E55 Headlamp upgrade to newer clear style?

[mlsports]

Hi Guys

I own a 1999 E55.

I was just wondering if anyone here has upgraded their headlights/taillights to newer styled clear (front) or LED (rear) versions?

Would you recommend it? Any photos?

 

[mlsports]

other manufacturer

Oh yes - I realise that the newer clear ones (from the new shape E55/E Class) are a different shape!

I'm talking about headlights not made by Mercedes (aftermarket).

Just thought I'd make that clear (I'm not totally stupid )

 

[television]

Oh yes - I realise that the newer clear ones (from the new shape E55/E Class) are a different shape!

I'm talking about headlights not made by Mercedes (aftermarket).

Just thought I'd make that clear (I'm not totally stupid )

It is normally the Xenon lights that are the clear ones.

Malcolm

 

[mlsports]

outer lights

The outer lights on my E55 are Xenon's - but the lens are not clear. They are like standard E Class lenses.

There seem to be some decent aftermarket lights - but it's getting ones similar to the new E55. I DO NOT want the car to look at all boy racery!!!

These are an example of the type of headlights (I don't like these particular ones much, but you get the idea):

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI....MEWA:IT&viewitem=&item=140083687986&rd=1&rd=1

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...RK:MEWA:IT&viewitem=&item=110090940087&rd=1,1

However, for taillights I found some I like - they look very similar to the regular ones, but are full LED fora nice new look:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI....MEWA:IT&viewitem=&item=170078176256&rd=1&rd=1

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI....MEWA:IT&viewitem=&item=130077174246&rd=1&rd=1

I was just wondering if anyone here has fitted any alternative headlights/tailights???

 

[Blobcat]

This is something that the Americans have done, especially the LED tail lights. It maybe worth you have a search on one of the US forums.

 

[bigasotonuk]

Hi,
These type of headlights have been a topic of quite a few threads lately, i myself have e-mailed the states regarding these lights asking if they were compatible for RHD cars and all they said was that they were to Euro. spec. and as most of Europe drive on the wrong side of the road i think not.
There are some people believe that they maybe able to switch them from LHD to RHD via a lever on the back (same as 'some' GEN MB Xenon headlights).
But myself, i,m not willing to spend the money and take the chance on it.
I was also a bit put off by them because there totally plastic including the 'lense'.
Email them you may be able to get more of a definitive answer from them.
As far as rear lights are concerned i like them and have been thinking of replacing mine. If you fit these you,ll have to fit some resistors as LEDs dont use as much current as the normal bulbs and will put on your bulb failure indication for all the bulbs that have been replaced by LEDs.
This may also be the case for the headlights too depending on what type you have fitted at the moment.

 

[television]

Plastic glass is standard on Xenon's due to the lower wattage.

Malcolm

 

[mlsports]

Mock up

Just did a Photoshopmock up on my car.

These are one of the sets that are for sale on eBay, and are pretty similar to the new E55 headlights.

Take a look at the two images - one is the original lights (like now) and the other is the mock up with the replacement lights in place.

Ignore the wedding kit - I was the driver for my mothers wedding a few weeks back!

The final image is an image of the original W211 headlights as found on the new shape E Class.

What do you guys think?

 

[daveenty]

Can see why you'd want to change. Make a lot of difference don't they.
Much cleaner looking as well.

As has been posted though, can you get them for a RHD car?

 

[mlsports]

Emails

I've sent some of the suppliers Emails asking exactly that! Hopefully I'll get a positive response from at least one. I'll keep you posted.

Makes sense that the manufacturers would make them so they can be easily switched - beats having to make two seperate versions!

We'll see.

 

[television]

It is a real mix up with both Xenon and Halogen, some are and some are not adjustable within the same model of car. Its very hard to make sense of it.


Malcolm

 

[Blobcat]

It is a real mix up with both Xenon and Halogen, some are and some are not adjustable within the same model of car. Its very hard to make sense of it.


Malcolm

Agreed, it is worth a read of this thread; http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t=24945

 

[mlsports]

Cost

It seems that the more expensive ones are more adaptable. Some of the ones found on Ebay can take most bulbs including halogen or Xenon. The price difference between 'cheap' and 'expensive' is only £50 or so - so the extra seems worthwhile - IF they work for RHD!!