I have a canadian 2006 B200 non-turbo, and have been looking to upgrade the stock halogens to HID, as the stock lights have pretty poor lighting ability. I was wondering if anyone has any experience with an HID install for their B? The stock projector housing looks like it will output the HIDs no problem, but I just wanted to know if there are any issues that I may need to be aware of...
-How and will it affect the DRLs (we have no Auto function in Canada, and DRLs are a must), and will i need to do any extra rewiring, or is it already separate?
-Has anyone had experience with aftermarket kits? On the Mercedes Forum I saw a slim HID kit offered by K1Motorsport, and they claim to have no effect on the diagnostics or computer, and is plug and play for $299 K1 Motorsport Does anyone have other suggestions?
-Are there any links, or does anyone know if there are detailed install instructions posted, etc.
There are a lot of HID forums, etc around, but i am having trouble finding any specific for the B, i guess just because it's not too common, but i'd appreciate any input, thanks!
The B's units are perfect for Xenon with the projector lense.
There are aftermarket kits from Pilot, which are very good and are being fitted by our Mercedes dealers overhere.
DRL will still function, the Xenon's will be on all the time, I think.
Ah cibie's, Mike, brings back memories of the 'oscar de la route' some great spotlights I had in the 60's now they really gave some light. (or maybe it was just the lousy headlights of the time )
the DRL = 100% low beams, parking & tail lights on all the time.
I too wanted to do a HID conversion but I dont think I will as I dont want to because they would be on all the time. I just put in some Phillips extreme power +80. better light output and colour and will suffice for now.
as far as I can tell the DRL is hard coded in the instrument cluster and cannot be changed. there are different instument clusters for different countries thus providing different options like the ability to turn off DRL.
there may still be a way to disable DRL but I havent been able to find it yet.
Ah cibie's, Mike, brings back memories of the 'oscar de la route'
I have an Oscar driving light at home too, looking for another NOS one (not the nasty "Made in Spain" versions). The Biodes are the large round headlights with the secondary reflector within for high beam, powered by two H-1 bulbs.....they look great!
I aslo have a set of Cibié Z-Beams for the 404 C, which are also magnificent lights.
Quote b200t turbo I just put in some Phillips extreme power +80. better light output and colour and will suffice for now. unquote
I also fitted these, some months ago, they do certainly seem to improve the somewhat dismal original dipped beam lights. I have found the main beam perfectly adequate though. A worthwhile modification this at not to great a cost but beware of the cheepie blue xenon look bulbs on ebay etc most of these are totally useless and actually give less illumination than the original.
Before buying any replacement bulbs check the lumens (output) and the life expectancy. High wattage "blue" bulbs do not always produce the same amount of light and the life can be less than 300 hours compared to 1000 or more for OEM. The Phillips +80 have been tested and give better light and normal life expectancy.
Beware of using higher wattage as the extra heat can damage the reflective surface of the lens.
I was wondering tho...if i do put in HIDs, and if they are on all the time, is it really that bad for the lights? In the perspective that the stock halogens are already always on, would having HIDs at least give a longer life expectancy over stock bulbs?
Mike, brings back memories of the 'oscar de la route' some great spotlights I had in the 60's now they really gave some light. (or maybe it was just the lousy headlights of the time 
)
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