xenon retrofit

[Roger65]

What steps are required to retrofit a factory xenon assembly into a 1991 500SL? I assume the housing, bulbs, and ballast are the only required parts. Is the installation easy? I apologize if this has been asked and answered, I did a search an didn't find what I needed.

Thanks,
Roger

[jeff658]

Roger,

I can't help you with Zenon info ,but I just put in the 9004ST sliverstar bulbs and it was a big improvement. They are not Zenon but it only cost $20.00 each bulb and took 5 minutes to install. Now i can see at night.

I may put the H1ST in the fog lights, that may help as well.

Jeff

[billwrb]

what is the brand of the 900 bulbs and where does one get them?

[billwrb]

whoops! that's 9004 ST bulbs...where and what brand..thx

[jeff658]

http://www.sylvania.com/auto/silverstar.htm

[need2speed]

Originally posted by Roger65
I assume the housing, bulbs, and ballast are the only required parts.

Xenons run at lower wattage and, according to those who have done the mod, will activate your "bulb failure" warning lamp. I suppose someone with electrical knowledge could figure out a way to fool the diagnostic circuit?

You're on the right track with replacing the lamp housing because the xenon tubes require reflectors designed for their output pattern.

Good luck and keep us posted.

[RickM]

The circuit can be "fooled" buy wiring in a parking bulb or resistor.

If the entire housing includes the lens then you're one step ahead. The entire unit must be designed for HID and retrofitting into existing non-HID components is not recommended.

[Roger65]

Thanks for all of the replies everyone. After looking at the car, it appears the ADS reservoir needs to be moved to change out the right headlight. If this is true, I think I'll pass. I am into that ADS suspension for about $7k so far, and I do not wish to anger it any further. Does the reservoir on that side need to be moved?

[need2speed]

Follow this link to a very thorough discussion on retrofitting xenon lights. It provides great background but mostly deals with W124 conversions.

xenon light thread