Never thought I’d be hooked on your videos, but everything you show is on spot when you are considering mods, upgrades, repairs etc! I got myself a 2009 W211 Sport, and although not a full AMG, I love it and still can apply pretty much everything you show!! Thanks for the tutoring, has come in extremely handy!!🤙
My only criticism was that people with traditional reflector headlights would do this and it could be a potential safety issue. But you addressed it. Good job. Liking for responsible modding haha
people with traditional reflector headlights did just do it, both his indicator (blinker) and main beam light (small inner one ) are traditional reflector lights that he just painted black hahaha
@@ravennexusmh well damn at least the high beams are projector. That's the only reason I haven't done it on my car . It makes a noticable difference. I've seen black chrome housings and even those are not as good.
@@TireSlayer55 own the same exact model with the „bi-xenon“ setup. Had my headlights open because i changed the reflector for the SINGLE xenon Bulb thats in these things. The Xenon Reflector Lens setup has a little flapper that opens when the high beam is activated, in addition to the H7 standard high beam. Thats my guess why they said bi xenon on the w211 Platform. Or maybe because they could have had the option of adaptice corner lighting … I actually work as a merc tech for 10 years and never bothered to investigate why its called bi xenon but at the end they dont have 2 bulbs per Headlight as the S class had at one point. I think W221 Platform.
@@heinzkot360 bi-xenon = projector with shutter solenoid which opens to allow high beam from projector. In addition there is the H7 halogen high beam, they work together. I have never seen a car use a separate high beam xenon bulb from factory, xenon in general is not good for frequent switching on and off - they are slow to warm up to max intensity and switching shortens their life.
@@petarmiletic997 My understanding is that the H7 is mainly for flashing the high beams. Can you confirm whether the shutter moving increases the light output by a significant amount? Or will it be a problem if I paint the high beam housing like in the video? My current setup is a rebuilt title where the last owner removed the control modules, so the shutter does not move for me to verify...
Great job Alex! We could have helped here! A nice set of EVOXR V2.0 Bi-Xenon projectors are a direct swap for your E55 and provide a HUGE increase in performance. Paired with a nice pair of OSRAM CBI bulbs and you'd be in great shape. If we can help with a phase 2 upgrade, let us know! The swap can be done from the back without separating the lens.
Hey Alex I really enjoy your content and believe that you are definetly one of the most knowledgeable master Mercedes technicians even if this generation, I have a quick question I would love to see could you get your hands on a mercedes CLK55 AMG Cabriolet W209 and make a video on how to fix the convertable top seam that has ripped apart all the ways across the top and how to fix it, please it would really. And my year a lot better
I'm absolutely loving these videos and great tips, as i have and E55 AMG station wagon in obsidian black, i shall be doing these perfect upgrades ASAP.
Using this video as a guide... Some extra notes when disassembling so far: There is 1 extra disassembly step if you have a car without curve lighting (I think this is just 2003-2005). To remove the chrome on the main beam you first have to remove the chrome ring around the projector lens because they overlap. It is held to the projector lens itself with about 10 plastic clips, if you twist lightly back and forth and pull hard outwards you can wiggle it off. This will allow you to take off the chrome housing
Cool job, tip though, - if lenses aren't faded or your using new ones would highly recommend NOT buffing/polishing even if ceramic coating as it compromises the factory UV protection coating which is the only long time effective defense against faded yellowing lenses. 😎
Also just a suggestion boss, you should take a mercedes with the M113 Naturally spirated, and show how to swap it into a M113K, or even a M113 TT, or taking a Mercedes with the M113K platform and twincharge it meaning keep the stock amg blower and implement a turbo as well I think that would be so awesome a bit expensive, but I believe with the right connections you can do it your the master Mercedes technician, that would be awesome anyways just a suggestion I really enjoy your content I will continue to watch and learn and comment thank you
When you crack these open, you can upgrade that Hella e55 projector with better lenses and even paint the shield a certain color with high temp paint for a passive eye look. I usually use black. A very cheap “while you’re in there” upgrade.
I really want your opinion about a 2009 W211 E63 AMG with 125000 miles in a very good condition ,the guy is asking 18k for it , do you think its a good deal ?
Týrmorr it kinda does. Even tho you’re basically allowed to change the color of your car you can’t just paint it any color you like. Some are for emergency vehicles only or some are forbidden cause they’re to reflective like chrome for example. (At least in Germany)
The high beam on this car uses reflectors, then if the reflector is painted black it will produce no light. It is not only illegal but also really stupid and ruins your headlights
seems like this mod will be lowering the reflective properties of the reflector of the headlamp, thus lowering the effectiveness of the headlamp in the night and lowering visibility especially for the high beams
@@TireSlayer55 The high beam where the H7 bulb is located (the smaller headlight lens) is not a projector dude. Also this comment is 4 years old, how the hell did you find it :D
You can use a temperature controller with your heat gun to dial in the exact tmep you want without having to babysit it. Look for 'Inkbird' on Amazon - they're cheap and reliable. If you're going to do this a lot, it's super handy. I use them in my homebrewing setup.
Hi Alex, I’m wanting to split my cooling as il be very soon installing the 72mm clutched Pully from VRP. Can please show a quick clip how to do the basic Coolant splitting, pin pointing which pipes need to be modified to the small little tank? A few videos online but some saying its wrong some saying its right but would like your Expert Input please 🙏
Wife says you can't use the Kitchen oven but did you ask about using a bed sheet for your workspace? I'm about to attempt the mod so wondering if I should ask or just grab a bed sheet.
Hey sorry my first car is the e class w211 and i want to do the same thing with the headlights but I’m confused…. When you bake the paint did you bake it on 200 degree celsius or 200 degree fahrenheit ?
Great Job Alex, Is it possible to buy the headlights all done the way you showed in the video for my car E240 W211 AMG. Can you sell me one set as my car is right now in paint job.
sweeet!!! you're releasing these vids at such speed my modlist can't keep up :P I'm gonna try to up this by making the projector lens chrome circle red, fingers crossed!!
Hey Alex I have a 203 with xenon headlights and I was wondering if projectors are replaceable and where to look for them, FCP sells the new headlights for $500 each but I don’t know if that’s cheaper or more expensive then just replacing parts?
3:41 "You don't just want to start ripping and tearing" That's where you're wrong Alex *Distant Heavy Metal grows louder* Rip and tear, until it is done
I see two MAJOR problems. They are the high beams and the turn signal. For the main headlight, which is a projector, this is not a problem as the chrome reflector is not used to get the light down the road. On the turn signal and the high beam which are NOT projectors, they require the chrome reflector to get the light out properly. So if you paint those reflectors the lights will not work as designed. I'm all for cosmetic upgrades, but not at the expense of safety.
Since it looked like you were using a heat gun it might be safer to use some aluminum foil wadded around the nozzle and cutting a little bigger hole where the heat gun enters the flammable cardboard box. If it were me I'd also line the inside of the box with aluminum foil. Use a clean box to help avoid fires or outgassing some chemical like weed killer into the garage.
It's worth mentioning that some cars have headlights molded shut from the factory! Check your car before you start ripping things apart! My old 2011 GTI with the factory xenons were sealed shut and could not be baked and split open, they would have had to be cut open. The same year GTI's with the factory halogens you would be able to split those headlights open.
Hey bro, Im following your lead on my AMG CLS55. Where do I get the housing seal gasket? (the rolled up one) and also do I need to removed all the excess from the old seal? If so whats the best way to prep the sealand grooves for the new seal? BTW Thanks so much for sharing these vids, they have realll helped me change the look of my CLS. Thank yo
Just wondering, painting the whole housing will not make high beam and indicators completely useless ? The main beam is xenon in a projector housing but the rest of the lights are based on the “mirror effect” made by the chromed housing innit ?
The black looks really good and I agree the chrome you left sets it off. Question for you. How common is the cam/lifter wear, cam adjuster failure do to wear and intake manifold cracking on the M156?
They look worlds better. I have a white dodge ram with huge headlights. I'm trying to decide whether to body match the lights white or go with black headlamps.
I wish someone made replacement plastic lenses for my CL55. Sometimes I wish I would have bought an E55. Parts are so much cheaper (like headers, suspension struts & etc), there is a ton more replacement & performance stuff for an E55 vs CL55. 🙄
I got an audi a4 b8. It has black headlight plastics from the factory, but also has some weird looking silver like plastics. Can I paint those? (Xenon+led headlights)
Some 100mm angel eye DRLs around projectors mighta looked pretty cool while you were at it. The headlight wiring should be closely inspected while disassembled as heat cycles can tend to make insulation brittle & crumbly because MB used environmental sheathing when these cars were rolling off assembly line. I used gorilla tape folded over on itself to replace sheathing that I found had crumbled off as copper wire was still good.
What do you prefer? Black or chrome headlight housings?
Hi Alex, do you think a 2005 e350 wagon with the third row that has 120k miles on the clock is a good deal for $6k usd?
If its been taken care of yes
It depends on the color of the car but for me I like chrome on my W211
Original. The black looks like a cheap aftermarket light to me.
Chrome.
More functional as well.
those lights remind me of the pinstripe suits or gangster suits. looks slick
sparten 9999 same lol
same
Never thought I’d be hooked on your videos, but everything you show is on spot when you are considering mods, upgrades, repairs etc! I got myself a 2009 W211 Sport, and although not a full AMG, I love it and still can apply pretty much everything you show!! Thanks for the tutoring, has come in extremely handy!!🤙
You’re the man! You and Chrisfix are by far the most genuine car youtubers out there. Period.
I'm only 50 seconds in and had to express how gratifying watching this vid is for me
Thank you
Thanks
“and from this, to this”
ChrisFix😂
You forgot to say, “hey guys Chrisfix here!”
lmao
no hes not afraid to show is face him
You are the best, i love what you do and it helps me a lot! Greetings from Bavaria/ Germany , a fellow S211 E500 driver.
You have been quickly becoming my favorite car RUclipsr.
The black looks amazing. Keep up the good work 🇦🇺👍👍
My only criticism was that people with traditional reflector headlights would do this and it could be a potential safety issue. But you addressed it. Good job. Liking for responsible modding haha
people with traditional reflector headlights did just do it, both his indicator (blinker) and main beam light (small inner one ) are traditional reflector lights that he just painted black hahaha
@@ravennexusmh well damn at least the high beams are projector. That's the only reason I haven't done it on my car . It makes a noticable difference. I've seen black chrome housings and even those are not as good.
@@udedmario No his high beams are reflector, he just ruined them, only the dipped beams are projector.
I really liked this style of fast step by step videos
I've always been wary about taking headlights apart. Great video Alex, super informational and really great ideas in there.
„Dont paint your projecting surfaces“
*paints his entire projection surface of his highbeam*
car has bi-xenon projectors as mentioned in the video
@@TireSlayer55 own the same exact model with the „bi-xenon“ setup.
Had my headlights open because i changed the reflector for the SINGLE xenon Bulb thats in these things.
The Xenon Reflector Lens setup has a little flapper that opens when the high beam is activated, in addition to the H7 standard high beam. Thats my guess why they said bi xenon on the w211 Platform.
Or maybe because they could have had the option of adaptice corner lighting …
I actually work as a merc tech for 10 years and never bothered to investigate why its called bi xenon but at the end they dont have 2 bulbs per Headlight as the S class had at one point. I think W221 Platform.
@@heinzkot360 bi-xenon = projector with shutter solenoid which opens to allow high beam from projector. In addition there is the H7 halogen high beam, they work together. I have never seen a car use a separate high beam xenon bulb from factory, xenon in general is not good for frequent switching on and off - they are slow to warm up to max intensity and switching shortens their life.
@@petarmiletic997 My understanding is that the H7 is mainly for flashing the high beams. Can you confirm whether the shutter moving increases the light output by a significant amount? Or will it be a problem if I paint the high beam housing like in the video?
My current setup is a rebuilt title where the last owner removed the control modules, so the shutter does not move for me to verify...
Finally, a proper lens replacement vid. Ty!!!
You're a pro! I'm willing to make all the modifications on my w211 and W220. Can't wait😍
Dude ! Best light Dressing i have seen Yet !
They look way nicer after the customization you did 👌🏼
Doing this right now to my E63! Thanks bud! Have the little oven running behind me.
2 videos within 24 hours? Awesome
Great job Alex! We could have helped here! A nice set of EVOXR V2.0 Bi-Xenon projectors are a direct swap for your E55 and provide a HUGE increase in performance. Paired with a nice pair of OSRAM CBI bulbs and you'd be in great shape. If we can help with a phase 2 upgrade, let us know! The swap can be done from the back without separating the lens.
Are you saying if you have a stock Xenon setup, this EVOXR V2.0 Bi-Xenon projector swap will increase the light output?
I made these yesterday they looks soo good
The box trick is super useful. By some reason I’m not allowed to chuck my lights into the oven (!?!) so I will definitely use it.
I have a 2010 Acura RDX I'm going to try this on Alex, thanks for giving me the confidence to try this!!
Can't wait to 3the wagon fully renewed 🤗🤗🇸🇦🇸🇦😘😘😘👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Alex does 'instructables'. Coming along nicely! Looking forward to the panel refinishing and assembly. Sweat equity is always so very satisfying.
1:46
"And you're still married!'
LMAO 🤣🤣😂
You know what I prefer - matte black rotor hubs! Quick, Easy, Cheap, Good Looking. Come on man!
Hey Alex I really enjoy your content and believe that you are definetly one of the most knowledgeable master Mercedes technicians even if this generation, I have a quick question I would love to see could you get your hands on a mercedes CLK55 AMG Cabriolet W209 and make a video on how to fix the convertable top seam that has ripped apart all the ways across the top and how to fix it, please it would really. And my year a lot better
You make
It look so easy man😅😅. Great video and narration!!
Appreciate your concise, clear instructions and good ideas.
Giving BMW some love with the “halogen headlight” still image!!
Haha. Yeah. looks like an E90
I'm absolutely loving these videos and great tips, as i have and E55 AMG station wagon in obsidian black, i shall be doing these perfect upgrades ASAP.
Deze man is echt zo'n topper
Alex got the idea on building this oven from when he was a kid and had an Easy Bake Oven.
I really enjoy all your videos however my 2003 w220 s55amg are pretty simular. Would you recommend lowering links?
Great Video ! Lights Look Sick !
Using this video as a guide... Some extra notes when disassembling so far:
There is 1 extra disassembly step if you have a car without curve lighting (I think this is just 2003-2005).
To remove the chrome on the main beam you first have to remove the chrome ring around the projector lens because they overlap. It is held to the projector lens itself with about 10 plastic clips, if you twist lightly back and forth and pull hard outwards you can wiggle it off. This will allow you to take off the chrome housing
You olso could ad a nice AMG stickers inside each headlight. It gives a touch of class when you can see the logo through the glass...
You make and explain every one of your jobs as if it’s as easy as making a peanut butter sandwich ;-) Well done, that is a subtle, but powerful mod.
Awesome job.
Really well put together.
Need to change some sun effected lens. Will follow your example.
Keep up the great content. 👍
what ceramic coating do use. and how long does it last? 🤔
Good job. But isn't that going to effect the highe beam because it's not going to reflect any light
Man it looks amazing but i want to know the high-beam is now working as before since you painted the chrome reflectors?
They look so good man. Im going to this on my
car
Cool job, tip though, - if lenses aren't faded or your using new ones would highly recommend NOT buffing/polishing even if ceramic coating as it compromises the factory UV protection coating which is the only long time effective defense against faded yellowing lenses. 😎
Great Video. I like the Black headlights. Greetings from germany
Nice job on those lights
Also just a suggestion boss, you should take a mercedes with the M113 Naturally spirated, and show how to swap it into a M113K, or even a M113 TT, or taking a Mercedes with the M113K platform and twincharge it meaning keep the stock amg blower and implement a turbo as well I think that would be so awesome a bit expensive, but I believe with the right connections you can do it your the master Mercedes technician, that would be awesome anyways just a suggestion I really enjoy your content I will continue to watch and learn and comment thank you
Can I use the ceramic coating on the chrome? I do not plan to paint them, but need new lenses. Thanks
Looks great how much would you charge to do my cls?
Will be doing on 06 e350 thank you!
How much are you reducing your light output by changing the reflector from chrome to black?
He literally said it doesn’t affect it since he has the projector bulbs , only would only affect with reflectors
When you crack these open, you can upgrade that Hella e55 projector with better lenses and even paint the shield a certain color with high temp paint for a passive eye look. I usually use black. A very cheap “while you’re in there” upgrade.
Good idea of the box/oven. I never thought of that. Thanks! Maybe I'll do the Prius!
-Jon
Nice harbor freight heat gun 👍👍👍👍
So nice to see you using a torque wrench and taking the care you do. Which OBD scan tool would you buy for a home mechanic?
I've done this black housing mod in the past and i like semi gloss to a flat black.
Just did this to my e500 a few days ago. Shaves 5 years right off
Nice Mercedes wagon I used to have 2006 wagon before she is beautiful 👍👍👌👏👏
Have waited for this vid!
Thanks for the Butyl sealant tip. I feel like that's that stuff I see on random parts around my car and couldn't figure out what it is.
Now all I need is: a gently used E55, a garage, some materials, & a cardboard box oven. Wahoo!
I really want your opinion about a 2009 W211 E63 AMG with 125000 miles in a very good condition ,the guy is asking 18k for it , do you think its a good deal ?
Europe:
"Thats illegal."
it is? I know loads of people in the UK who've painted their headlight houses?
Týrmorr every modification has to be homologated (even things like led bulbs). If many are doing it, doesnt make it legal.
@@hojnikb Well that means painting a car has to be homologated...
Týrmorr it kinda does. Even tho you’re basically allowed to change the color of your car you can’t just paint it any color you like. Some are for emergency vehicles only or some are forbidden cause they’re to reflective like chrome for example. (At least in Germany)
The high beam on this car uses reflectors, then if the reflector is painted black it will produce no light. It is not only illegal but also really stupid and ruins your headlights
Love your work mate! I'll add this to the list of mods I want to do to my 98 LS400.
seems like this mod will be lowering the reflective properties of the reflector of the headlamp, thus lowering the effectiveness of the headlamp in the night and lowering visibility especially for the high beams
it's a projector headlight as mentioned in the video. the inside of the housings doesn't need to be reflective
@@TireSlayer55 The high beam where the H7 bulb is located (the smaller headlight lens) is not a projector dude. Also this comment is 4 years old, how the hell did you find it :D
You can use a temperature controller with your heat gun to dial in the exact tmep you want without having to babysit it. Look for 'Inkbird' on Amazon - they're cheap and reliable. If you're going to do this a lot, it's super handy. I use them in my homebrewing setup.
Hi Alex, I’m wanting to split my cooling as il be very soon installing the 72mm clutched Pully from VRP. Can please show a quick clip how to do the basic Coolant splitting, pin pointing which pipes need to be modified to the small little tank? A few videos online but some saying its wrong some saying its right but would like your Expert Input please 🙏
Looks great, nice retrofit
Wife says you can't use the Kitchen oven but did you ask about using a bed sheet for your workspace? I'm about to attempt the mod so wondering if I should ask or just grab a bed sheet.
Hey sorry my first car is the e class w211 and i want to do the same thing with the headlights but I’m confused…. When you bake the paint did you bake it on 200 degree celsius or 200 degree fahrenheit ?
Well done Alex 👍🏻
Can you do a ceramic coating update on the car that’s had it on the longest? How’s the hydrophobic properties etc?
Great Job Alex, Is it possible to buy the headlights all done the way you showed in the video for my car E240 W211 AMG. Can you sell me one set as my car is right now in paint job.
sweeet!!! you're releasing these vids at such speed my modlist can't keep up :P I'm gonna try to up this by making the projector lens chrome circle red, fingers crossed!!
This need all day
Hey Alex I have a 203 with xenon headlights and I was wondering if projectors are replaceable and where to look for them, FCP sells the new headlights for $500 each but I don’t know if that’s cheaper or more expensive then just replacing parts?
Lookin good Louis!!
3:41 "You don't just want to start ripping and tearing"
That's where you're wrong Alex
*Distant Heavy Metal grows louder*
Rip and tear, until it is done
I see two MAJOR problems. They are the high beams and the turn signal. For the main headlight, which is a projector, this is not a problem as the chrome reflector is not used to get the light down the road. On the turn signal and the high beam which are NOT projectors, they require the chrome reflector to get the light out properly. So if you paint those reflectors the lights will not work as designed. I'm all for cosmetic upgrades, but not at the expense of safety.
Since it looked like you were using a heat gun it might be safer to use some aluminum foil wadded around the nozzle and cutting a little bigger hole where the heat gun enters the flammable cardboard box. If it were me I'd also line the inside of the box with aluminum foil.
Use a clean box to help avoid fires or outgassing some chemical like weed killer into the garage.
Exactly, that nozzle is hot, I imagine the hole will be charred and smoking 😱
It's worth mentioning that some cars have headlights molded shut from the factory! Check your car before you start ripping things apart! My old 2011 GTI with the factory xenons were sealed shut and could not be baked and split open, they would have had to be cut open. The same year GTI's with the factory halogens you would be able to split those headlights open.
Gle/ml350 how reliable are they used? Looking into buying one
Hey bro, Im following your lead on my AMG CLS55. Where do I get the housing seal gasket? (the rolled up one) and also do I need to removed all the excess from the old seal? If so whats the best way to prep the sealand grooves for the new seal? BTW Thanks so much for sharing these vids, they have realll helped me change the look of my CLS. Thank yo
Awesome !!!!! Perfect result.
High beam doesn't shine as before,what was your solution to this?
Just wondering, painting the whole housing will not make high beam and indicators completely useless ? The main beam is xenon in a projector housing but the rest of the lights are based on the “mirror effect” made by the chromed housing innit ?
Alex could you uplod video with head lights on and anti fog lights please. Btw great job
I want to buy this wagon now
The black looks really good and I agree the chrome you left sets it off.
Question for you. How common is the cam/lifter wear, cam adjuster failure do to wear and intake manifold cracking on the M156?
But Alex, if you paint the highbeam reflectors black as well won't that make the highbeams not work properly?
I would prefer to retrofit a laser light into that black painted hi beam reflector, at least it will be still functioning.
Love the video Alex
I've been using Sikaflex-221 instead of Butyl tape. It may be cheaper/easier/messier?
Nice work.
To answer your question :it depends from what color your car is. My W211 is Silver and black headlights wouldn't really fit in.
They look worlds better. I have a white dodge ram with huge headlights. I'm trying to decide whether to body match the lights white or go with black headlamps.
I wish someone made replacement plastic lenses for my CL55. Sometimes I wish I would have bought an E55. Parts are so much cheaper (like headers, suspension struts & etc), there is a ton more replacement & performance stuff for an E55 vs CL55. 🙄
I got an audi a4 b8. It has black headlight plastics from the factory, but also has some weird looking silver like plastics. Can I paint those? (Xenon+led headlights)
Some 100mm angel eye DRLs around projectors mighta looked pretty cool while you were at it. The headlight wiring should be closely inspected while disassembled as heat cycles can tend to make insulation brittle & crumbly because MB used environmental sheathing when these cars were rolling off assembly line. I used gorilla tape folded over on itself to replace sheathing that I found had crumbled off as copper wire was still good.