Active Headlights
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 52
Likes: 2
W211 E55
Active Headlights
What options do we have for headlights besides buying new ones? I have tried restoring my headlights but I'm not getting them to look fresh again.
Can we bypass the active headlights and retro them with something else?, or are we stuck with that?
Can we bypass the active headlights and retro them with something else?, or are we stuck with that?
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 714
Likes: 7
From: Atlanta, GA
2005- E55, 2007 GL450, 94 B3000
If your active lights are functioning properly you could purchase some depo assemblies, and swap the lenses. It would take a little bit of work, but they would have brand new lenses.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 52
Likes: 2
W211 E55
Is there a way to do away with the active projector? The light output is not the best. But the tip with the depo headlights is appreciated
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 4,503
Likes: 1,510
From: Orbiting the planet
This place is a joke.
I bought a set of new aftermarket headlamps on ebay for $225 or so. I left them in the hot sun and easily peeled off the lenses, which fit perfectly on my oem xenons. While it was apart, I replaced the oem projector lenses with crystal clear lenses. The difference was amazing, they actually light up the road at night with a sharp cutoff,like they should have done from the factory. Tip: do not clean the chrome inside with a paper towel, careful with windex...it will remove the chrome finish. I now have new looking lights with all the factory features still working.
Last edited by E55Greasemonkey; Apr 17, 2016 at 08:36 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,789
Likes: 44
From: San Diego
2004 E55
The evox-r projectors from theretrofitsource are a perfect fit, and they can allow you to retain bixenon and adaptive cornering functionality. Theoght output is a bit wider than stock projectors.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,789
Likes: 44
From: San Diego
2004 E55
I have swapped the projectors on my car, and the lighting increase is pretty noticeable. They ARE replica projectors, so if you're sensitive to that kind of thing it might not be a great mod for you, otherwise it was worth it. I did it at home and cracked the headlight open in my oven. As long as you take your time and are careful it's pretty straightforward.
This video is a great help as its basically a step by step. It is the headlight of an R class, but the projector and innards are identical to ours:
This video is a great help as its basically a step by step. It is the headlight of an R class, but the projector and innards are identical to ours:
Trending Topics
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 514
Likes: 243
S212/M5T/Z31/240Z/3rd gen Tacoma
The E63 apparently uses a different projector. I was about to retrofit replacement projectors in mine but TRS realized they are different and there is no direct replacement available yet. I have done extensive retrofits in most of my cars so that was no big deal but I decided to try clear ZKW lenses on and swapped the bulbs for Osram Xenarc's and couldn't be happier. I love the razor sharp cutoff line. I need to get some photos soon.
And also, the halogen clear plastic lenses appear to be direct fit so you could do what I did and buy replacement cheap lights with broken tabs etc and swap the outer covers. I bought mine to get the chrome housings since I painted mine gunmetal. Just in case I ever want to return the car to stock before I sell it.
Very easy to open these lights up. Just bake them in the oven at 200 for about 5-7 minutes.
And also, the halogen clear plastic lenses appear to be direct fit so you could do what I did and buy replacement cheap lights with broken tabs etc and swap the outer covers. I bought mine to get the chrome housings since I painted mine gunmetal. Just in case I ever want to return the car to stock before I sell it.
Very easy to open these lights up. Just bake them in the oven at 200 for about 5-7 minutes.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes Teases Updated EQS With Steer-By-Wire and a Yoke
Verdad Gallardo
8 Mercedes Models With Poor Reliability Records
Verdad Gallardo
Magnificent New Mercedes-Maybach S-Class Revealed: 12 Things to Know
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,789
Likes: 44
From: San Diego
2004 E55
Yea I think the E63 projector is slightly different though I don't have firsthand experience. I know the bulb type is different and I believe with D1S bulbs the ignitor is part of the bulb, whereas with D2S bulbs (like on the E55) the ignitor is separate from the bulb. If one were to undertake this projector swap, there is an adaptor that must be purchased to extend the ignitor via cable and remote mount it somewhere inside the headlight housing. The back of the evox-r projector doesn't allow for the ignitor to fit and snap on like the stock projector does.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 514
Likes: 243
S212/M5T/Z31/240Z/3rd gen Tacoma
Yeah, that was another reason I decided not to do a retrofit. TRS doesn't have the proper adapter for the D1S. In the end I am glad though since the E63 output is quite nice with the better bulbs and the clear 3" projector lenses.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 52
Likes: 2
W211 E55
I might try swapping the lenses next weekend
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 514
Likes: 243
S212/M5T/Z31/240Z/3rd gen Tacoma
You will love it! I suggest using rubber gloves when you do the install. I also cleaned both sides really well with microfiber and glass cleaner. I then used my air compressor to blow off any dust from the lens and entire assembly before putting it all back together. Nothing worse than finishing only to realize there is dust or a finger print on the lens!
Just something to note, the ZKW lenses are a slightly different thickness than stock. But they work amazingly and create an absolute razor sharp cutoff line. And definitely make sure you get the ZKW lenses. I went back and forth with TRS on which lens I would need. Seems they have never had anyone retrofit an E63 so they just weren't 100% sure. I got the wrong lenses the first time. But no fault of theirs, TRS is an amazing company. I have been dealing with them for about 8 years exclusively.
Just something to note, the ZKW lenses are a slightly different thickness than stock. But they work amazingly and create an absolute razor sharp cutoff line. And definitely make sure you get the ZKW lenses. I went back and forth with TRS on which lens I would need. Seems they have never had anyone retrofit an E63 so they just weren't 100% sure. I got the wrong lenses the first time. But no fault of theirs, TRS is an amazing company. I have been dealing with them for about 8 years exclusively.
