Need help deciding on HID kit for w124 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

colincoon · #1 11-01-2012, 10:36 PM

Hey guys,

Recently I ordered a set of Euro headlights for my 300E and am looking to get an HID kit for it. I've been looking at a few different kits and while I think I'm fairly certain on what I want, I want to make sure that I get something that's compatible and plug and play.

The first one I'm looking at is from DDMTuning.com.

Specs:

55w
H4/hi-low
5000K
Dual in dual out

Seems like a good kit for what I want.

The second one I'm looking at is on Amazon and is from Kensun.

http://www.amazon.com/Kensun-Conversion-Colors-Premium-Ballasts/dp/B004ZF39T0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1351823003&sr=8-1&keywords=HID+kit

Not totally sure of wattage, but it seems like a good kit and has good reviews.

H4 Bi-Xenon
5000K

Both kits I think would be good, but I'm slightly confused. Is hi-low the same as Bi-Xenon?

If there are any other suggestions please let me know. These are the best two from what I have read over the last month or so.

Thanks,
Colin

greasybenz · #2 11-01-2012, 10:59 PM

I have put HID lights in many of my cars, the W140 was the only lenses that didn't need modification to reduce glare. For the w124 euro, there is a lot of glare. I made a thread a few years ago on this subject.

peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/174487-hids-my-w124.html

As far as the kit goes, ditch the "bi-xenon" they don't work simply because the upper portion of the reflector is shared with the hid bulb and often times the "bi" means they put a halogen bulb above the hid bulb and its not as powerful and will make no real difference. Your better off pointing your fog reflectors up and using those as high beams.

TheDon · #3 11-01-2012, 11:02 PM

I think iwrock did an hid kit on his wagon.

Dubyagee · #4 11-01-2012, 11:18 PM

I would go lower on the temp. Like 4300. It would reduce some glare and approximate the factory color while still producing a lot more usable light.

colincoon · #5 11-01-2012, 11:41 PM

Thanks for the advice so far.

I want to retain hi beam and low beam (obviously) so basically I just need to know if a hi-low bulb would do that.

I also want the whitest light possible.

greasybenz · #6 11-01-2012, 11:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dubyagee

I would go lower on the temp. Like 4300. It would reduce some glare and approximate the factory color while still producing a lot more usable light.

+1 I agree. I've put 6000k on my S420 and regretted it, 4600 is closest to factory.

dkveuro · #7 11-02-2012, 01:24 AM

Warning : Any lamp fitted to a road vehicle that does not bear the DOT mark is considered illegal unless said vehicle is used off road exclusively..but I think you know that...yes ?

I know several LEO's who will pull over any vehicle HID equipped and unless the full optic system of a HID system is installed to carry HID lamps, they write a ticket for Defective Equipment ....plus anything else they might find.

Personally, I don't need the attention.

It is very difficult to install a HID without the 'lens flash' that cause other drivers to want to put a baseball bat through the offending lamps/driver.

HID designers had a difficult time with enough 'stray' light with a HID system to illuminate overhead road signage without dazzling oncoming traffic.

See also :

Drivers | Hella USA and Canada

From Washington State Police forum....
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) 108 requirements for headlights. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has concluded that it is impossible to produce HID conversion kits (converting a halogen system to HID) that would be compliant with FMVSS 108.

.

ZRatedDog · #8 11-02-2012, 04:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dkveuro

From Washington State Police forum....
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) 108 requirements for headlights. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has concluded that it is impossible to produce HID conversion kits (converting a halogen system to HID) that would be compliant with FMVSS 108.

agreed with all of the above (HID retrofit kits simply do not work with halogen housing.

that being said, its not people from NHTSA who have to drive with sub-par US style headlights, it is us.

PS: Subscribed, colincoon please post the results if you do the swap.

colincoon · #9 11-02-2012, 12:20 PM

I think I'm going to just go ahead and get the DDM tuning kit as that's what I've read works the best. And maybe I'll go to 4300K.

dkveuro · #10 11-02-2012, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by colincoon

I think I'm going to just go ahead and get the DDM tuning kit as that's what I've read works the best. And maybe I'll go to 4300K.

I'm not being a wet blanket, just offering up possible problems with the HID 'kit'.
I though long and hard about a HID kit for my Vanagon but being as the h/lamps are up higher than most vehicles, aiming them down so far defeated to purpose of installing them plus the LEO considerations.

BTW..I was followed by a brand new GMC Crew Cab a few nights ago and I had to pull off the road and let him pass. His HID's where like arc lamps !

.

300D-91 · #11 11-02-2012, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by colincoon

I think I'm going to just go ahead and get the DDM tuning kit as that's what I've read works the best. And maybe I'll go to 4300K.

colincoon please keep us posted on your progress & results. Perhaps even taking some photos / videos of the before and after.

Monday evening I had to drive from Pittsburgh to Harrisburg (PA) with a rental RAV-4 then another 65 miles to my home with my W124. This was during the height of Sandy and all I can say is my 124 needs new lights!

colincoon · #12 11-02-2012, 06:01 PM

Guys, I appreciate the responses but I'm not looking to be talked out of getting HID's. I just wanted advice as to what kit I should get and some insight as to what I have chosen.

The lights are AWFUL on my car, so the Euro's and HID's should really help a lot.

^The same happened to me up here in Sunbury, which was the real kicker. I couldn't see anything at all when Sandy was here!

ZRatedDog · #13 11-02-2012, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 300D-91

colincoon please keep us posted on your progress & results. Perhaps even taking some photos / videos of the before and after.

+1

can you please post the link to DDM source for the HIDs?

colincoon · #14 11-02-2012, 06:40 PM

Here they are...

DDM Tuning : HID Kits

You have to "customize" your kit, but they start at $35. The one I'm going for is about $100 shipped.

colincoon · #15 11-02-2012, 07:05 PM

Just ordered a kit.

I ended up going with the Kensun kit actually. 4300K hi-low, and it was about $90.

Reason I went with it was because DDM Tuning would only ship to my billing address and I'm currently away from home for about 10 months. Sounds like a stupid reason, but this kit has also gotten really good reviews.

Worst case scenario if it doesn't work I can return it; Amazon has a good return system.

Stay tuned.