xenon headlights for w202

[jago1244]

i have seen online catalog of 'signature line accessories' slaccessories.com/
showing attractive looking set of xenons that i might want to plug into my 99 c280 sport. i am worried about compatibility and cost...
these things will run almost 2 grand if i pull the trigger. i also am not familiar with that catalog vendor. any hints for a non-expert? thanks.

[David C Klasse]

Yup, you're looking at about $2,000. But if you are going to get them, then you should only go with OEM (Bosch, I believe).
But is 2k really worth it just to see a little better @ night?

I had Xenon's on my '96 E300. Paid $1,000 extra from the factory. They were great, but be warned that the problem with them is that the Xenon is ONLY for the LOW beam. Even the upgrade kits like you're talking about are LOW beam ONLY.

Also, if you will search, you can find a link in a post from about a month or so ago of a company that sells Xenon kits for well under $1,000. As far as the specific car make and model go, you are only adding electronics to drive the bulbs and changing the bulb itself, so it doesn't need to be from MB for your specific model car.

As far as the value of these lights, I am probably a "one percenter" as far as headlight needs go. I drove 40 miles total every working day, in the dark on narrow winding farm roads just to reach the highway. I have to dilligently watch for and dodge deer and escaped cattle. I have had some close calls and I'm lucky to be alive. So, this makes it imperative to have the BEST headlights I can get.

I have learned from this that the reflector of the light is MUCH, MUCH more important than the bulb. If you double the lumens in a poorly shaped reflector headlight, you gain very little.

Now if you want the Xenon's because they look cool, that's a different situation altogether. For me it's more important how well I can SEE from my car, than how good it LOOKS.

Good luck,

[akry]

I agree with both David and Larry.... If you are going to HID, you may as well get OEM ones... aftermarket retrofit kits can be had for 450 - 600 bucks if you shop around... but they may produce more unwanted glares than OEM ones....

Also, HID significantly improve night time illumination of the road, and especially the road signs.... but it would all depends on what you really looking for... for HID Look, you can save some $$ by going with brand name bulbs(PIAA, Porlarg).

Andy Kuo

The MAIN point in my rambling above is that HID lights are low beam ONLY!

Have a great day,

[jago1244]

thanks...i'm not quite sure exactly what the hell i am looking for...that "sl accessories" link in first post has this complete "assembly" on page 37. i like the look of them in daytime too, thats why i think i'd lean to them over just hid bulbs . with what you guys are saying about hi-beams , does this mean that i lose capability of hi beams totally? or just xenons work on lo and standard work on hi beams?

[vinamg]

I recently installed a pair of xenon lights on my 94 S420. I wouldn't mess with anything but OEM Bosch. With retrofit kits there is always a risk of having water leaks in the light assembly.
To clear things up xenon lighting is used for low beam and standard bulb for high.

BTW they are great it just depends if you are willing to spend the money on them.

Vin