Xenon retro-fit for 1991 500SL?
 

Hello,

I'd like to upgrade the headlights of a 1991 500SL.

Currently, I'm considering the xenon kit form Bekkers.com, but I'd like to hear from others who may have a better idea.

Cost is not the utmost concern. I'd like to buy the kit that will operate properly and look the most aesthetically pleasing.

Thanks for your advice.

Regards,
Ryan

See posts on this subject by MBenz in the SL Forum. he has converted his SL to xenon. I gather it is not an easy job.

R129 Headlamp Conversion
 

I have currently ordered a set from HID4Less. Talk to Kyle as he says he is using a Euro Headlight with the projectors. The units are plug N play and have a 5 year warranty for the bulbs and ballasts. They have a website at www. HIDS4Less.com.

Just A Word Of Caution...
 

Many Xenon and Xenon-Plasma bulbs being sold as "plug and play" are just tinted Halogen bulbs being sold as Xenons.

The blue coating on the bulb just filters the light frequency output to make it appear "whiter" by masking the yellow that's natural to Halogen, but they aren't any brighter. In fact, the tint diminishes the output of the bulb, so even though they are supposed to be 80/100 Watt bulbs, they aren't any brighter than the ones on the car already.

Especially avoid a Korean brand called "BioLight", the company admitted to me that their products are all coated Halogen bulbs. These bulbs are usually sold on ebay by a seller shipping out of Taiwan using the name "autobulbs" or "autobulbs4less".

Remember, there are HID, or High Intensity Discharge bulbs (these are the ones that are a major mod), Xenon, Or Xenon-Plasma bulbs that will usually replace the stock units (but beware cheap ones, I have been told that they will sometimes melt your stock wire set-up), and these ultra cheapo Halogens that have been coated.

Do your homework, check your local laws to see if the ones you want to use are legal on your car, and make sure you are buying quality products that are actually what they saw they are.

By Plug N Play they meant the units would be wired and all it needs is to be plugged into the car. The bulbs are not halogen except for the bright beams.

The HIDs are bulbs and ballasts are guaranteed for five years.

Ding...
 

"Plug and Play" is a generic term that means something that is simple to use. HIDs 4 Less didn't invent the term. And several other companies are using that term to sell deceptive products.

My comments are directed industry wide, not at the company you have chosd to buy from. But I would do my homework carefully anyway. Most of the guys in the bulb business are over charging and using deceptive marketing to sell $10.00 bulbs for $500.00+...

Be careful.:eek:

Proper xenon lights require a high voltage power source and a self-levelling installation. I gather the latter is achieved by sensors placed on the rear axle. Fitting these requires you to drop the rear suspension. There is also the wiring considerations: it probably means taking the seats out.

The high voltage source is the ballast and yes a self-levelling device is needed and is installed in the front sway bar and the sensor is mounted in the body. The electronics are then installed in the footwell in the passenger side.

You can take a look at the installation of MBenz on his car. He has documented it very well and shows the extent of the work.