my next mod: Bi-Xenon HID headlamp upgrade
 

I have just acquired (from a friend with a CLK 55) the following:

quantity: 2 (left and right sides)
Mercedes-Benz P/N # 203-820-25-26
description: Bi-Xenon HID ballasts (made in France), connectors, and bulbs

Given that these parts list for $450.00 per side, I SCORED!!!
All I had to do in return was build a very simple LAN and install some software on my lunch break!

As Mr. Checkov was fond of saying, "No problim,, Keptin."

Stay tuned...

Scott:

Are you planing on upgrading the lower driving lights (on the bottom of the facia)? I had similar thoughts as well. Please elaborate NLT 0830 06JUNE03.

Many thanks. :D :D :D

1041 hrs PDT FRI 06JUN03
 

;)

I plan to upgrade my fog-lights, at a later time, yes...

...just not right now (too many mods-in-progress!!!

:cool:

how are you planning on getting a bi-xenon system in your car? In order to have bi-xenon, you will have to convert to projector beam-type headlights. The W124 uses reflector-type headlights. Well I guess you'll be doing some serious mods then.

[post deleted - I had some inaccurate information here - sorry!] :(

who needs a kit for XENON?? I am an electrical novice and I managed to install D2S type xenons in my 300e.

clarification
 

When I say "kit," I am refering to the kit-of-parts required... not a factory "kit," per se.

my car has european headlights that use the H4 bulb. What " kit of parts" are you referring to?

per my 1st post...
 

quantity: 2 (left and right sides)
Mercedes-Benz P/N # 203-820-25-26
description: Bi-Xenon HID ballasts (made in France), connectors, and bulbs

Because the headlamp assembly for all W124's including 500E's are NOT designed for the "arc" light of a HID, you're only getting about 45% efficiency.

Moroever, unless you ONLY want the 500E's pencil-beam, you will LOSE your H4 highbeams, unless there is a HID kit that does both HIGH and LOW beams, but how you get that into a 500E's headlamp, is beyond my imagination.

IMHO, you will get better performance and lighting if you do the following in order:

1) Get Hella or BOSCH Euro 500E headlamps (contact Paul at Puma- http://www.puma-access.com );

2) install headlamp relays using 10-ga. wire ( http://lighting.mbz.org/ ) along with Hella ceramic hi-temp H4 connectors http://lighting.mbz.org/tech/relays/relays.html ;

3) upgrade to OSRAM or Narva Rallye H4 bulbs (130/100);

4) upgrade your H3 pencil-beams to relays & 10-ga. wire and 80W or 100W bulbs ( http://lighting.mbz.org );

5) upgrade your alternator from a 1997+ S500 or SL500 (150-amps!) with a 2-ga. wire from the alternator to the battery;

6) install a relay to activate LOW beams as well as HIGH, and PENCIL beams.

Assuming stock bulbs, with item #6, you're putting out 340-watts of light;

With 130/100w H4's and 80w H3's, 620-watts of power, NOT including your FOGS!

:-) neil
1988 360TE AMG
1993 500E

Neil
 

Thank you for your expert insight!

Since I currently have Euro 500E E-codes, my current headlamps already have Hella ceramic hi-temp H4 connectors, do they not?

Do you happen to have the part # of a 150-amp alternator from a 1997> S500 or SL500, please?

Pardon my ignorance; however, what, exactly, are "pencil beams?"

RSVP / Thank you,

like I said before. The only way to get bi-xenon is by converting your reflector hadlights to projector beam type headlights.

I did most everything Neil said to my car - 500E Euros, relays, 143A alternator, 130/100 Rally H4's, and 100 H3's in the pencils. Set up so the pencils come on with the high beams. It's a bad idea to have the low beam filament light up while the high beam is on, talk to Dan Stern for the reasons why not to (mostly the possibility of exploding the bulb, and putting light down on the "wrong" areas of the pavement.) The results are astounding - probably equal to a good HID setup. Only drawback is short bulb life of the 130/100 Philips Rally bulbs at $20/each. After those, even 100/80's look dim. :D :D


Scott, every 124 except the 500E had fog lights next to the headlights. The 500E put the fog lights in the bumper (air dam), and used the freed-up space to put a pencil-beam, long-range driving light that comes on with the high beams (4 bulbs lit on high, instead of only 2 like on all other W124's). Your 500E Euro's don't have the special high-temp internal H4 connector, those are about $10 each from Dan Stern, and are only required if you want to run heavy gauge wire direct to the bulb (I ran to the headlamp 6-pin connector to simplify future replacement).

About the alternator, the 143A and 150A units were used on 1996-1999 S and SL class with the M119 engine (420/500). 1995 and older have smaller alternators, and I'm not sure about 2000+. Good used ones can be found for $100-$150 each. Rebuilt will cost you $3-400, and new will be ~$1000 (not worth it - used ones are FINE). For more details, iincluding MB part numbers, read this (prices are old) :

http://www.meimann.com/docs/mercedes/Alternators.pdf



Photos of my relay install are here:
http://www.meimann.com/images/mercedes/W124_headlights/


Photos of the alternator install and wiring are here:
http://www.meimann.com/images/mercedes/W124_stereo/





HTH,

Scott- Dave answered everything. FWIW, Stu Ritter has the low-beams come on with the high-beams on the H4, and so far no problems that I've heard of.

Relays and 10-ga. wire along with Hella hi-temp H4 connectors, and 130/100 will IMHO will outshine any HID being FORCED into 500E headlamp assembly.

Also, since you're installing that Mac audio system, get the 143 or 150 Amp alternator ASAP used from Silver Star Recycling in Sacramento. Be sure to install a new regulator assembly ($50) from PartsLane.

143-amp alternator: 009.154.56.02
150-amp alternator: 010.154.71.02
Regulator MB PN#: 002.154.92.06, ask for BOSCH equivalent

Tell parts yard to only find an alternator with a *non-melted* plastic center-bearing race.

The 150-amp alternator has a plastic vent-scoop.

BTW: Anyone know what the proper adjusting procedure for the H3 "pencil-beam" and foglights are on the 500E? I couldn't find it on the CD-manual.

:-) neil
1988 360TE AMG
1993 500E

thanks, everybody!
 

:D