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This is overall the best way to LED performance but still using HID. It is time consuming esp if having to clean up many broken wires inside. Most LED bulbs are not designed to give the best light output. In the thread you can see the result compared to my G wagon with led and it’s near identical.
Thats some great info thanks guys. I will need to buy headlights as I sold them when I started the project. Should I buy some used ones specifically for the E55 or shall I buy some other set from the W211 program from 2003-2009? Expecting to have to replace lenses, etc.
This is overall the best way to LED performance but still using HID. It is time consuming esp if having to clean up many broken wires inside. Most LED bulbs are not designed to give the best light output. In the thread you can see the result compared to my G wagon with led and it’s near identical.
I like the updated DEPOs as well. So you used the depo housing and placed what part of the originals (new parts you bought) in them?
Very clear thread otherwise. Just not clear on why you bought two sets and how they interacted.
I do not care about stock operation. Leveling does not matter as it does not have air shocks now. Also cornering is not important either. Clear, and bright works for most cars today.
Thats some great info thanks guys. I will need to buy headlights as I sold them when I started the project. Should I buy some used ones specifically for the E55 or shall I buy some other set from the W211 program from 2003-2009? Expecting to have to replace lenses, etc.
Few things to help since you state you need to buy lights
1. The wires inside at this age and the heat are brittle and will fall apart once you open them up and start moving things around
2. All new OE lights might be a safer bet as they have all the needs parts already. Just open and swap the projector. That’s what I did.
3. Buying non OE lights will be a gamble since I don’t n ow how similar they are inside. So a swap like my thread shows might be harder
4. Do you have active lights? If so making sure you get AFS lights its a little harder to locate them new. Lest it was 1.5y ago. I kept getting sent halogen units. You can use xenon units that are non AFS but they will throw an error that you will need STAR to code out
I like the updated DEPOs as well. So you used the depo housing and placed what part of the originals (new parts you bought) in them?
Very clear thread otherwise. Just not clear on why you bought two sets and how they interacted.
I do not care about stock operation. Leveling does not matter as it does not have air shocks now. Also cornering is not important either. Clear, and bright works for most cars today.
I had new OE and the Depo for these reasons
1. I had to replace my orig lights bc the wires fell apart
2. OE facelift used a totally diff internal projecort so that wasn’t an option to get the look I wanted
3. I wanted the facelift upper chrome pieces and the Depo were the cheapest and easiest way to get that look
I had to modify the Depo facelift chrome pieces to fit correctly in the new OE lights and not come loose when putting in the led turn bulbs. Not sure how I documented that part in the thread.
Understood, thank you for the follow up. I ordered the depo you linked just to have lights in slots for clearance for hoses and hardware for other items, etc. I will attack this later.
Another way to mod the lights is to add B-LED modules. I found some that were sourced from a Lexus. (OEM koito bi-led) Each unit has DRL, High & Low beam functions. See Photos...
Actual LED Chip location... Modules installed... Testing... Chrome cover fitting added to high beam section... Relays were added for the DRL mode and high beam functions... 4 x High and Low beams with DRL Sequential turn signals were added as well... DRL Function on all lamps, 1/4 power... All done...
I just ordered a set of the Bullvision D1S LED Headlights. The problem with these older Mercedes, is that the technology they used back then was state of the art, but can't hold a candle to what's out there today.
You have to improvise, adapt and overcome to adapt old tech with new tech. I've been looking for a solution for the headlights, for awhile. I wanted something that was plug & play. A few years ago, I replaced the HID bulbs with new Phillips bulbs.
But with all HID's they start out bright initially, but dim over time. And they don't project enough needed light to illuminate the roads in front of you, without hitting the high beams and blinding everyone.
I cannot wait until they arrive, this will be a welcome addition.
For the price, it cant hurt to try them out. I have bought Bullvision "bulbs" for other cars before I owned the CLS. So far they are holding out well, I have my lights set to permanent at the moment (dipped beam always on)
Lumens look low 4000K. I have some in my daily that is 6000k and they look good not blue at all.
70W or 90W ?
Did it use the stock connection like the guy in the vid?
Everything fit back and dust cap on?
I have the D1S style of bulbs, so mine are different then what's in the video. These are outstanding for the price as compared to a new D1S HID bulb from Phillips.
My issue, is that the light produced by the D1S bulbs isn't sufficient for driving at night, especially back country roads where it's extremely dark. I always have to hit the high beams.
Now the light on my BMW X5M are all LEDs, and the light projection on those is outstanding. But it's hard to adapt old technology with new technology. I'm hoping that these new lights do the trick.
I just need more light drawn in front of me.
Unfortunately HID optics are incompatible with the LED inserts, of course, they work but to what quality... Been down that path, and this is why I looked at the retrofit option to achieve a bright sharp clean cutoff...
Honestly, anything is better than what I currently have. As this old HID technology can’t compare to what currently out there. As LED tech is the future until something else better comes along. I can tell you that the LED tech in my BMW X5M is far superior to what’s in my E63. It would just be nice to be able to see the road at night, without having to use high beams alll the time. 😢
03-19-2023, 02:09 AM
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