3BNick

Not satisfied with the output of my OEM bi-xenon headlamps and the slight opacity of the old original lenses, I have decided to make some updates.

First, I started with wet sanding and clear coating the lights with a very high quality clear to remove the outer haze and provide UV protection to keep them from yellowing again which only led to the discovery that there is still haze inside the lenses itself. While I was in there, I tossed in a pair of 5k D2S bulbs to replace the old tired OEMs. Both of these steps combined made a great improvement but I'm still not happy.

Having active xenon lights doesn't give me an affordable option to just replace the whole assembly with the E63 units so I have sourced a set of DEPO aftermarket housings which I will gut for the lenses and reflectors to get the newer "facelift" look. I'm also going to replace the projector lens for a clear lens to clean up the cut off line and also modify the cut off shield to enhance cut off color. To finish it off I'll put in a set of Osram CBI bulbs to make sure I'm getting the most of my set up.

The only possible cons to doing this is losing some of the light dispersed above the cut off line that the original non clear lenses provide(which my 5K HID fogs will make up for) and the down time to do the work. Ideally, I will have this all done in one day provided all parts are correct. I need to verify stock projector lens size so I can order my new ones. Anyone ever tackle this on the 211?

justinwrock

you should retrofit a better projector unit while your in there.



the glass that was/is used on the w211s isnt exactly the greatest.

3BNick

I would definitely retro in something nicer, but I'm not sure I would be able to keep the active cornering and leveling feature intact. Any one have some insight on this?

Jakez

So if I don't have those features on my headlights I can just simply replace them with e63 ones?

black06c230

I have done all this except swap out the covers/chrome trim for the facelift using the DEPO units. I have the active headlights as well. I used the ZKW-R lens and the CBI D2S bulbs. I have 5k fogs on my E63 conv as well. Light output is GREAT!!!

djrabbi

I did this on my E500 and CLS but kept the OEM headlights as DEPO sucks

https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...lly-seeee.html

3BNick

Have any pics? Also, are they just 3" lenses? I'd like to order everything all at once before I crack them open.

3BNick

I just looked through Djrabbi's thread and found a link to the lenses. The output on your e500 is killer! Exactly what I'm looking for. It almost seems like the OEM HIDs perform like halogens compared to all the Lexus and Acura cars out there.

I only want the DEPO housings for the new outer lens covers and the inside bits to convert my E55 housings to E63 look housings.

SterlingE55

If yours work out well I may see if you want to make some money and do mine... I'd love to meet up and see the output when you're done. I just upgraded the raptor with the 2013 headlights with Evo-R projectors and some led work. I guess it's not too difficult. It's the projector lens swap on the active lights that scares me.

djrabbi

I am going to retrofit my CLS projectors to the newer RX350s. Should be bad ***

55fanatic

Damn, someone do a write up on this, I kind of want to paint my housings so I would replace the lens the same time. I did a 55Watt conversion on my M3 xenons and then did the fx-r conversion but really was hoping to leave these headlights alone

djrabbi

Kind of like this?

3BNick

Sterling, once I get these done I'll be more than happy to let you check them out. Since you are local I'd be willing to help you out. From what I see, changing the lenses appears to be as straight forward as any other non active/dynamic projector. The raptor looks good btw.

I'll be sure to document the process here for you guys. So far, estimated cost of parts will be around $300 for the DEPO housing I'm going to butcher, $185 for the CBI bulbs, and $40 for the ZKW-R lenses.

djrabbi

I might have a butchered OEM E63 headlight is someone wants it but only 1

55fanatic

Yup, like that, but a satin black I think... I'm going back and forth on dechroming the car...

djrabbi

I did mine satin gunmetal.

3BNick

The black housings look great. I may have to spray mine while they are open. Yours look way more aggressive.

djrabbi

Make sure you try to get ZKW rather than the reps. I have OEM ZKW and much better than the R. Not much difference but the cut off is much sharper

3BNick

Thanks. I'll try to find the non repro versions. Any links?

djrabbi

TRS might have them.

pnoyworx

djrabbi, how much would you do my retrofit?