True xenon lights require a lot of mods. Xenon lights use HID technology - High Intensity Discharge, which refers to the electrical discharge arc that makes the light. They require ballasts to regulate the voltage to the lights. They also require proper focusing lenses to ensure the output light is properly dispersed and they require external cleansers (wipers, or the high pressure wash system on Mercedes).

The factory xenon system on Mercedes also comes with a sophisticated levelling system to ensure the lights stay focused when the car hits bumps, or has a heavy load. Motor on the lights are linked to sensors that pull or push the lights up or down to keep them level.

So...is it worth it? I'd say yes, the light output of xenons is pretty incredible.

But to retrofit them properly? This would be quite expensive.

Most of the aftermarket 'xenons' are simply halogens with blue coatings on them. If you installed true xenons, projector lenses and ballasts, you could get a true xenon system going, but by law - I think - you would require a washing system as well. Not sure about the levelling system, in terms or requirements.

__________________
Chris
2007 E550 4Matic - 61,000 Km - Iridium Silver, black leather, Sport package, Premium 2 package
2007 GL450 4Matic - 62,000 Km - Obsidian Black Metallic, black leather, all options
1998 E430 - sold
1989 300E - 333,000 Km - sold
1977 280E - sold
1971 250 - retired

"And a frign hat. They gave me a hat at the annual benefits meeting. I said. how does this benefit me. I dont have anything from the company.. So they gave me a hat." - TheDon