec to work? I was told some time ago that the US software has that disabled so it wont work even with a bulb.
To answer the question on "why wasnt it installed on US cars", the DOT, at least up until last 6 months, had VERY outdated headlight rules which prohibited most of the smart headlight technology, and restricted the total combined light output from a headlight assembly. Since the cornering light is in the headlight assembly, that extra output exceeded the DOT max. DOT also has an outdated rule that prohibits brake and turnlights to be operated from a movable surface, which is why you see these silly tail light illuminations in the US in the bumper, or only on the sides instead of the "proper" place on the hatch or trunklid. For instance, the Ferrari California. Since the back of that car opens to allow the roof to fold into trunk, they cant use the large 2 tail lights, so they have to use lights in the lower bumper.
To answer the question on "why wasnt it installed on US cars", the DOT, at least up until last 6 months, had VERY outdated headlight rules which prohibited most of the smart headlight technology, and restricted the total combined light output from a headlight assembly. Since the cornering light is in the headlight assembly, that extra output exceeded the DOT max. DOT also has an outdated rule that prohibits brake and turnlights to be operated from a movable surface, which is why you see these silly tail light illuminations in the US in the bumper, or only on the sides instead of the "proper" place on the hatch or trunklid. For instance, the Ferrari California. Since the back of that car opens to allow the roof to fold into trunk, they cant use the large 2 tail lights, so they have to use lights in the lower bumper.
Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 170
Likes: 61
From: Toronto, ON
86 190E 2.3, 2014 ML350 Bluetec
From the looks of it, it seems like a specialized LED that fits in the housing. I doubt there is a part number for it unless someone has access to Euro-spec EPC? Otherwise, the only way to find out would be to get a hold of a euro headlight and take a look. Probably won't be very cost-effective...
More on that topic here:
https://mbworld.org/forums/m-class-w...ng-lights.html
More on that topic here:
https://mbworld.org/forums/m-class-w...ng-lights.html
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,748
Likes: 880
From: In the Shadow of the Tetons
2013 ML350 Bluetec
I did have code 619 (cornering illumination) on my '13 E350 along with 615 (bi xenon with active curvelight). It was lovely. On my '13 ML350, code 615 is present but 619 is not. Bummer.
