Hi
I live in the UK and I have an S500. Its the same old story i.e I want to change my headlights for the clear lense model but on reading some of the threads I can't seem to get the answer I'm looking for so I'll try and break down what I want;

1. Is there a sraight swap for these lights out there i.e. old ones out new ones in, same connectors etc
2. Do the 2003 to 2005 lights fit my 2002 car and is it the same connection arrangement.
3. If the answer is no to both questions above can I by an alternative i.e. projector headlights or something? and then get a hid kit fitted (but then what is involved as diy is not my thing) With this option would the warning lights come on saying that the xenon connection is not fitted

The ideal scenario is the plug and play etc but if someone can please suggest another option I would be extremely grateful.

 

Appears headlights on a Xenon factory S500 is a toss up. This is the most asked question that is never truly answered from what I can tell. You would think that as many times as this is asked, a sticky would be made for the correct answer. A sticky for changing out mirror lights is nice but...

I have searched this forum and now have come to the conclusion that there is no easy way to do this except for buying OEM lights to upgrade. I am sure others may disagree.

I was also told today by a mechanic that aftermarket Xenon headlights on S500 look great in the day but are terrible at night, no exceptions. He said he would rather pay for factory than to get aftermarket because of the lack of quality. (I am sure again that you will get a difference in opinion. I actually hope so) He demonstrated, and there was a huge difference. I dont want to pay $2500 for him to install OEM lights so I will continue hoping.

 

Thanks for your reply as you have answered my question a bit. Is it possible to buy OEM xenon lights with the clear lenses for my 2002 model as the main dealer in the UK told me that they were not available. I suppose I ask the same question again i.e. does the xenons from a 2003 model just plug and play with my car.
Hey ho, one day this never ending question might be answered
Thanks again

 

[QUOTE=woodgaingripper;3223149 This is the most asked question that is never truly answered from what I can tell. You would think that as many times as this is asked, a sticky would be made for the correct answer. A sticky for changing out mirror lights is nice but...[/QUOTE]

A sticky would be nice - but to answer the question comprehensively is a lot of work. I tend to agree that OEM is the best way to go, but folks often want to go cheap, and that complicates the matter further.

I have written several technical publications and stickies on other topics - and other posts that were extensive "how to's" that were not made stickies. They were a lot of work to create, and updating them (and answering the inevitable questions) is also a lot of work.

So, as to "a sticky would be made," they don't just materialize out of thin air. Someone has to work hard do it. My "How To Guide" on cell phones took a week or more to write and check; my posts on the Dension Gateway 500 installation and menus (together) took a similar amount of time. So, with no sarcasm intended, once you get the answers to your questions (and everyone else's) - please do create and post that sticky - a lot of members would love to see it.

I'd do it myself, but I don't have the detailed knowledge of the task - I'd be culling through the contributions of a large number of other people, with no knowledge of the proper answer to conflicting information. I have no knowledge base to answer followup questions. Plus, I have no interest in changing out the headlight units. So personally, I won't be doing that sticky.

But if I were to undertake it, the first thing I would decide to do would be to limit the writeup to OEM replacement units. The variations one gets into with non-OEM just makes for too much to cover. But then, additional contributors would no doubt chime in and cover some of the workarounds, pluses, and minuses of the aftermarket units - so things would eventually be covered pretty well.

For some insight as to the complexity (and also as a reference for other members who may be looking into headlight upgrades) here's a list of links dealing with the subject (no guarantees it is comprehensive) - and thanks to the folks who spent time to pass on the knowledge represented below:

Remove Unit: http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...eadlights.html

Remove Unit: https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...t-removal.html

Remove Unit: https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...assy-help.html

Recommendation for General Approach: http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...0-rebirth.html

OEM Xenon Upgrade: http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...ns-not-bi.html

Halogen/Xenon/HID: https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...or-lights.html

Additional Links: https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...il-lights.html

Connector Mismatch/Autolevel: https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...-question.html

Adapter/Connector Problems: https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...eadlights.html

More links, Adapter Discussion: https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...ml#post2625654

Adapter and Harness for Bi-Xenon: https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...rt-number.html

More on Adapter: https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...-complete.html

HID to Xenon Upgrade (EXCELLENT Discussion): https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...n-upgrade.html

Xenon to Bi-Xenon Upgrade: http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...n-upgrade.html

Bulb Color (Color Temperature): http://www.danielsternlighting.com/t...lbs/bulbs.html

More on Bulb Color/Color Temperature: https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...ht-covers.html

Bulb Color Mismatch: https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...different.html

Quality of Non-OEM: https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...-question.html

Aftermarket Experience: http://www.benzworld.org/forums/audi...installed.html

I've only provided a few references to color temperature/bulb color above, there are MANY more.

 

Thanks for the detailed response, it was very helpful

Regards

Craig