Just Installed 2003 Bi Xenon Headlights The truth to all the madness

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Aug 7, 2004 | 07:00 PM

Cyan 740i

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SL55 Widebody

Just Installed 2003 Bi Xenon Headlights The truth to all the madness

I have been following the boards for quite some time, and did my own research on what is required to get the 2003 Bi Xenon Headlights to work 100% correctly in an older W220. I just had my headlights installed today at Autowerkes Express in San Diego. I have to give a thumbs up to Randall and his staff, they are very knowledgable about the swap. To end all the madness about what is needed and what is not, all you need actually is the xenon headlights[if you have Xenon already]. The tech at Autowerkes installed my new headlights, and all they had to do was reprogram the computer and the auto leveling system worked. It is basically plug in play if you can go to a shop or the dealer to have them recode your system. If you are not fortunate enough to have a dealership or shop that has access to a Mercedes Benz computer reader, then you can purchase a wiring harness that Autowerkes Express carries for around $150 and you can make the auto leveling work as well. If any of you guys are local to San Diego or you could be like me and make the 2 hour drive down there, head down to Autowerkes Express. They did my swap in 30 minutes and it was quite painless. Defintely will recommend them to all my S-Class buddies.

Aug 7, 2004 | 08:42 PM

SUHAIL

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Joined: Jun 2003

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From: California

1986 190D 2.5 (W201), 1999 SLK230 (R107), 2000 S500 , 2001 SL500, 2005 G55 Grand edition 327 of 500

I must have been there right after Cyan 740i. Because they said that someone from Los Angeles had just left, and they were expecting 2 more people from our area after me. Randall and Micheal at Autowerks in San Diego, took care of everything. It took about 20 minutes. The drive from and back to Whittier took a good 2 1/2 hours.

The thing is working fine. Micheal informed me that he will sell the Harness/adapter if someone needs one.

I will update all of you with how it is working in a few days.

Aug 7, 2004 | 09:27 PM

shanta

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What was to total cost? Some members have said the front umper needs to be romoved, did they have to remove the front bumper?

I am going to be in LA next week and I may make that drive to San Diego if the price is right.

Aug 7, 2004 | 10:33 PM

Cyan 740i

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Quote:

Originally Posted by shanta

What was to total cost? Some members have said the front umper needs to be romoved, did they have to remove the front bumper?

I am going to be in LA next week and I may make that drive to San Diego if the price is right.

I paid $150 for the install of the headlights and upgrading the MB Software. I bought the headlights on ebay brand new for $1800. I am really not sure if they removed my front bumper or not, but it only took half an hour to complete the work.

Last edited by Cyan 740i; Aug 7, 2004 at 10:36 PM.

Aug 8, 2004 | 12:56 AM

SUHAIL

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Joined: Jun 2003

Posts: 128

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From: California

1986 190D 2.5 (W201), 1999 SLK230 (R107), 2000 S500 , 2001 SL500, 2005 G55 Grand edition 327 of 500

Quote:

Originally Posted by shanta

What was to total cost? Some members have said the front umper needs to be romoved, did they have to remove the front bumper?

I am going to be in LA next week and I may make that drive to San Diego if the price is right.

Hello,
No they did not have to take the bumper cover off. My total cost came to $230 for Autowerks. Labor and adapter,
I got the lights off someone I know for $900. So my total came to $1130. Yes it is worth the drive. But call ahead so they have every thing in place when you get there, then they can complete the work in approx 20 minutes

Aug 8, 2004 | 03:30 PM

khuongoikhuong

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Joined: Apr 2004

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From: Bay area

S500

Please email me if you know anyone selling a used or new 2003 bi-xenon headlights at good price!

Thanks!

Aug 8, 2004 | 06:09 PM

AMGLAB

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Joined: Sep 2002

Posts: 271

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From: Florida

2012 CLS63

Are all of these replacements from zenon to bi-zenons? I have heard that it is an easy process to switch from the older zenons to bi-zenons, but that switching from halogens to bi-zenons is different and the self leveling will not work. I would love to do the switch from halogens to bi xenons, but the dealer says it would cost a large fortune. Is my information correct?