Bedazzled by Xenon beam changes. - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

KenSilver · #1 08-15-2003, 07:22 AM

More questions! (I'll run out soon)

I've only driven my new 1993 SL500 once at night with its xenon lights.

On dip they produce a broad beam that has a sharp horizontal cutoff about 50 feet in front of the car. That's OK.

But on high, the dip lights go out completely, and are replaced by two round beams high ahead. I haven't had them lit on the highway, but for the short distances I tried they were almost converging.

I imagine they will spread apart once I get a clear real estate view ahead.

Is this working right? Is it what everyone else gets? It is so different to the standard beam positions I'm used to on my other cars, but the SL500 passed its warrant of fitness just fine last week so it must be legal.

Ken Silver
--------------
~1993 SL500, glistening black/grey on black leather, now in the shop for facelift painting lower body. Lights off, but I'm still at home.
~1991 Daimler, shiny grey on grey leather, best in country!
~1991 Miata MX5, sparkling BRG on tan leather, wife's - (and my polishing)
~1992 Honda US s/wagon, black/grey
ex 350SL, 230E, 280E (and a lot of other makes not nearly as nice)

DR.DIESEL · #2 08-25-2003, 07:11 PM

MB did not offer Xenon lamps fror the 129 until 1996.
If your car is a 93, someone has retrofitted them.
The question is, are they OE MB units or some aftermarket
junk? Are they wired correctly? Are they aimed correctly?
Do people flash their brites at you when driving at night?
DR.D

Gilly · #3 08-25-2003, 08:04 PM

To add to Dr Diesels comments, unless the car has Bi-Xenon headlamps, the high beam would not be Xenon, it would be a normal halogen set of bulbs.

Gilly

jjrodger · #4 08-26-2003, 03:37 PM

My motor has xenons. The dip xenons do not go out when the halogen high beams come on. But the beam pattern on high beam is odd (lots of vertical height).

KenSilver · #5 08-27-2003, 03:48 AM

Dr Diesel,

I'm told they are genuine MB retrofitted. And nobody flashes at me.

They look very nice with the bright blue beams sparkling from the headlights!

Ken Silver
--------------
~1993 SL500, glistening blue-black on black leather, xenons.
~1991 Daimler, shiny grey on grey leather, best in country!
~1991 Miata MX5, sparkling BRG on tan leather, wife's (but my polishing)
~1992 Honda US s/wagon, black/grey
ex 350SL, 230E, 280E (and a lot of other makes not nearly as nice)