HID Xenon light kit for my 400E - Page 6 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

BAd124 · #76 04-24-2011, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ps2cho

Reaimed them tonight when I found a good solid wall with no other lighting above it.

You can see, distance is about 3-4 car lengths. So about 55-60ft shot.

Light output is literally 3-4x. No exaggeration. No glare.

You CANNOT do this with US lights for future readers.
You MUST have European headlights.

That looks great. Maybe adjust the X-axis a bit but nice defined cut off

PM sent about a wiring question

JohnM. · #77 04-25-2011, 12:50 AM

ps2cho, do you have OEM euro's or DEPO's? Looks like a great upgrade. I am definitely adding it to my "to-do" list.

ps2cho · #78 04-26-2011, 02:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnM.

ps2cho, do you have OEM euro's or DEPO's? Looks like a great upgrade. I am definitely adding it to my "to-do" list.

Depo's!

You can't beat them for $160/pair. Yeh they are not OE bosch, but I honestly can BARELY tell the difference. You'd be lucky to find a used set in good condition for $400...They sell new upwards of $600+

JohnM. · #79 04-26-2011, 03:27 AM

I have DEPO's as well.

I was just wondering about any potential light output difference with the HIDs vs OEM. I re-aimed my euro's this evening and they are a million times better. But HID is definitely where its at when done properly.

BAd124 · #80 04-26-2011, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnM.

I have DEPO's as well.

I was just wondering about any potential light output difference with the HIDs vs OEM.

The lighting output is quite significant. 55W Halogen bulbs put out about 900-1200 lumens. A 55W HID kit (from DDM specifically) will put out 5000 lumens. To me this is much safer than trying to increase the bulb wattage to 65w, 85w etc and frying something. No more draw than stock and approx 5x the output. Win Win

Ps2cho - any under hood shots would be helpful for ideas where to put the ballast, tuck in wiring etc.

ps2cho · #81 04-27-2011, 12:56 AM

I fastened the ballasts to the rear of the light housing door temporarily....I haven't driven the car much since my fuel system went bad so I haven't got a permanent solution yet.

I did although purchase some of that long plastic wire encasing(?) and routed it above the radiator/fan clutch cover to the other side and it is pretty clean.

iwrock · #82 04-27-2011, 02:52 AM

After moving to HIDs in my W124, it is impossible to go back to halogens.

Like ps2cho said, it really is 3-4x the light output, and that only adds to the overall safety.

JohnM. · #83 04-27-2011, 03:25 AM

I think HIDs will make high speed canyon driving 1000000x safer. Would it be beneficial to upgrade the fog lights too? What are the options for fogs?

BAd124 · #84 04-27-2011, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnM.

I think HIDs will make high speed canyon driving 1000000x safer. Would it be beneficial to upgrade the fog lights too? What are the options for fogs?

You can certainly do the fogs as well. Normally for fogs its recommended using the 35W option due to heat concerns in the smaller housing. If you want to keep the yellow color go for the 3000K color range.

JohnM. · #85 04-27-2011, 06:25 PM

Will the fogs require a separate ballast,yet, in addition to the ballast for the HID headlights?

ps2cho · #86 04-27-2011, 11:02 PM

I just purchased the new DDM "slim" HID kit they now sell (to put in my 300TE). I should receive it soon so I'll take some pics. I can actually test out my theory of simply plugging in a low wattage bulb into the empty socket on the other side. I'm hoping this will fool the system and the bulb out light will not illuminate.

I figure I "might" be able to somehow make it into a hood light!! Turn on the headlights and now you have a light under the hood

If it works, that'll be so easy to do and I would be much happier!

JohnM. · #87 04-27-2011, 11:17 PM

So the HID kits trigger the bulb out light?

BAd124 · #88 04-28-2011, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnM.

Will the fogs require a separate ballast,yet, in addition to the ballast for the HID headlights?

Yes, each light has its own ballast and ignitor so with fogs there would be a total of 4 of each. It would just be a matter of finding space to mount all the hardware, although the DDM slim ballasts are pretty small, about the size of a deck of cards

BAd124 · #89 04-28-2011, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ps2cho

I figure I "might" be able to somehow make it into a hood light!!

I always thought hood lights were the neon ones under the car? ahah

J/K - thats a good idea. Do post pics when your done

iwrock · #90 04-28-2011, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ps2cho

I just purchased the new DDM "slim" HID kit they now sell (to put in my 300TE). I should receive it soon so I'll take some pics. I can actually test out my theory of simply plugging in a low wattage bulb into the empty socket on the other side. I'm hoping this will fool the system and the bulb out light will not illuminate.

I figure I "might" be able to somehow make it into a hood light!! Turn on the headlights and now you have a light under the hood

If it works, that'll be so easy to do and I would be much happier!

http://www.ddmtuning.com/Products/Error-Code-Eliminator-3-PAIR