Whats up with my headlamps?

[freddiea]

I have a 2003 ML270 with the dome shaped glass lenses behind the headlamp lens, which are identical to my fathers 2002 ML2002.

At the weekend May parents wanted me to look after their dogs while they were down for a lunch, so he dropped the dogs off in his car and took mine.

I went out in his just after dark and noticed that when you switch the lights on there is a distinct 2 stage start up on his an they are much brighter and certainly 'more blue'!

Could it be that i have the wrong bulbs in mine (only got the car a month ago) or is it a case that he has Xenons and i don't??

Cheers in advance!

 

[Brian WH]

I have a 2003 ML270 with the dome shaped glass lenses behind the headlamp lens, which are identical to my fathers 2002 ML2002.

At the weekend May parents wanted me to look after their dogs while they were down for a lunch, so he dropped the dogs off in his car and took mine.

I went out in his just after dark and noticed that when you switch the lights on there is a distinct 2 stage start up on his an they are much brighter and certainly 'more blue'!

Could it be that i have the wrong bulbs in mine (only got the car a month ago) or is it a case that he has Xenons and i don't??

Cheers in advance!

Yes he has Xenons, that is how they light up in two stages.

They don't have bulbs as such, so cannot be just changed. If you are not happy with yours, if they are the same, then you need specialist attention to check them out.

 

[Gollom]

He probably has bi-xenons which are also self levelling as well as much brighter (IMHO)

BTW - tell him that if he goes over to mainland Europe, bi-xenons are switchable for driving on 'tother side of the road. I just pop into my dealer and he does it for me (I understand the switch is not the most robust in the world and it is also inside the light housing - lots of volts!)

Steve

 

[freddiea]

Thanks Guys,

Before i go seeking specialist advice, is there a definitive way of finding out if i have the xenons or not?

Cheers.

 

[A-AvantGarde]

Best way is to watch them start up, they're unmistakable, you should also have headlamp wash as that is a legal requirement with Xenons (in the UK & EU at least).

Another way is to enter your VIN number into this website and it will list all of the factory fitted equipment:

http://www.mbclub.ru/mb/vin/?lng=eng

 

[freddiea]

Put the VIN in and here's what i got:

VIN WDC1631132A472729 Plant 38 Model ML 270 CDI Chassis 1631132A472729 Engine 612963 30 267275 Transmission 722661 04 671957 Tyres Primary DB3XA162003200 Rear 20032003 Order 0 3 537 38035 Delivery date 14.10.03 Dealer Great Britain (537) Interior leather black or anthracite (261) Paint 744 brilliant silver metallic (с 1991) Options M27 capacity 2,7 litre (с 19.01.1996)
U40 cargo net behind front seats (с 26.09.1996)
seat cover in single-colored imitation leather (mb-tex)
U61 luxury package (с 05.06.1997)
220 parking aid (с 01.10.1993)
241 left front seat electrically adjustable with memory feature. only applicable to w 210 when installed in conjunction with code 275. (с 01.03.1983)
242 right front seat electrically adjustable with memory feature. only applicable to series w 210 when installed in conjunction with code 275. (с 01.03.1983)
249 automatically dipping inside rear view mirror (с 01.06.1990)
280 steering wheel (400 mm dia.) and gearshift lever in leather trim; on W202 390 mm dia. (с 01.05.1984)
352 operation and monitoring system comand (navigation + radio/cassette) (с 01.09.1996)
423 5 speed automatic transmission / nag (с 01.03.1994)
461 instrument with mileage reading and english lettering (с 01.04.1990)
472 electronic stability program (esp) (с 01.10.1993)
dynamic handling control system
500 outside rear view mirror left and right, folding (с 01.10.1993)
524 paintcoat preservation (с 01.01.1964)
551 anti-theft/anti-break-in warning system with anti-towing system (с 01.04.1998)
580 air conditioner/Tempmatic (с 01.11.1982)
613 lamp unit, asymmetrical, l.h. traffic (с 01.02.1963)
664 tires 275/55 r 17 with chromed light alloy rims (с 01.01.1995)
723 trunk covering (с 01.06.1996)
731 wood trim, burred walnut root (с 01.08.1980)
804 Change of year of model, last figure shows new model year
819 CD changer - alpine - in trunk (с 31.07.1992)
840 elimination of all-wheel drive 4 x 2 (for cross-country vehicles only)
dark tinted glass (с 01.10.1994)
873 seat heater for left and right front seats (с 01.02.1984)
984 elimination of ownership certificate but with coc papers (с 01.06.1993)


Guess no Xenons then - i thought that the glass dome lenses indicated xenons - clearly not.

How come behind the headlamd cover it says 'Danger High Voltage' if they are normal halogens?

Cheers.

 

[Howard]

If it says 'Danger High Voltage' , then they probably are Xenons

You might have xenons , but if he has bi-xenons, they are a different thing ....

 

[Doodle]

Either that or some cheeky sod stuck the sticker on there hoping to fool people.

Maybe a standard fitment at that point?

 

[Gollom]

Thanks Guys,

Before i go seeking specialist advice, is there a definitive way of finding out if i have the xenons or not?

Cheers.

Also, go take a look here http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/showpost.php?p=244936&postcount=2 for a piccie!

Steve

 

[freddiea]

It gets confusing:

1) The warning is raised lettering on the inside of the cover.

2) I guess he has Bi-Xenons

3) The piture in the link shows the same design as mine in a different shape housing.

4) If therfore I have xenons, should i be concerned that they seem no brighter than ordinary headlamps?

Cheers everyone, really appreciate the help so far.

 

[Howard]

Dunno, but i love the caption under your name !

It's the little things ......

 

[pammy]

You cannot mistake Xenons being switched on. The process is very distinctive - bi or not. Not only is the lighting two stage, which it is for all anyway as the side lights then go to main beam, but also you will observe them self level. It's not just bi-xenons rhat self level If yours don't do that then they are not xenons. Similarly - if they don't have the headlamp wash then they won't be xenon either, if it's a UK car.

The headlamp cover may well say high voltage as it may be the same cover for xenons or non-xenons

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Pammy's right - Xenons and Bi-Xenons should do a groovy little dance when you turn 'em on!!

If memory serves, Bi-Xenons superceded Xenons so although possible, it's unlikely that the older car would have Bi-Xenons and the younger car have Xenons.

I don't think it's possible for Xenons to be dim - they're very much on or off - gut feel tells me that you have the clear lens 'projector' headlamps with regular bulbs.

 

[freddiea]

Thanks all -

Looks like Bobby Dazzler and Pammy have summed it up, no headlamp washer - no xenons!

Must have what Bobby described!

So.......

Is it possible to upgrade (properly) and at what cost, I understand i would need ballasts etc. I am pretty handy with a spanner etc. so I am up for a DIY upgrade! Could get the old man drunk at christmas and pinch his headlamps? Then my Dad will need the caption from under my name!

Thanks again all.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

New parts are likely to be horrendously expensive, but it's almost certainly possible. Best bet might be to find car that's being broken (into spares) that has them fitted. To be honest although they look great, and they perform well, unless you drive on unlit roads a lot they're probably not worth the cost and aggrevation.

Ooh. When your parents next go on holiday, offer to take them to the airport, and water their plants. Then nip round, whip them of his, pop 'em on yours and job's a good 'un. Just remember to put your old lamps back on your parents car, else otherwise he may suspect something when get's back and notices there's a big hole either side of the grille!!

 

[freddiea]

The old man is almost certainly going to trade his in in the new year, if you get what I mean.....

 

[Gollom]

Is it possible to upgrade (properly) and at what cost,

Try this as a starting point.... http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=4793

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Say no more

 

[freddiea]

He is planning to trade it in early next year, unlikely dealer will check the lights are still the original..... Only problem is that means some poor unsuspecting soul will think they are getting xenons.....

 

[Howard]

Not your problem Freddie .... if the dealer doesn't spot it , tough ....

Then you will be able to sell them your caption ......