SL/R129: Xenon conversion
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Sydney, Australia
1997 SL280
Xenon conversion
Hi everyone, great job you all do on the forum. I have searched and read all relevant postings I could find, but still have a few question.......
I am fitting xenons to my RHD 97 sl. My old lights have height adjustment that I have to disconnect. Pics [remove] and [switch] attached.
Do I just push off the purple tube and seal it or is there another trick? The tube connects to the headlight at a swivel mount that doesn't look like it simply pulls off.
Next, is the smaller 4 pin connector to the left of the main one on the xenons for the self leveling that I am not bothering with? If so, can I just cap it? Pic [xenons] attached
Finally, where is the best place to fasten the ballast and does the ballast need to be earthed?
Many thanks
Peter
I am fitting xenons to my RHD 97 sl. My old lights have height adjustment that I have to disconnect. Pics [remove] and [switch] attached.
Do I just push off the purple tube and seal it or is there another trick? The tube connects to the headlight at a swivel mount that doesn't look like it simply pulls off.
Next, is the smaller 4 pin connector to the left of the main one on the xenons for the self leveling that I am not bothering with? If so, can I just cap it? Pic [xenons] attached
Finally, where is the best place to fasten the ballast and does the ballast need to be earthed?
Many thanks
Peter
Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 233
Likes: 0
From: Adelaide, Australia. Formerly Bristol, UK.
1998 SL 600 ///AMG. 1997 SL 320. 1999 SLK 230K. 2001 BMW R850.
Hi Peter,
The ballast doesn't need to be earthed, the existing vacuum tube can be just left disconnected & the level sensor connecter can be left alone.
The ballast doesn't need to be earthed, the existing vacuum tube can be just left disconnected & the level sensor connecter can be left alone.
Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 233
Likes: 0
From: Adelaide, Australia. Formerly Bristol, UK.
1998 SL 600 ///AMG. 1997 SL 320. 1999 SLK 230K. 2001 BMW R850.
Originally Posted by aussiesl
Thanks for the response. Apart from working out where to secure the ballast given the ridiculously short leads, I can't believe it is such an easy job.
Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
From: Athens, GREECE
2003 SL500, 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited
I installed aftermarket xenons (bosch) few months ago and when i put on the high beams, the xenon low beams go off (except when I'm flashing the brights, where both are "on").
The dealer said that in latest SL'S (1999 onwards), the low beams stay on as well. He also said he could do it in my car by by-passing couple of wires,etc. however did not recommend this because he had to also by-pass the ECU - which he did not recommend, since original wiring goes through ECU.
George
++
The dealer said that in latest SL'S (1999 onwards), the low beams stay on as well. He also said he could do it in my car by by-passing couple of wires,etc. however did not recommend this because he had to also by-pass the ECU - which he did not recommend, since original wiring goes through ECU.
George
++
Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 221
Likes: 1
From: L.A.
SL000
Originally Posted by detailas
I installed aftermarket xenons (bosch) few months ago and when i put on the high beams, the xenon low beams go off (except when I'm flashing the brights, where both are "on").
The dealer said that in latest SL'S (1999 onwards), the low beams stay on as well. He also said he could do it in my car by by-passing couple of wires,etc. however did not recommend this because he had to also by-pass the ECU - which he did not recommend, since original wiring goes through ECU.
George
++
The dealer said that in latest SL'S (1999 onwards), the low beams stay on as well. He also said he could do it in my car by by-passing couple of wires,etc. however did not recommend this because he had to also by-pass the ECU - which he did not recommend, since original wiring goes through ECU.
George
++
https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-r129/106867-upgrading-my-129-factory-xenons-high-low-beam-issues.html
Trending Topics
Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
From: Athens, GREECE
2003 SL500, 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited
Originally Posted by TheV12pwr
No need to touch the ECU here is all you have to do...
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthread.php?t=106867
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthread.php?t=106867
Thanks for the very useful link! Appreciate it.
George
++
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Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 233
Likes: 0
From: Adelaide, Australia. Formerly Bristol, UK.
1998 SL 600 ///AMG. 1997 SL 320. 1999 SLK 230K. 2001 BMW R850.
Originally Posted by aussiesl
Thanks, great link, one I didn't see in my searches.
Now, to find time to swap the lights on the weekend......
Now, to find time to swap the lights on the weekend......
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 924
Likes: 3
From: Socal
1991 300sl 5 speed manual
Ok where can I get a deal
I want to buy some xenons for my 91 300sl can anyone tell me where is a good source for these lights. I will pay cash or check I need to buy them because one of my lights was smashed by a lady in a Tahoe. JJ
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Sydney, Australia
1997 SL280
Swapped to the xenon! They are awesome, but make the highbeam look yellow. Why did they come stock with those globes?
Left side was easy, took about 30 minutes. Right side took longer as had to remove some bolts to fit the ballast in front of the wheel arch. Couldn't work out where it was meant to go from the fitting on it, so bolted it onto the bumper support bracket.
I will do the wire mod shortly, I see what you mean about the delay when you switch back from high beam............ No globe warning light came on after fitting them.
Regards
Peter
Left side was easy, took about 30 minutes. Right side took longer as had to remove some bolts to fit the ballast in front of the wheel arch. Couldn't work out where it was meant to go from the fitting on it, so bolted it onto the bumper support bracket.
I will do the wire mod shortly, I see what you mean about the delay when you switch back from high beam............ No globe warning light came on after fitting them.
Regards
Peter
Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
From: Athens, GREECE
2003 SL500, 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited
Originally Posted by aussiesl
Swapped to the xenon! They are awesome, but make the highbeam look yellow. Why did they come stock with those globes?
Left side was easy, took about 30 minutes. Right side took longer as had to remove some bolts to fit the ballast in front of the wheel arch. Couldn't work out where it was meant to go from the fitting on it, so bolted it onto the bumper support bracket.
I will do the wire mod shortly, I see what you mean about the delay when you switch back from high beam............ No globe warning light came on after fitting them.
Regards
Peter
Left side was easy, took about 30 minutes. Right side took longer as had to remove some bolts to fit the ballast in front of the wheel arch. Couldn't work out where it was meant to go from the fitting on it, so bolted it onto the bumper support bracket.
I will do the wire mod shortly, I see what you mean about the delay when you switch back from high beam............ No globe warning light came on after fitting them.
Regards
Peter
Try following helpful link:
http://www.lighting.philips.com/in_e...ghting&lang=en
George
++
Last edited by detailas; Aug 4, 2006 at 04:20 AM.
Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 233
Likes: 0
From: Adelaide, Australia. Formerly Bristol, UK.
1998 SL 600 ///AMG. 1997 SL 320. 1999 SLK 230K. 2001 BMW R850.
Hey AussieSL, this is how I overcame this problem:https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-r129/145464-side-light-upgrade-cheap-but-classy.html
Since then, I have fitted the Phillips 130 watt blue tint high beams.
I just got an immigration visa
and I'm bringing one of my SL's with me.
Might see you soon...
Since then, I have fitted the Phillips 130 watt blue tint high beams.
I just got an immigration visa
and I'm bringing one of my SL's with me. Might see you soon...
Last edited by Pigzmickey; Aug 6, 2006 at 03:44 AM.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Sydney, Australia
1997 SL280
The LED are a great idea. Need a resistor to stop the globe warning light coming on?
Check out www.carsales.com.au or www.drive.com.au to see what prices SLs bring here. In the 90's, the SL500 was $259k and the poverty pack SL280 a bargain $199K. Privately imported cars get a yellow compliance plate and lots of people avoid them due to rust and general fear. For the first time ever I was asked if it was Australian delivered when insuring the Benz.
Hey, and for compliance, no back seats allowed in them over here. I hear that people put them back in after compliance, but the compliance plate will only say licenced to carry 2.
Let me know if you need any info on anything.
Peter
Check out www.carsales.com.au or www.drive.com.au to see what prices SLs bring here. In the 90's, the SL500 was $259k and the poverty pack SL280 a bargain $199K. Privately imported cars get a yellow compliance plate and lots of people avoid them due to rust and general fear. For the first time ever I was asked if it was Australian delivered when insuring the Benz.
Hey, and for compliance, no back seats allowed in them over here. I hear that people put them back in after compliance, but the compliance plate will only say licenced to carry 2.
Let me know if you need any info on anything.
Peter
Last edited by aussiesl; Aug 8, 2006 at 05:30 AM.
Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 233
Likes: 0
From: Adelaide, Australia. Formerly Bristol, UK.
1998 SL 600 ///AMG. 1997 SL 320. 1999 SLK 230K. 2001 BMW R850.
Hi Peter,
I've been quoted approx £6k to ship & import, still I want my car. I'm sure it would cost me more to find another there...
I bet there aren't many like mine in Adelaide!?!
Can't wait... I'm coming down next week for a month, just for a recon visit. I'm hoping to relocate in Jan or Feb next year, I have a lot of tidying up to do this end. Sell my house, business other vehicles / bikes etc... Not to mention all the third parties to inform pensions, investments & I'm still on the Royal Marine reserve list for another year.
Adelaide is pretty cold & wet at the mo', best time to visit really, see it at its worst!
Can't wait!
I've been quoted approx £6k to ship & import, still I want my car. I'm sure it would cost me more to find another there...
I bet there aren't many like mine in Adelaide!?!
Can't wait... I'm coming down next week for a month, just for a recon visit. I'm hoping to relocate in Jan or Feb next year, I have a lot of tidying up to do this end. Sell my house, business other vehicles / bikes etc... Not to mention all the third parties to inform pensions, investments & I'm still on the Royal Marine reserve list for another year.
Adelaide is pretty cold & wet at the mo', best time to visit really, see it at its worst!
Can't wait!
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Sydney, Australia
1997 SL280
Adelaide?
There are only 2 authorised Benz places in Adelaide. It is that small.....
I looked around for about 9 months to get my car, ended up purchasing it in Adelaide and having it trucked to Sydney. Adelaide to me is more like a big town than a city, but each to their own. Of course, just out of Adelaide is the Barossa Valley, which produces the best red wines. I wouldn't bring the surf board or windsurfer with you unless you get a sharkshield, there are too many great white sharks around there!
Peter
I looked around for about 9 months to get my car, ended up purchasing it in Adelaide and having it trucked to Sydney. Adelaide to me is more like a big town than a city, but each to their own. Of course, just out of Adelaide is the Barossa Valley, which produces the best red wines. I wouldn't bring the surf board or windsurfer with you unless you get a sharkshield, there are too many great white sharks around there!
Peter
Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 233
Likes: 0
From: Adelaide, Australia. Formerly Bristol, UK.
1998 SL 600 ///AMG. 1997 SL 320. 1999 SLK 230K. 2001 BMW R850.
That’s what I hear...
I've done quite a lot of shark diving, I guess now its time to try the big boys!?! Apparently, there is no better place on earth to try a cage dive!?!
I've done quite a lot of shark diving, I guess now its time to try the big boys!?! Apparently, there is no better place on earth to try a cage dive!?!
Last edited by Pigzmickey; Aug 14, 2006 at 11:34 AM.
