I am looking for DIY retrofit tips on swapping Mercedes G450, 2007 Halogen Headlamps to XENON. I bought a pair of used XENON headlamp assemblies and planning to do it myself. I am missing instructions to one of the step that I am hoping to clear it out here. I know that XENON headlights have 4 harness wiring versus Halogen which have 3. As a result, I need to get the 4th harness wire and add it. I don’t know which wire I should be looking for. It will be great if someone can clarify it. Getting part number will be the ideal. Thank you in advance.
Mercedes GL450 OEM retrofit to Xenon from Halogen
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You won't find the four connector because it is only installed in factory. It's almost impossible to install the "original" bi-xenon headlamps because is not only the connectors for the xenon system (depending of the model could be one or two connectors), the SAM needs to be re-programmed, there are some sensors that needs to be installed to provide signal to the SAM to control the AFS system. If you already bought the headlights, will be cheaper to return them and get a retrofit kit to just upgrade the bulbs to HID. There a lot of kits, some cheap and low quality, some more expensive. I did the mod on my car and will eventually make another "upgrade" to install real HID D2S bulbs.
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GranDarthVaderpa thank you for you comments. It just took a while to a point I am now. As a result, I hesitate that this retrofit is indeed possible.
First, it is possible to get a connector I need. The connector fits not only GL models based on the information from an expert. You always can buy such stuff used. Secondly, if I understood correctly, the forth connector is for ballast. The other three connectors are identical with Halogen headlamps, at least in my case. I don't worry about AFS system since I have newer headlamps that do not support it anyway the way as old ones. I also can live without it at all. Anyway, it should be better than HID kits. I have Genuine Philips HID kit, not a cheap replica, and still waiting to install it. According to WIS, the wiring is possible. I also have MB Star access. I just have done some much research on it that I really want to get to finish of this journey. Hopefully, I will be able to make it.
At this point, I just developed an irritation on Mercedes as a company. It is my first MB and probably last one. I just feel that MB's strategy is to unscrupulously rip off the customer with a friendly smile. This retrofit is not the only one negative side of my experience. I hope my opinion will be changed.
First, it is possible to get a connector I need. The connector fits not only GL models based on the information from an expert. You always can buy such stuff used. Secondly, if I understood correctly, the forth connector is for ballast. The other three connectors are identical with Halogen headlamps, at least in my case. I don't worry about AFS system since I have newer headlamps that do not support it anyway the way as old ones. I also can live without it at all. Anyway, it should be better than HID kits. I have Genuine Philips HID kit, not a cheap replica, and still waiting to install it. According to WIS, the wiring is possible. I also have MB Star access. I just have done some much research on it that I really want to get to finish of this journey. Hopefully, I will be able to make it.
At this point, I just developed an irritation on Mercedes as a company. It is my first MB and probably last one. I just feel that MB's strategy is to unscrupulously rip off the customer with a friendly smile. This retrofit is not the only one negative side of my experience. I hope my opinion will be changed.
I made the upgrade on my car, but just to be sure, you bought new HID headlamps or just the bulbs? The difference between the HID headlamp and the halogen headlamps in on the projector for the low beam bulb. The original HID bulb, D2S or D1S won't fit in the halogen projector. About the connector you are missing, it provides power to the ballast and also give signal to the motors on the projector for the AFS and the solenoid that move up and down the shade for the low and high beam (that's why the are called bi-xenon). This is the reason why MB doesn't offer the "retrofit". I understand your irritation, every time I asked them for information to make upgrades, like brakes, HID conversions, steering wheel, sound systems, I got the same answer... 
"Mercedes-Benz does not offer a retrofit for Xenon headlamps. Xenon lights are a factory install option only"
However, there are certified shops that will help you, but they will charge you like MB.
"Mercedes-Benz does not offer a retrofit for Xenon headlamps. Xenon lights are a factory install option only"However, there are certified shops that will help you, but they will charge you like MB.
Thank you again. Yes, I bought left and right bi-Xenon headlamp assemblies with D1S bulbs. The procedure it not that complicated. Though, finding the right information was more complicated than it should be but this was made artificially. I probably will provide instructions on how to do it when I complete this task.
I'd like to verify if you did a retrofit to Mercedes Bi-Xenon headlamps or you use HID kit? Please let me know.
I'd like to verify if you did a retrofit to Mercedes Bi-Xenon headlamps or you use HID kit? Please let me know.
I retrofitted with HID kit, which worked really good considering that I am using the halogen projector. My next upgrade will be to swap the halogen projector with Hella bi-xenon projectors (D2S bulb) and use Hella ballast and Hella ignitor, add the necessary connectors inside the headlamp and installed the HID kit on the High beam projector. I am not worry about heat inside the headlamp as the ballast will go outside the headlamp. I wanted to install the AFS system, but because the lack of support from MB, I decided to just add bi-xenon. I am pretty sure that when I complete the upgrade, I will have enough light to illuminate the Grand Canyon (HID on both low and hi beam plus HID on the fog lights!) :thumbsup:.
Although I didn't received the answers I expected from MB about some upgrades I am still want to put on my GL, I had good experience with my MB dealer. They installed the trailer hitch, they found problems with one of the computers and replaced it for free, I just paid for the hitch ($550).
.Although I didn't received the answers I expected from MB about some upgrades I am still want to put on my GL, I had good experience with my MB dealer. They installed the trailer hitch, they found problems with one of the computers and replaced it for free, I just paid for the hitch ($550).
Yes, I did install OEM headlamps and reprogrammed control units. It is working great comparing to HID kits.
Thanks for the quick reply. I followed your post at MB world too. I can't do it myself secondary to being technically handicapped. I took it to local body shop after refused by MB dealer ship. They could swap the lights but the wires didn't match. Do you have the part number for wire harness? And will that be all in addition to star diagnostics? My part numbers are A164 820 11 61 and A164 820 40 61.
Thanks a bunch
Thanks a bunch
I believe the part number 1648204061 is for ML series Halogen headlamp, not for GL. The cable harness is the same for GL and ML.
I ended up buying the cable harness from KabelDaviko - KABELDAVIKO. Even though, it is possible to buy all parts for this cable harness from dealer but it does not make sense to go this route.
Cowfunone provides a great DIY for ML series which is really close except programming. You can find it here: http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w164-m-class/1540822-diy-2007-w164-ml320-cdi-bi.html
I hope it helps.
FYI,
The light obviously is a huge improvement over what was. I was planning to create some sort of DIY but still trying to overcome a minor issue I am having. As a result, I am waiting until I fix this issue. The issue is while the light switch is in position Low Beam and key is removed from ignition switch then the low beam light is not turned off automatically. I must turn it off using light switch. It works well when the light switch is in position Auto. The light goes off as it should be. Everything else seems to work great.
Thanks vladc77. I tried the kabledaviko from your older post but it is in German and it takes you straight to a website with 2 sets of wire. Is that all I need to add to cart( I believe the green icon) the price is EUR99. I downloaded the diagrams you posted. That's some thorough work. Thanks for being a great resource.
Thanks
Thanks
You will pay 19 euro less since 99 euro is with 19% German taxes. I would contact Frank before ordering anything. He needs to know what model of headlamp you have to make sure you will get the cable harness you need. I used google translate option in Chrome browser to translate German.
Hey valdc77,
How are your OEM bi-xenon conversion so far? Thanks for the writeup. I am looking at doing the same thing for my 2013 GL 350. Do you know any places in California or near California that will retrofit my OEM halogen to OEM bi-xenons? Any help from any member will be greatly appreciated.
It is working really good. Halogen should not be installed on such car level at all. Unfortunately, I don't know anyone even in Seattle who will do it. Dealer will not do it. However, the job is not that complex, especially, with the information I provided. I did it all by myself and know for sure that the quality of the work was exceptional.
Hey Valdc77,
I have ran into 2 dealers that refused to install it for me. I even contacted Steve Krabenborg in NL who has done a couple of these conversions. Unfortunately, the person he recommended refused to do it as well. Do you know why the dealers are refusing to do retrofits? It's not like we are asking them to do it for free. How did you re-code your GL to recognize the bi-xenons?
First, they are not allowed to do it. Second, not many of them even aware of this possibility. Actually, all of the dealers I contacted knew that it was possible to do but provided unrealistic price tag on the parts and no installation promised. Dealer = Stealer. They are not your friend by concept. They are here to make money and big money. Quality is not the best.
Re coding is simple if you have Star diagnostic tool. Otherwise, you will have to go to dealer. They probably will do it for you for around $150, but you will need to tell them what exactly you need to do with it. As I said before, not all of them know what should be done.
Re coding is simple if you have Star diagnostic tool. Otherwise, you will have to go to dealer. They probably will do it for you for around $150, but you will need to tell them what exactly you need to do with it. As I said before, not all of them know what should be done.
Hey Vladc77. I forgot to mention, the dealers I talked to even mentioned that retrofiting my headlights can potentially void my MB warranty. Can you believe that?
Yes, I believe that, however, not sure if it will really happen. it is just another way to get into your pocket. On the other hand, the warranty will end anyway.
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