W221 2007 convert to xenon headlights

[MB8701]

Hi all.

So looking to do my first serious upgrade on my new car. After having xenons on a few previous cars I just cannot be without them.

I have spent the last two days reading up on if it's possible and how with lots of discussion on the legalities of it but don't seem to be none the wiser.

I simply want to purchase 2nd user w221 bi-xenon headlights

These will be a direct replacement to the halogen headlamps I have.

I have headlight washers so that side is covered.

There is lots of chat about having levelling sensor on each axle or it's not required as the car has airmatic therefore self levels.
Is this correct?

Lastly w221 xenon headlamps seem to have the cornering function. Will these work if I literally plug them in.

From what I have read the control units and wiring is the exact same and really is a direct replacement therefore the main question I have assuming the above is correct that are the self levelling parts required as I have airmatic.

Any help would be appreciated

 

[MB8701]

nobody at all?

 

[lexman8]

From reading other threads, there doesn't appear to be a clear answer on whether self-levelling suspension is sufficient on its own. For what it's worth, I don't seem to have auto levelling HID headlamps on my CL but that has ABC rather than Airmatic. Apparently, ABC can respond much faster than Airmatic so ABC may be enough to meet the legal requirements whereas Airmatic wouldn't.

What is certain, however, is that the car would need to be put on STAR so that the HIDs can be configured in otherwise you'll get bulb failure warnings and flashing lamps.

I'm not sure about the cornering function, but at the very least, that too would have to be configured on STAR.

 

[bob6600]

I fitted Xenon headlamps on my (standard) W210, changing the complete unit over. It was plug and play, no configuration needed although I think yours may need it, especially for the cornering.

I get no errors and had the lights aligned manually. My vehicle already has washers and recently it passed an MOT no problem. I have not fitted the self levelling sensors on the axles.

 

[MB8701]

Thanks for the replies guys - it looks like if I buy the xenon headlamps then with a bit of tinkering in star they should work perfectly fine even if the cornering function is disabled however it comes back to the age old question:

Is the airmatic a sufficient and legal facility for the xenons to self level.

I really don't see it being a problem but would be nice to know

even if I had to fit the two self levelling sensor (these are not that expensive) but I do not know how extensive the wiring is or if its a simple case of running two wires (one from each sensor to the ballast (headlamps) ECU.

hmmmmmmmmmmm the mystery continues.
Hopefully someone else will come along with more knowledge.

 

[GH421]

The cornering function is a nice feature but not essential. Try go for the bi-xenon option as these look nice with two projectors in the cluster.

On mine the lights turn with the steering wheel which is a very useful/cool function. See if you can fit these too.

 

[MB8701]

The cornering function is a nice feature but not essential. Try go for the bi-xenon option as these look nice with two projectors in the cluster.

On mine the lights turn with the steering wheel which is a very useful/cool function. See if you can fit these too.

Hey,
Completely agree. I have seen many bi xenons headlamps pop up on ebay for the w221 so they are not so much an issue and as you said I am not so fussed about the cornering function however the main issue seems to be the self levelling aspect for the lights and if the airmatic is siffucient and if not what is involved in fitting the two sensors and connections.

 

[GH421]

Looking at another forum this is the response with regards to someone who ordered xenons for a factory spec car but was delivered halogens.

"The question about self levelling for Halogen lights was interesting, I've never looked at the wiring for halogen lights before but from the diagrams one might conclude that the self levelling motor was within the box that is optional for xenon lights. I actually found this confirmed from the functional description. The car would rely on Airmatic/SBC suspension automatic levelling (while this is not seen sufficient for xenons).

But irrespectively of the actual implementation of halogen lights, both have a direct CAN-bus input to the headlamp assembly and as long as you would have the whole headlamp changed, the xenons should have the necessary self levelling input from the CAN-bus.

The wiring appears the same for all headlight options except for one wire for the IR bulb (for cars with night-view) and one other for xenons. Perhaps the harness already covers both, if not, it would not be difficult to add the missing wires.

You would need some version coding to make the car aware of xenons."

 

[MB8701]

that is bloody interesting ^^^^

So I guess it looks like as long as you get two genuine MB Bi-Xenon headlamps and fit them in, get them coded then it should be good to go

hmmmmm

 

[bhartv]

If the xenon has cornering function, then does that require any additional consideration or is that just an inbuilt function of the headlamp unit itself and is something that will work automatically once the car is coded up correctly? Tx

 

[nick mercedes]

Any help would be appreciated

Mission impossible.

Or possible with $$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Easier to buy one with xenons.

HTH.

 

[Mazam67]

Like nick Mercedes said its better to get a car with xenons already as its going to be a pain to switch them over. However I don't xenons should be such a problem just headlight change and ballasts. I had to replace both my bixenons on my 2007 because they got smashed, cost me over £2000 for both with night view assist.

 

[stevehg]

Is the airmatic a sufficient and legal facility for the xenons to self level.

Yes it will be sufficient. I had this verified on a Range Rover by VOSA a number of years back.

 

[E55BOF]

Quote: "Where HID or LED dipped beam headlamps are fitted, switch on the headlamps and check the operation of any headlamp levelling and cleaning devices fitted."

That is from the current MoT Tester's manual. If no headlamp cleaning or levelling device is fitted, it cannot be tested, and its absence is not among the Reasons for Rejection.

No problems with the MoT if you retro-fit, then. The biggest gripe with non-OE xenons is that when HID bulbs are fitted to reflectors that were not designed to use them, beam control is often inadequate, resulting in dazzle for other road users; antisocial, and an MoT fail. If you use MB OE units, this would not apply to your car.

The setup will be legal, then. The only issues will be cost, and if they are Plug & Play. Let us hope someone who has actually done it responds to this post. You might also like to google the topic, and check the American MBWorld forum as well; I'd be very surprised if there's nothing relevant there.

 

[MB8701]

That's a very useful posts and really adds a useful dimension of information posted above.

In essence we have migtigated the legality and technical issues of fitting xenons regarding self levelling and also retro fitting them: are long as you replace the full headlamp.

Really the only obstacle is the coding if any is actually required. Time to call some specialists!

I will keep everyone updated.

Oh and to answer some of people you stated buy a car with them already fitted; I thought I had as per the sellers description. I really should have checked but then again I thought they would be standard on an s class!

 

[bob6600]

TBH I think it is poor of MB not to have xenon lights as standard on a 2007 S Class

 

[MB8701]

completely agree - the 7 series and audi a8 of the same era had xenons as standard.

 

[richard]

The Xenons on a W221 sit on a little CAN network between the 2 headlights and the front SAM. I don't know if cars without Xenon have the wiring (and the extra connector), or indeed if cars without it have a front SAM that has the CANbus (for instance, the W204 does not)

The headlamp levelling, cornering, Xenon power control etc is done via the CANbus, so if you want it to work, this is not a direct swop with no coding. It may need more wiring and even possibly (but I think unlikely) a new front SAM, it will need data card update and coding of a few control units too.

All W221 have level sensors. If they have ABC (code 487) the rear sensor is different.

Richard

 

[MB8701]

Hi Richard -

There seems to be so much mixed information regarding if its possible and what wiring is involved.

We have what you have said and then we have some who have said the wiring is the exact same and you just plug it in and get it coded.

I went to my guy during the week to get the car serviced and mentioned xenon retrofit getting original headlamps and he literally shot it down before I could curb my excitment.

he said its just not worth the hassle that is even if its possible.

 

[wywywywy]

TBH I think it is poor of MB not to have xenon lights as standard on a 2007 S Class

Yes it's bloody stupid. In fact I'd say even the premium package should have been standard for a car that cost so much.

If I were OP I'd just fit an aftermarket HID kit and be done with it. After all the car already has projector headlights, washers, and self leveling, so blinding is not a concern.