How to install new side lights for W211?

[RichardM]

I have just ordered up some H7 Osram Silver Star 50% plus main beam bulbs and Philips Silver Vision Indicator Bulbs from www.powerbulbs.com

The great news is they have a limited offer on. If you buy 2 bulb sets you get a Free set of W5W Philips Blue Vision sidelight bulbs (worth about £10) and 10% off!

They have been running that limited offer for years, as long as power bulbs has been running! Still a good deal though.

So I have upgraded the front end for just over £40.

You haven't done the fog lights yet! And they are cool to do as they come on everytime you lock/unlock the car. The bulbs are quite hard to get hold of though.

I am going to see what these Philips Blue Vision bulbs look like. Hopefully I will get a similiar effect to the PIAA product.

I tried these first before the PIAA bulbs and wasn't impressed sorry, they don't offer much improvement over the standard bulbs and still look very yellow next to the HID lights. After these I tried the Xtreme White PIAA bulbs and they were too blue! Then I settled on the Platinum White being best.

I am just indulging myself with the Osram Silver Star the Xenon system is unbelievable on the W211 so it will be interesting to see if an extra 50% light coming off the main beam will make any difference.

Changing the full beam bulbs doesn't make much difference, as the HID lights provide the most output. I've covered the H7 lights to block the output with the full beam on (whilst stationary in a dark car park) and the H7 bulbs being on/off or 50% brighter make little difference to the projected light. I fitted the PIAA bulbs in mine. They do look better when flashing people in the day though, when the HID lights are off.

 

[Goldfish11]

Photos of upgrade 1 of 5.

Got the bulbs today and so here are the before and after photos. I think you are right about the sidelight bulbs. Seems little difference.

Very impressed with the Silver Vision indicator bulbs for look, far better without "Fried Egg Effect" So a big thumbs up to Silver Vision Indicator bulbs. Looks good and also light is very orange and bright when indicating.

Main beam does seem to have more output will be driving home late on Friday so will update on effect. Another benefit of these is they have a Silver tip rather than a black tip on the bulb so the do look better when everything is off.

EDIT - Tested last night travelling back from Luton Airport at 1am - There is some improvement. Very white and seems to benefit 30 to 60 meters range. I would think they are an improvement if driving with main beam in poor weather.
I did get my free bulbs and also 10% back from Powerbulbs and free postage and it arrived in a day so not bad service.

What do you think?

My recommendation - Silver Vision indicator bulbs and PIAA Platinum white (from www.a-pp.com) side bulbs are worth the money. 50% brighter OK but benefit not great. Currently can't justify fog light bulb upgrade, perhaps when prices drop.
Before Upgrade

 

[Goldfish11]

Headlamp Upgrade Photos 2 of 5

Lights After Upgrade with Silver Vision Indicator, Osram +50% and Blue Vision Side - Dipped

 

[Goldfish11]

Headlamp Upgrade 3 of 5

Headlamp upgrade Before upgrade Main beam

 

[Goldfish11]

Headlamp Upgrade 4 of 5

After - Main beam

 

[Goldfish11]

Head Lamp Upgrade 5 of 5

Everything off - After Upgrade

 

[Goldfish11]

PIAA side Lights

Got some PIAA Platinum White Side lights. The do look really good, unfortunately photograph does not really capture the look but they are much better.

 

[RichardM]

Looking good Richard! Now you've started modding, what's next on your list?

 

[Goldfish11]

Looking good Richard! Now you've started modding, what's next on your list?

I dont think there is much more you can do with the W211 suggestions would be appreciated.

I am thinking about getting my engine re-mapped but not sure of insurance implication and whether Mercedes would notice and refuse the warrenty. It would take the 220CDI to 175 - 180 bhp from 150. Any thoughts on this??