SL/R129: Halogen to Xenon OEM headlight conversion
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 25
Likes: 1
1999 SL500, 2001 S430, 1998 Boxster, 1978 930
Halogen to Xenon OEM headlight conversion
I am attempting to convert from USA halogen to Xenon headlights. I have searched the forums and haven't found a single part number.
I have found two sets of part numbers and there may be more: 1298208961, 1298209061 and 1298208761, 1298208861.
My car didn't come with Xenon, so I am not interested in the automatic self leveling feature, the retrofit doesn't seem worth the trouble. A thumb wheel height adjustment beside the light switch like my old 1992 500e would be nice, but not necessary(I don't even know if it is possible, the 500e was pneumatic and the r129 headlight leveling appears to be electric).
My question is: will the 1298208961, 1298209061 work? Can I just adjust the level manually with out needing all of the automatic self leveling part of the system? Do I need the headlight range controller with this installation without the automatic leveling?
Any help would be appreciated.
I have found two sets of part numbers and there may be more: 1298208961, 1298209061 and 1298208761, 1298208861.
My car didn't come with Xenon, so I am not interested in the automatic self leveling feature, the retrofit doesn't seem worth the trouble. A thumb wheel height adjustment beside the light switch like my old 1992 500e would be nice, but not necessary(I don't even know if it is possible, the 500e was pneumatic and the r129 headlight leveling appears to be electric).
My question is: will the 1298208961, 1298209061 work? Can I just adjust the level manually with out needing all of the automatic self leveling part of the system? Do I need the headlight range controller with this installation without the automatic leveling?
Any help would be appreciated.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 25
Likes: 1
1999 SL500, 2001 S430, 1998 Boxster, 1978 930
Headlight update
Just to give you guys an update: I ordered the above part numbers and they were correct. Those lights will replace the standard lights and come with the clear side marker lights. I ordered them from Europe. The total cost for the pair was just over $1000.00. The results were spectacular. There is a very sharp horizontal cut off of the beams and a very wide spread of the low beams. It lights up both shoulders. I would recommend the replacement for safety reasons alone. I could never go back to the standard halogen lights.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 598
Likes: 19
From: Eastern Kansas
94 SL 600, 98 993, 89 XJS Conv., 85 Daimlier Princess 16 Hybrid Lincoln 16 Chevy crewcab
good to read of your success. I'm sure many will follow with the upgrade. Thanks
Since I like to keep the vehicles in the same condition as the build sheet I have not upgraded. Also I don't drive the R129 a night!
I do however have vehicles with the factory installed lights and love the quality and pattern of road surface light.
Since I like to keep the vehicles in the same condition as the build sheet I have not upgraded. Also I don't drive the R129 a night!
I do however have vehicles with the factory installed lights and love the quality and pattern of road surface light.
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: ATL
1997 SL500
So with the parts that you ordered what was the result as it relates to the self leveling? Did you do that manually or did the parts ordered include everything needed? Also, where did you order from?
Lastly, did you do the install yourself? If so, what was the difficulty level?
Thanks, and glad to see this worked out for you.
Lastly, did you do the install yourself? If so, what was the difficulty level?
Thanks, and glad to see this worked out for you.
