Bi-Xenon to Bi-LED Projector Retrofit?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 32
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E200 CDI w211 and ML320 CDI w164
Bi-Xenon to Bi-LED Projector Retrofit?
Hey everyone,
I’m planning to refresh the lighting on my 2003 W211 E-Class. It currently has the factory Bi-Xenon setup, but as we all know, these 20-year-old bowls are likely toasted and the output is subpar. I want to move away from HID and install Bi-LED projectors instead.
I have a few specific questions for those who have opened up these Hella units before:
1. Projector & Bracket Choice: I’ve been looking at the EvoX-R 2.0 as a common swap, but since I’m going Bi-LED, which specific 3.0" Bi-LED projectors are the "bolt-in" choice for our headlights? Do I need a specific Hella-to-Bi-LED adapter bracket to keep the factory mounting points and auto-leveling functional?
2. Wiring & Ballasts: Since Bi-LEDs have integrated drivers, I assume I’m deleting the factory ballasts/igniters.
I’m planning to refresh the lighting on my 2003 W211 E-Class. It currently has the factory Bi-Xenon setup, but as we all know, these 20-year-old bowls are likely toasted and the output is subpar. I want to move away from HID and install Bi-LED projectors instead.
I have a few specific questions for those who have opened up these Hella units before:
1. Projector & Bracket Choice: I’ve been looking at the EvoX-R 2.0 as a common swap, but since I’m going Bi-LED, which specific 3.0" Bi-LED projectors are the "bolt-in" choice for our headlights? Do I need a specific Hella-to-Bi-LED adapter bracket to keep the factory mounting points and auto-leveling functional?
2. Wiring & Ballasts: Since Bi-LEDs have integrated drivers, I assume I’m deleting the factory ballasts/igniters.
- How are you guys jumping the power from the factory 3-pin or 4-pin input directly to the LED driver?
- For the high-beam solenoid on the new projector, can I just tap into the existing factory high-beam shutter wires?
- Can I simply code the Headlamp setting from "Xenon" to "Halogen" in CGW to stop the flickering/errors?
- Or would it require me to run load resistors to simulate the 35W draw of the old ballasts? If so, what resistors and where to wire them.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
E200 CDI w211 and ML320 CDI w164
Yes, the best decision I ever did with this car. No resistors needed, no coding either and I get no errors, just wire them to the 12v that goes to the ballast and forget the old green wires of the ballast. The high beams wire to the old shutter and that's pretty much it!
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2026
Posts: 4
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E270cdi with OM647.961
Thanks for sharing the light output, I have halogens in headlamps, what parts did you chose for your install including LEds and brackets, if you don't mind sharing the prices and components that you bought.
