Xenon Bulbs for E55

[mlsports]

Hi Guys

I need to replace the full beam bulb on my 1999 E55.

When I look at the lights, I've noticed that the two outer ones (the bigger ones) are actually Xenon and are a lot brighter than the two smaller inner ones.

Looking at the manual, it seems that the full beam (which is what has just gone) is only in the small inner lights (these small lights take two bulbs - one for standard and one for full beam).

Now, my actual question is can I upgrade these inner ones to Xenon's to match the outer ones? And if so what bulbs do I get???

I've found a website: http://www.autobulbsdirect.co.uk/home.php?cat=252
which sells upgrade bulbs. I did a search using their 'bulb finder' and it says the following:

MAIN/HIGH BEAM H7

DIPPED/LOW BEAM H7

FOG LIGHT H1

SIDE/PARKING LIGHT 233

FRONT INDICATOR 581

Now, can anyone confirm - would the H7 bulb be the full beam bulb? And what bulb would be the dipped beam/side light within the small inner lights?

Any help very much appreciated!!!

 

[stats007]

No - not without buying Bi-Xenon lights and retrofitting them. Xenons are self-levelling high-voltage lamps - you have normal dipped beam xenons - with halogen bulbs for side lights and full beam. You could replace these with Osram Silver Stars or similar.

 

[mlsports]

bugger

Damn

I was looking forward to that too. Thought it would be easy.

Are the Osram Silver Stars just very good halogens then? Are they better than the Mercedes originals?

 

[mlsports]

http://www.autobulbsdirect.co.uk/product.php?productid=16146&cat=256&page=1

How about these? They say they can be used in plastic lenses?

They sell 'upgrade Xenon bulbs' and 'high performance Xenon's'. Not sure if there's a difference??? Maybe these can be used with standard lens'?

 

[stats007]

Xenon is just a gas - it doesn't necessarily guarantee HV projector headlamps for example. It looks like these are halogen bulbs with the addition of Xenon gas to enable them to burn more efficiently and brightly.

 

[mlsports]

Bulbs

Ah - I see. So these really are 'upgrade' bulbs?

They state to be 50% brighter than normal halogens, whereas some of their dedicated Xenon stuff is 300% increase. So yes, maybe it is a mix. Still - would be a great upgrade to make.

So, do you think these types of bulbs are usable? And what does 'self levelling' mean?

 

[angus falconer]

And what does 'self levelling' mean?

Zenons units have electric motors built in. When you turn the ldipped ights on the beam starts low and rises to operational level. When you switch off they lower again. Why? I have no idea but it looks quite cool

Seriously, though, I think they operate as self leveling lights in some countries - put three people on the rear seat and luggage in the boot and nise points up and the headlights can dazzle oncoming traffic. Self levelling systems use the motors to compensate.

 

[mlsports]

ok

I see. That's really quite clever. I assume the E55 outer lights are not self levelling though.

So, what do you guys think about these upgrade bulbs? Would they work - and is the size (H7) correct.

As it's the inner two lights that will have bulbs replaced I'd need four of these bulbs - two for standard beam and two for full beam - all H7???

Any idea on the sizing???