I've got an 02 ML500. It's got projector lights, but they're halogen. What's the best way to upgrade to HIDs? I know HID kits could be had these days for only about $100.
How bad is the install? Is it "plug-n-play"... or does it take a little work?
I believe any colour temperature over 8000K is illegal in most states and Canada.
The brightest HID you can get is 4300K (OEM on most vehicles) After that the light will get bluer and bluer then eventually pinkish decreasing in brightness.
I've got an 02 ML500. It's got projector lights, but they're halogen. What's the best way to upgrade to HIDs? I know HID kits could be had these days for only about $100.
How bad is the install? Is it "plug-n-play"... or does it take a little work?
From what I have read, MTEC is the best HID kit you can get for our ML's.
It is supposedly suppose to be plug and play. All you should have to do is install the new bulbs and mount the ballasts.
On ebay the kits go for about $350-$400. There is one seller I always see that seems legit, and displays how to tell a fake kit from a real MTEC kit.
If you go for a kit that is under $200 you are likely just wasting your money because problems will probably occur within months and installation may not be as simple.
To be honest, none of these aftermarket units are truly legal because tests (do a Google search) have shown that they don't meet the legal lighting requirements for road going vehicles. That said, I have no idea which is best for the ML since mine has OEM BiXenons. But, I did install one of these aftermarket units on my 1996 300ZX TT and I like it. If you want to see where you're going, keep the temp to 4300K. Anything higher is really just for looks! There are several outlets that sell these units and they are inexpensive enough to take a chance. The ML's engine bay has a lot of room to install the ballasts. Go for it!
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1989 300ZXT - mine
A pair of running shoes
A 18Hp lawn mower
2 Mountain Bikes
350Z - will be mine when @ 300+HP and 3-Car Garage
I used to think they were, but I'm not too sure now. It appears that if you make any modifications to the light source in a headlight housing (ie using xenon instead of halogen), that's where it seems things get a little sketchy. If indeed it is illegal, I highly doubt you'd be pulled over for something like that or that anyone with citing authority would even notice or care if it looks like stock.
Being that I had looked into them, I was trying to decide between K1 and MTEC.
__________________ 2000 ML430
Chrome grille, tailgate latch, logo on rims, instrument cluster rings - K&N air filter - Ate brakes - projector style lights w/xenon bulbs - white LED lights on licence plate - handpainted pinstripe - designo Java Shift Surround
I used to think they were, but I'm not too sure now. It appears that if you make any modifications to the light source in a headlight housing (ie using xenon instead of halogen), that's where it seems things get a little sketchy. If indeed it is illegal, I highly doubt you'd be pulled over for something like that or that anyone with citing authority would even notice or care if it looks like stock.
Being that I had looked into them, I was trying to decide between K1 and MTEC.
Of course you won't get stopped unless the darn thing is so poorly aimed that it's obvious a bad mod has been done. Where you get nailed is when you go for state inspection. The headlights will fail Usually all one does is switch back to halogens for inspection and then switch back after inspection. NHSTA has done the studies and concluded that these units don't pass based on specs on the books today, not even the high end ones from Phillips! You'll never pass inspection with the current Xenon retrofits on the market. Like I said, I have them on my Z, they look good and better than the OEM halogen projectors. But, I will never pass inspection with these units on.
i have 2 hid kits i bought from k1 motorsport and both run great...
cheaper than mtec and just a reliable...
cheap ones will throw error codes and more especially on MLs....
i have 2 hid kits i bought from k1 motorsport and both run great...
cheaper than mtec and just a reliable...
cheap ones will throw error codes and more especially on MLs....
I've got an 02 ML500. It's got projector lights, but they're halogen. What's the best way to upgrade to HIDs? I know HID kits could be had these days for only about $100.
How bad is the install? Is it "plug-n-play"... or does it take a little work?
Hi,
My local performance shop recommended and installed a McCulloch HID Kit for my ML. I've had no problems at all. Here's the link to the website.
Linear Mode
