Hope everyone is safe and well during these unprecedented times. Not sure if anyone will read this post, but I need to keep myself busy with projects to be sane during the lock downs.

Due to the Corona virus, all of a sudden I had an abundance of time to start or complete home projects I only planned but rarely got the chance to finish. Of course the downside is the lack of work and continued lock downs in Southern Cal. As I completed many of my projects during the pandemic including a sweet repop of a 1988 Haro Master, I recently started a 10th Anniversary upgrade/update project for my 2010 R350 4matic.

Our R class was purchased new in 2010 (wow, it was shiny back then!)

for my wife to drive around the kids and act as our hauler. Interestingly, it replaced our silver 2007 R350 4matic we had for 39 months and thoroughly enjoyed. The R class wasn't a big seller in the US (as it was discontinued), but the interior space is perfect for a family. Trust me on this. The 3rd row seats are the most comfortable compared with other similar cars I test drove and I never had an issue hauling anything I bought at Costco, Home Depot, or Ikea.

IMHO, I think Merc made a mistake in discontinuing this model. They should have continued to upgrade and update it, but in the wagon category. Or, at least sell some of the Chinese market R classes in the US (it's still sold there I believe).

I'm getting off track here. In a nutshell, I became the main driver of our black 2010 R350 4matic due to a pre-Corona car purchase for my wife. She opted for a sedan. My initial plan was to replace the R class with something comparable and newer as it became 10 years old with over 90K miles. But then Corona hit and everything was uncertain. Moreover, it had to pass a smog check during the pandemic of all times (this was before the DMV extension). Long story short, it failed and I was forced to repair basically everything wrong to fix the CEL codes, costing $$$. The car was well maintained up to that point, so I decided to get my investment back by squeezing out another 50K (or its death), which ever comes first.

Here lies the reason for my 10th Anniversary upgrade / update project. The car had a lot of wear and tear cosmetically which I initially ignored. But it started to bother me. So, I did a full detail in and out. Then, I found that a lot of things bothered me. I tried to ignore it again, but now felt unsure if I could drive it another 50K. I needed a refresh, sort of speak. Also, I needed to add cool factor to an already uncool car.

Thus, it started with a simple plan to replace a few parts, but now it’s become a full blown project especially due to the extra time I have during the lock downs. I will chronologically list the upgrades on this thread. I’m doing this more for myself to keep a record of everything and keep me sane, but if anyone finds it entertaining, that’s icing on the cake.

Stay tuned.

 

#1

LED LOW BEAM LIGHTS: Replaced low beam halogen bulbs with LED 6K bulb. Most of my recent cars had HID/Xenon lights. Those yellowish lights should be banned. Should make LEDs standard on all cars. Replacing the regular bulbs on the R class is a pain in the *** in itself (you need an extra joint in your arms/wrist). I bought some no name LED lights online to fit "euro" cars. Sadly, it didn't fit. I bought another model, which didn't fit either. I thought about giving up, but made modifications to the unit to make it fit the light housing (see pic). Surprising it worked without an error code and is much brighter than stock. And, it looks cool at night (see pic). (MEDIUM difficulty).




#2

YELLOW HELLA FOGS LIGHTS: Replaced fog lights with Hella yellow fogs bulbs. I always thought theses looked cool back in the day. I had some PIAA's back then and wanted yellow ones. Unscrew the fog light grill and housing and replace the bulb. (EAST difficulty).

#3

STRIP COATING ON HEADLIGHT SWITCH: When replacing the above bulbs, I notice that the headlight switch's rubber coating was sticky due to the years of heat, etc. This was a popular coating to plastic back in 2000's, which made it smooth to the touch yet softer than hard plastic. BUT, after years of use it gets sticky and nasty. I tried everything to strip it, rubbing alcohol, cleansers, thinner. Nothing worked. But the $324 (part#25154532049116) price tag (yikes!) made me try again. Finally tried Mr. Clean Magic Foam. With rubbing alcohol and some elbow grease, I was able to strip all the sticky goo off the plastic. Now it feels smooth and clean.
(sticky and nasty)


(now, clean and smooth)

 

Love the thread. I’ve been doing the same down here in oz. Ours is also a 2010 model but a facelift.

Like you - I’m driving this car more then my wife recently (my A207 just sits in the garage) and I’m loving it - not that there is anywhere to go...

I’ve recently done (during Covid lockdown - and we’re now locked down for another 6 weeks again):

Lower control arm ball joint
Driveshaft CV joint reboot
Front Airbag (one side only)
Transmission fluid
Transfer case and diff fluid
Brake Fluid
Front Rotors and Pad
Coolant
Replaced the airmatic filter
Air/oil filters and oil.
Installed a Catch can
Changed the PCV valve
Changed the Radial shaft seal
Decarboned the Intake

Installed a Kenwood headunit with CarPlay
Replaced the Broken Centre air vent
Replaced the broken sunroof button
Installed a sunglasses holder in place of the grab bar
Rewired my phone charging cable.

Ill be cleaning out the intake (post turbo) soon including intercooler and replacing the exhaust backpressure sensor.

Ive also got a front camera in transit am I’m contemplating buying a new headlight switch as mine is scuffed (from Ali express) and getting roof Rails and an AMG style front grill.

There are lots of parts on Ali express given they still sell the car in China. I was also looking at the diamond stitched upholstery/trim but it looks a bit too over the top.

I’ve documented some of this in the Benzworld Rclass forum if you’re interested and I’ll be keeping an eye on this thread too!

 

Thanks for the support! You know the R class threads are usually not popping like the other forums, but it's definitely a jack of all trades type of car. If Benz still sold it again in the US, I'd buy.

I'm pressed with what you've done so far. I definitely want to check out your thread, let me know the link - I'll make an account there too.

Yeah, It sucks that Merc's have minor (but frustrating) issues like the center vent, headlight switch, sunroof button, radio system, etc. I wish Merc can simplify some designs to keep maintenance less expensive for it owners beyond 3 years. For example, I had to replace the air springs in the rear suspension at 60K mile! Although, I decided to only restore the headlight switch, I may have to look into your thread to maybe remedy the other things.

I just finished my #4 on the list, blacking out the chrome window trims (my own Night Package) to attempt a "cooler" look LOL. I'll add the thread when I take some photos.

Be safe mate!

 

Those LED "bulbs" do not put out a good light distribution. If you really want better lighting, do a full retrofit. I believe those are halogen E55 projectors, and Morimoto sells a bracket that can convert E55 to Morimoto Mini D2S projectors or use their new MLED projectors.

 

I was thinking of replacing them with used OEM Merc xenon assembly, but I'm game. If you installed it on your R, let me know what parts' are needed and how to install (as Morimoto's website has no info. on fitment of Mini D2s on a R class, only H7 bulb options). BTW, you know if those Morimoto H7 HID bulbs are any good. Thanks.

BTW->Morimoto's return policy sucks a$$. If you installed it (open box), then no return! Unopened box is subject to 20% restock fee! "If packaging has been opened and needs to be replaced because of which, an additional 5% reconditioning fee will be added without exception." It's a run-on sentence per their site, but I'm presuming an extra 5% fee. Jeez, I get you run a business, but what if it doesn't work on my car (i.e. reads errors). They better guarantee that it's going to work without errors before I order.

 

I haven’t documented everything I did - only the stuff that I felt would be useful to other members. Have a look under my username there (onnzo same as here) - I’ve made a few threads.

If you have a chance - I recommend doing the headunit, it really modernizes the car!

Im about to start the inter cooler clean now.

 

#2

YELLOW HELLA FOGS LIGHTS: Replaced fog lights with Hella yellow fogs bulbs (Part # H7 YL). I always thought theses looked cool back in the day. I had some PIAA's back then and wanted yellow ones. Unscrew the fog light grill and housing and replace the bulb. (EAST difficulty).

 

#4 BLACK OUT CHROME WINDOW TRIM




#5 GHOST SHADOW LIGHTS (i.e. puddle lights). Easy install. Hopefully it works for a while. Cheap fun...HAHA.

 

Ours already has the xenon assembly, but light output is fairly poor. I was going to do this:
I use a large oven set to 250 rather than the hairdryer in a box method. I have done a fair number of retrofits in other cars, so it isn't anything new to me. I'm also using the Retroquik kit so drilling/grinding shouldn't be necessary. Since I have OEM xenons, I already have E55 Xenon projectors. I believe the halogen version used E55 halogen projectors, but I can't find definitive confirmation one way or the other.

Most things that are applicable to W164 and X164 SUVs are applicable to W251.

I would NEVER use HIDs in anything that was designed for halogen bulbs.

 

Hi Tsumi:

I have halogen bulb assembly. What are my options then to get better lights than LED bulbs? Are you suggesting retrofiting HID/xenon projectors into the assembly unit? Thanks.

 

HID option: https://lightwerkz.net/collections/a...a-e55-bi-xenon
You will need bulbs, ballasts, probably the high beam splitters (not certain), and some headlight sealant can't hurt.

LED option: https://lightwerkz.net/collections/a...ckets-hardware (choose the Hella E55 brackets) + https://lightwerkz.net/collections/l...moto-m-led-2-0 (best LED projector) or https://lightwerkz.net/collections/l...i-lens-led-2-0 (2nd best LED projector)

 

#6 LED FRONT PARKING LIGHTS

When I installed LED bulbs in the headlights, I had planned to replace the halogen parking lights with LED as well, but I tried 3 different sets of 194 bulbs from Amazon and all three either had errors or flickering. I gave up until, I ran across the Morimoto site recently at the suggestion of member Tsumi for retrofiting projector lights. I decided to purchase them and to my surprise they work without errors so far. Great and thanks Tsumi for the suggestion.

(BEFORE)


(AFTER)


Not a 100% color match, but I'm cool with it.

I plan to do my 2nd headlight plastic restore in this thread soon. The first restore came out great, but I didn't protect it and it got faded quick.

 

Nice mods!

 

Thanks triggeraa!

 

#7 LED Bulb for Reverse Lights

Want to upgrade most of the bulbs to LED. Just finished with replacing the reverse lights. No errors and much brighter (and whiter) than the OEMs. Nice as long as it lasts for more than 1 year...my ghost lights are already having an issue (POS) - the companies that make them should spend a bit more and make quality products. I would pay a little more to get quality products that work and work for a while.

***Also did a quick cut and polished to the tail lights.

On to my #8 update, upgrade, make-over.

 

#8 Smoked Side Markers (b/c no one sells clear ones for W251 that I know of) - light tint vinyl wrap.

Before


After

 

#9 Replaced center wheel caps from original blue wreath on chrome star caps to---> modern Merc's black wreath on black star caps.



(on my AMG W251 rims)

 

I put in LEDs from eBay, but the light output is horrible. I have Halogen projectors in my 06 R350.

I got some LEDs for interior, but replacing them seems to be a very involved job for map lights etc., Don't know when I'd try again.

 

I'll be replacing the interior LEDs soon. Hopefully, it works out. Most of the bulbs selling for pack of 10 or $10 are cheapos that don't seem to work without some errors.

 

Bottom barrel and even middle of the barrel Ebay LEDs are generally terrible, especially for headlights. I have found Auxito 24 3014 LEDs to be good for 194 bulbs, and 3014 are the best LED chips in general in terms of brightness. For headlights, only the ones found here have any chance of being remotely good: https://lightwerkz.net/collections/h...b-replacements

You're most likely better off trying to replace the halogen projectors with HID ones, as I linked above.

 

Tsuim: I'll kept the Auxito 194s in mind. I already ordered some interior LEDs bulbs, so I'll list what works or don't. Yeah, I want the retrofit HIDs, but have to save up for that since I bought some parts for this upgrade - make over.

 

I use them for interior and exterior lights, and they are ridiculously bright. And yes, they work as the front parking lights in my R500 without errors.

 

Hey Tsumi,

Do you know if our doors have door switch sensors like older Benzs that turns the interior lights on or off? Recently, the interior lights didn't turn on when I opened the driver's door; then it worked when I closed and reopened the door. All other doors turn on the lights fine. Thanks if you know.

 

There is a sensor, but it's not a manual switch like in older cars. It's connected to a computer that decides when to turn on and off the lights, and there's some kind of timer logic attached to that.