02 Bi-Xenon Added to 02 ML320 - MCS Programming?

I talked to one of the technicians at the dealership about adding the 02 Bi-Xenon to my 02 ML320 the other day. He said it is pretty much plug-n-play, but he also has to go into the car’s computer (MCS?) for additional programming so that the system knows that Bi-Xenon are installed.<br> <br> Obviously I will not get the headlight washer system retrofitted because that will require changing the bumpers, but why is programming necessary. Does this have to do with the auto-leveling feature? Or maybe he is just trying to discourage me from doing the installation myself?<br> <br> I will pay him another visit for clarification and details – but I wanted to post this question here because I trust this forum’s collective knowledge about our loved MLs.

Actually, I think that he may be correct. I do know that there is some version coding for the '02s and you could damage the lamps if this is not done probably (voltage issues, I believe). I'll try to find out more on this next week.<br> <br> No, it has nothing to do with autoleveling. You will not have it since it requires other (very expensive) hardware and installation.

I'll have to go and bother the shop foreman, heh heh, so it may take a little while. I'll also check if the wiring pinouts are the same.

the version coding issue with the AAM still has to be resolved though.

I've heard about this problem when upgrading to xenons either OEM or aftermarket kits. I don't know if it applies to the ML but in the new C class where you have the multifunction display (in the center of the speedometer) if you upgrade to xenons a headlamp error sign will appear, athought the the lights are functioning properly. The car's computer has to be reprogrammed to recognize the xenon's. In the ML, I assume that our system is not as complicated and we don't have such display which I think why it won't be a problem not at least in the 98-01 models. This has been proven by myself and others who have installed the xenon lights in their ML.

Just curious, how much is your dealer asking for the Bi-Xenon ? I also asked my dealer how much to install it on my ML-500, and he quoted me $2000. He said the cost includes re-wiring to handle the increased voltage/ampere requirement.

There is apparently some sort of setting for the '02 MLs for the Bi-Xenons, at least according to the shop foreman I conversed with. I'm pretty sure I know why, but I'll check this out before I say anything.