over wattage bulbs ? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Stevo · #1 08-05-2002, 10:37 AM

I have become a little nerves lately after hearing some stories concerning the use of over wattage headlight bulbs. I did a search using "xenon" and came up with allot of cool info. Not knowing any better (before I found this group), last Nov. I got a set of the round, flat , euro lights for my "79" 240D and put in 80/100 H4s. Wow... I can see almost to Canada, at least into the next county, what a difference. Anyway do any of you folks us these bulbs without beefed up wiring? I got into this when I noticed the lights in my "new" "85" were not near as bright as the "79". The "85" has euro lights (the adjustable) using 50/60 H4s and I would like to go as high wattage as possible without taking a chance of toasting anything. Any recommendations ?

Kyle Blackmore · #2 08-05-2002, 04:00 PM

Hi Steve,running those bulbs is more than doubling the load on the headlight circuit,knowing MB it's probably ok(overengineered

)You could install relays at the lights and eliminate any worries,just don't hack into your wire harness,it can be adapted at the headlight plug.Good luck.

Stevo · #3 08-05-2002, 06:08 PM

Kyle

Thanks for that. Could you give a little more detail. I am familiar with the concept of the relay (sort of) but I can't quite grasp how it would be wired at the plug. It sure would be nice to be able to keep those lights and not worry about toasting something.

Kyle Blackmore · #4 08-05-2002, 06:47 PM

Hi Steve,
The relay works to take the signal from your headlight switch and provide battery power to the lights. This way, the current running through the headlight circuit isn't excessive. Battery power to the relay would be a ten or twelve gauge wire feeding directly through the relay to the headlights. You need to adapt at the headlight plug to wire in the relays, try taking plug apart to get at each individual wire, or find a plug that would work. Good luck.

JCE · #5 08-05-2002, 07:10 PM

These sites talk about theory and have wiring diagrams, and/or have pre-made relay/wiring kits:

http://catalog.com/susq/other/headlamp.htm

http://catalog.com/susq/hella/misc.htm#harness

http://lighting.mbz.org/tech/how_to/relays/

http://www.bergwerks.com/relay_kits.jsp

Many others are out there as well. Good luck,

Stevo · #6 08-05-2002, 09:22 PM

After looking at rewiring I have ordered a set of the Philips 50+ bulbs to see what they will do. I will put them in my '85' and have a look see. Not sure I want to get into a rewiring project as I will be getting my '80' engine back from the the machine shop soon and will be busy with that. Thanks for the input ,as usual you guys have really helped me make a diccision

gsxr · #7 08-09-2002, 09:32 PM

Using 80/100 bulbs should be fine. As long as you're not blowing fuses, you're not overloading the circuit! Don't get too sucked into buying fancy "Xenon" or "Super White" bulbs, read the info at lighting.mbz.org for more details on that.

Relays are necessary if you want HUGE wattage bulbs, where they start blowing fuses. Also, relays will increase light output by almost eliminating voltage drop through the stock skinny wires in the harness. According to Dan (at the same URL), light output can be increase significantly with the same bulbs just by installing relays! I plan to do this with both of my cars - only one currently has Euro lights (500E Euros), and the other two will be getting them shortly, all with relays eventually.

Note: DO NOT use over wattage bulbs in any late model (86-93?) car with "9004" style bulbs! The connectors WILL melt. You can only use high wattage safely on cars with H4 & H3 bulbs, or cars with Euro lights. Click the link below for a photo of what happens to 9004 connectors with 80/100 bulbs:

http://www.meimann.com/images/mercedes/W124_stuff/9004_conn_melted.jpg

HTH,

Stevo · #8 08-10-2002, 10:12 AM

HTH

Maybe I am making too big a deal out of this. Those 100/80s have been working fine for over half a year and each side is a separate current so both sides are not apt to go out at the same time leaving one in the dark traveling at a high rate of speed.

(what an ugly thought) So you think a fuse would blow before the wiring harness melted? Maybe I will just carry spare bulbs as I sure like those 100/80s as after I started wearing glasses a few years ago, seems my night vision is just not what it used to be. Anyway thanks for the comment, maybe I will reevaluate. Actually the guy that got me this whole system is a old time and well respected import car guy that should know whats up.

#9 08-11-2002, 01:50 PM

I have the early Euros on my 240D, they had 80/100's when I got them and everything inside the units is in bad shape. The wiring is only half the problem, the added heat inside the headlight assemblies causes melting and corrosion. The shape of the reflector is a huge factor in good lighting. I suggest staying with standard wattage bulbs and enjoy the lighting.

Good luck,

Stevo · #10 08-11-2002, 06:39 PM

Ya Larry, I'm thinken your right so I ordered a couple of these +30 Philips bulbs to replace the 100/80s.

Have a good Sunday.

#11 08-23-2002, 08:21 PM

Hey folks,

I have been thinking about replacing my 123 bulbs for some time and I am ready to do it.

My only problem is wether or not I can buy overwattage bulbs that would replace my 6024 round bulb. I would be happy with 80 100 watt bulbs.

I need more light out of this car.

Thanks for your help

bob c

Holson Adi · #12 08-23-2002, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by The Bob
Hey folks,

I have been thinking about replacing my 123 bulbs for some time and I am ready to do it.

My only problem is wether or not I can buy overwattage bulbs that would replace my 6024 round bulb. I would be happy with 80 100 watt bulbs.

I need more light out of this car.

Thanks for your help

bob c

Try getting Sylania's Xtravision sealed beams. They were pretty bright when I had them on.
Alternatively you could buy H4 units in the 7" sealed beam form and replace the sealed beams.

There are also Xenon kits for the 7" sealed beam units. Just like the H4 conversion you replace the sealed beam units themselves.

http://www.sylvania.com/xenarc/x60246054.htm

gsxr · #13 08-23-2002, 10:15 PM

Bob,

You want Euro ("E-code") lights for your 300D (you can also get these for your VW's). There are two main mfr's, Cibie and Hella. The Cibies are supposedly a bit better but they are more expensive (roughly $110/pair). The Hellas should be just as good for about $70/pair. These have a sharp vertical cutoff that puts more light on the road and does NOT blind oncoming drivers. They really are fantastic. Although billed as "not street legal" and "for off-road use only", just ignore that stupidity and get a set, I promise you will be astounded. The Sylvania Xtravisions are probably the best (?) sealed beams you can get, but the Hella or Cibie H4's will blow the Xtravisions away.

Here's an URL for the Hellas at the best price I know of:

http://catalog.com/susq/hella/headlamp.htm

And, here's an URL for the only supplier I know of with Cibies:

http://lighting.mbz.org/prices/

With either of these, 60/55 bulbs will put out an amazing amount of light. You could use 100/80 bulbs if you really want to, but it's probably not necessary, and I'd recommend installing relays if you did that - otherwise the voltage drop will negate some of the effects of the larger bulbs. Here's an URL that explains how & why you'd want to:

http://lighting.mbz.org/tech/how_to/relays/

Best regards,

#14 08-23-2002, 10:51 PM

I have a pair of Sylvania Xtravisions on my 300CD right now, and they have been good headlights, but they don't put the light out like the E code lights. I have a pair of E codes on my truck and have had them for many years. I have been using the 60/55 bulbs, and there is plenty of light. I am thinking about buying a pair for my 300CD whenever I get it back from the shop.

#15 08-25-2002, 03:46 PM

Thanks for your replies,

I am going to bite the bullet and venture into electircal wiring.

I want beefed up lights with the safety of knowing I wont cook my car up.

THanks for your help/

I know that having stronger than normal lights might not sit well with everyone but it is my concern for the safety of all that I do it. I have a night blindness and generally crappy vision. That is the primary reason why I started driving diesels in the first place. As a teenager I thought that it would be wreckless for me to speed around in a fast car so I decided that diesel powered vehicles would fit my driving style as well as my thrify finances. I still enjoy my slow pace in my heavy diesel. I just wish it had better lights.

I guess what I am saying is that if anyone could benifit from this upgrade it would be me.

Thanks again

bob c