Any advice on changing xenon HID's
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 101
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S 320
Any advice on changing xenon HID's
My car is a 1999 w220 S320.
From new it was fitted with Xenon low beam bulbs.
Its the kind that adjust up and down when you first turn them on.
The high beam is ordinary halogens.
I believe the bulb type is Xenon and not Bi Xenon
Certainly the manual only mentions xenon, and also the original order list shows as Xenon upgrade fitted by mercedes from new.
The lights have a blueish tinge and dont seem as bright as you would expect for HID's.
I'm considering either Osram or Phillips D2R's.
Are there any problems other than not touching the lamps and making sure the lights are off so you dont end up getting a taser style belt.
Many Thanks.
From new it was fitted with Xenon low beam bulbs.
Its the kind that adjust up and down when you first turn them on.
The high beam is ordinary halogens.
I believe the bulb type is Xenon and not Bi Xenon
Certainly the manual only mentions xenon, and also the original order list shows as Xenon upgrade fitted by mercedes from new.
The lights have a blueish tinge and dont seem as bright as you would expect for HID's.
I'm considering either Osram or Phillips D2R's.
Are there any problems other than not touching the lamps and making sure the lights are off so you dont end up getting a taser style belt.
Many Thanks.
Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 108
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From: Montréal
Facelift GLC43
Other than having the right type of bulb and not touching them, it's an easy DIY. But, the passenger side (american one, so left of the car) bulb is a PITA to fit. you won't have much room to play with and it's really easy to drop the bulb. The right side can be changed in under a minute, it's really the left side that is a tad tricky and takes some patience if you have big hands.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 101
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S 320
Many Thanks for the reply DNA.
Sounds like the right side of the car is the first one to tackle, ie the easy side and get some practice in.
I assume there is no chance of electric shock provided the canbus is sleeping and lights and ignition circuits are off ??
I saw a you tube tutorial on changing the HID lamps, but the guy was handling the bulbs by the glass !! A big no no.
No doubt he will be doing another tutorial in about a weeks time when his new bulbs have blown lol.
My lights have become quite blue in colour which is a sign they are getting close to there end of life. Also a 4300k lamp should be more white than blue, and its the best colour for useable light output under normal driving.
Once again thanks for your advice.
Sounds like the right side of the car is the first one to tackle, ie the easy side and get some practice in.
I assume there is no chance of electric shock provided the canbus is sleeping and lights and ignition circuits are off ??
I saw a you tube tutorial on changing the HID lamps, but the guy was handling the bulbs by the glass !! A big no no.
No doubt he will be doing another tutorial in about a weeks time when his new bulbs have blown lol.
My lights have become quite blue in colour which is a sign they are getting close to there end of life. Also a 4300k lamp should be more white than blue, and its the best colour for useable light output under normal driving.
Once again thanks for your advice.
Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 108
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From: Montréal
Facelift GLC43
No problem! Wish you luck, but then again i can assure you that it's not that complicated to change those bulbs, first take off the plastic cover, then just take off the electric thing attached to the bulb, then open the circular thing that holds the bulb tight (sorry for the "thing" word, i have no idea how these are called) then take out the bulb and do the process backward for the new one. I don't know about the "turning to blue" part, i have used 8000k and 10000k in the past and they usually turn purple when they're about to die.
(note that you should take the black "circular thing" off with the bulb (as in, holding the bulb in the process), or else you'll risk dropping the bulb) (once again, i'm really sorry for not using the proper words, but you'll understand what's the circular thing after taking the plastic cover off). (and when putting the new one in, put both the bulb and the "black circular thing" at the same time, or you'll risk dropping the bulb again)
and i have to say, i did touch the bulb in the past and they didn't die one me, but then again, that doesn't mean you should take the chance. and don't worry, once you've unplugged the bulbs, there's no way you'd get an electroshock.
(note that you should take the black "circular thing" off with the bulb (as in, holding the bulb in the process), or else you'll risk dropping the bulb) (once again, i'm really sorry for not using the proper words, but you'll understand what's the circular thing after taking the plastic cover off). (and when putting the new one in, put both the bulb and the "black circular thing" at the same time, or you'll risk dropping the bulb again)
and i have to say, i did touch the bulb in the past and they didn't die one me, but then again, that doesn't mean you should take the chance. and don't worry, once you've unplugged the bulbs, there's no way you'd get an electroshock.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 101
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S 320
The job is done,
Not difficult although as DNA as said the left hand unit is tight to get at with the washer container there.
1 Remove the black plastic cover.
2 Remove the igniter unit from the bulb with a push in twist anti clockwise and pull off action.
3 You can now see a black locking ring fitted over the bulb with the bulbs connection protruding through the centre.
Remove this by turning the locking ring until the locking screws line up with the holed slots and pull off. (Be careful the bulb is now free and may drop out)
4 Remove the old bulb and insert the new one with the off centre lugs on the bulb aligned with the bulb holders housing.
My tips would be to start with the right hand unit as you look at the front of the car first.
There's more room to work, and its good practice for when you do the left hand unit which is tight behind there.
Take your time, make sure you have plenty of light, and check positions at each stage of the re assembly.
Change both bulbs at the same time to avoid variations in light output and colour.
Don't touch the glass on the new lamps.
If your methodical, and work carefully, you will find it a very easy operation.
And its worth it.
I was amazed at how much brighter the new bulbs are.
The light is a bright white colour with just a hint of blue tinge when viewed at an angle.
But the brightness and range over the road at night is incredible.
Once again many thanks for your input DNA.
Not difficult although as DNA as said the left hand unit is tight to get at with the washer container there.
1 Remove the black plastic cover.
2 Remove the igniter unit from the bulb with a push in twist anti clockwise and pull off action.
3 You can now see a black locking ring fitted over the bulb with the bulbs connection protruding through the centre.
Remove this by turning the locking ring until the locking screws line up with the holed slots and pull off. (Be careful the bulb is now free and may drop out)
4 Remove the old bulb and insert the new one with the off centre lugs on the bulb aligned with the bulb holders housing.
My tips would be to start with the right hand unit as you look at the front of the car first.
There's more room to work, and its good practice for when you do the left hand unit which is tight behind there.
Take your time, make sure you have plenty of light, and check positions at each stage of the re assembly.
Change both bulbs at the same time to avoid variations in light output and colour.
Don't touch the glass on the new lamps.
If your methodical, and work carefully, you will find it a very easy operation.
And its worth it.
I was amazed at how much brighter the new bulbs are.
The light is a bright white colour with just a hint of blue tinge when viewed at an angle.
But the brightness and range over the road at night is incredible.
Once again many thanks for your input DNA.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,284
Likes: 37
From: North Carolina
2003 S500 - Toyota Corolla (in the rain)
Here is a write-up I did a while back. In addition to what you did I disconnected the battery.
Post # 2 is my response. Glad you were successful.
https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...b-my-w220.html
Post # 2 is my response. Glad you were successful.
https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...b-my-w220.html
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 101
Likes: 2
S 320
Just a quick update.
I have also changed out my H7 and H1 halogen bulbs which cover the high beam and foglights on my car. I used the ring ultima xenon gas filled halogens which claim to be 120% brighter than standard bulbs.
I can tell you that with my change of the HID's and these as well I have a superb headlight system WOW !!!! What a difference to night driving. Super white, super bright. I am one happy chappy guys.
I have also changed out my H7 and H1 halogen bulbs which cover the high beam and foglights on my car. I used the ring ultima xenon gas filled halogens which claim to be 120% brighter than standard bulbs.
I can tell you that with my change of the HID's and these as well I have a superb headlight system WOW !!!! What a difference to night driving. Super white, super bright. I am one happy chappy guys.
