My new toy - Page 3

DansSlk · 10-13-2007

I'd like to ask a kinda OTT question myself if you dont mind.

Whats the purpose of the side markers?

SLKChick · 10-13-2007

They are usually only found on US spec cars, my M3 comes with amber bumper markers but the euro model does not. This is just something that D.O.T(Department of Transportation) has decided will provide for a safer driving environment for both the owner and other drivers on the road.

**smoothbnzf4n4tc** · 10-14-2007

Thanks for the info, slkchick. Yeah, I think I'll stick with the amber. BTW why are you going with LEDs? What are the benefits?

Off Topic:
White looks really nice on the slk.
Hopefully its not too hard to maintain for you!

SLKChick · 10-14-2007

I have it on my M3 and it looks just wonderful, I get people asking me where I get my bulbs because it is both brighter and has a longer runtime(lifetime warranty from Umnitza.com). The install was easy enough that I was able to manage.
I always wanted a white car, yes it is hard to maintain, but looks really nice under the sun once washed. Though it looks real dirty right now because it has been raining in SF

. If you have HID low beams, I suggest you also get HID for the fogs as well, as that is going on my car this coming weekend

.

**etyu** · 10-14-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLKChick

, Haha. I suppose it really depends on where you live in the US, in California, your turn signals; sidemarkers and courtesy light can be white but not blue. The rear must be either yellow or red. So for my setup, I think I will be going amber all around since you can't really change the LEDs inside the mirrors unless you take it apart. Personally I haven't seen anyone making aftermarket turn signals in white LEDs.

$300 doesn't seem that bad, but is there a place where I can get it for cheaper?

You might find it a tad cheaper (probably $20 less)on Ebay. (Too bad SLKWorld store doesn't sell those anymore).

I'd also recommend Green Air Filters from SLKWorld store. They've been shown to improve torque (FishtailnZ) and I know they improve gas mileage as well (personal experience) by 2 mpg.

**etyu** · 10-14-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLKChick

They are usually only found on US spec cars, my M3 comes with amber bumper markers but the euro model does not. This is just something that D.O.T(Department of Transportation) has decided will provide for a safer driving environment for both the owner and other drivers on the road.

This is so other cars coming towards you from the side at night can tell how long or short the vehicle is. (Just kidding

)

**etyu** · 10-14-2007

Don't forget to do the "aluminum foil" mod on the clear side markers before installing. Link: http://www.slkworld.com/general-modi...er-lenses.html

I like the PIAA bright yellow Plasma Ion lamps on the side markers. The bulb is pale yellow, so it's not noticeable when unlit (even up close in the daytime), and it's a bright yellow when lit (Just want to be different, instead of amber).

**etyu** · 10-14-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLKChick

... I was wondering which exhaust system you guys recommended.

I like what Ynot did to his 350. Link:http://www.slkworld.com/performance-...installed.html

SLKChick · 10-14-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by etyu

Don't forget to do the "aluminum foil" mod on the clear side markers before installing. Link: http://www.slkworld.com/general-modi...g-install.html

I like the PIAA bright yellow Plasma Ion lamps on the side markers. The bulb is pale yellow, so it's not noticeable when unlit (even up close in the daytime), and it's a bright yellow when lit (Just want to be different, instead of amber).

Hehe, the link you posted is for the battery trickle mod and not the aluminum foil mod.

**etyu** · 10-14-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLKChick

Hehe, the link you posted is for the battery trickle mod and not the aluminum foil mod.

OOps, sorry. My bad. Presbyopic eyes aka old-age

Here's the link: http://www.slkworld.com/general-modi...er-lenses.html

I've also corrected the link in the prior post.

There's only one screw that holds the back part of the bumper sidemarkers. What V8SLK and -1- experienced I think is only for 2005 SLK 55, where there are two screws holding the 2 halves.

**smoothbnzf4n4tc** · 10-14-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLKChick

I have it on my M3 and it looks just wonderful, I get people asking me where I get my bulbs because it is both brighter and has a longer runtime(lifetime warranty from Umnitza.com). The install was easy enough that I was able to manage.
I always wanted a white car, yes it is hard to maintain, but looks really nice under the sun once washed. Though it looks real dirty right now because it has been raining in SF

. If you have HID low beams, I suggest you also get HID for the fogs as well, as that is going on my car this coming weekend

.

Personally, I'm going to be getting the bi-xenon option which is supposedly around 4000k. Therefore, I thought I'd just get sylvania silverstars for my fog lights and high beams (cheaper than H7 PIAA superwhites) and then replace parking lights with PIAA superplasma GTX bulbs like etyu. For my sidemarkers and front turning indicators I'm going to get the stealthauto chrome bulbs (thanks to etyu for pointing these out).

I really like ur setup SLKchick with the slightly bluer HIDs. However, I cannot justify paying more for upgrading the factory system. Nonetheless, a few years down the road, I may upgrade. Maybe once I'm in law school

. BTW don't forget to post pics with the HID fogs!

Yep weather has been pretty bad down here too...

**etyu** · 10-14-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by smoothbnzf4n4tc

... For my sidemarkers and front turning indicators I'm going to get the stealthauto chrome bulbs (thanks to etyu for pointing these out)...

Just a FYI, the StealthAuto bulbs look great as far as the front turn indicator lamps are concerned, however, the light output is about 30% less when lit (because of the chrome coating).

**smoothbnzf4n4tc** · 10-14-2007

I know but they're for the indicators so it shouldn't really matter much.

**etyu** · 10-14-2007

Link to PIAA H7 bulbs at $70 a pair: http://www.ttstuff.com/Merchant2/mer...ode=PIAA-17655

**smoothbnzf4n4tc** · 10-14-2007

So another question for you guys. Are these aftermarket HID kits DOT approved or street legal or is there a risk for getting pulled over.

Because as I was browsing through the forum, I saw Don's car with the 5k D2S bulbs and they looked nice. I might go for an upgrade and get 5k halogen h7 bulbs for fogs and a 5k d2s bulb, but would that be legal?

**-1-** · 10-14-2007

Factory HID xenon bulb is 4300k. Some, but not much difference going with a 5000k bulb. In my opinion, unless you go 8000k, and especially 10000k plus you shouldn't have a problem. Here's a great link for technical information on HID xenon lights.
http://www.intellexual.net/hid.html#bulbs

SLKChick · 10-15-2007

There isn't any laws governing the brightness of your lights, and you have to get some really REALLY blue lights before they can pull you over for trying to impersonate a law enforcement vehicle. That is why they don't allow you to have any type of blue lights on your car. And apparently, it is illegal to install HIDs on your car if the manufacture doesn't even offer it as a option. My friend got pulled over but didn't know what he did wrong. The cop told him that he violated some code and he needs to remove his HIDs.

**nevets** · 10-15-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by etyu

Don't forget to do the "aluminum foil" mod on the clear side markers before installing. Link: http://www.slkworld.com/general-modi...er-lenses.html

I like the PIAA bright yellow Plasma Ion lamps on the side markers. The bulb is pale yellow, so it's not noticeable when unlit (even up close in the daytime), and it's a bright yellow when lit (Just want to be different, instead of amber).

...I just installed my clear side markers yesterday, bought them on ebay, they came with chrome bulbs

...The installation was not nearly as difficult as I had expected, about 15-20min for the whole job. Hardest part was leverage to rotate torx driver with hand behind wheel skirt. pre-threading screws into new marker assembly is a must...of course now I read about the "aluminum foil" mod....guess I will be an expert at assembly/disassembly of side markers.

Reynolds wrap OK?

**etyu** · 10-15-2007

10-13-2007	#41 (permalink)
DansSlk Dude Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,752 Country: Thanks: 96 Thanked 221 Times in 173 Posts	I'd like to ask a kinda OTT question myself if you dont mind. Whats the purpose of the side markers? __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

10-14-2007	#44 (permalink)
SLKChick SLK World Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 38 Country: Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I have it on my M3 and it looks just wonderful, I get people asking me where I get my bulbs because it is both brighter and has a longer runtime(lifetime warranty from Umnitza.com). The install was easy enough that I was able to manage. I always wanted a white car, yes it is hard to maintain, but looks really nice under the sun once washed. Though it looks real dirty right now because it has been raining in SF. If you have HID low beams, I suggest you also get HID for the fogs as well, as that is going on my car this coming weekend.

10-14-2007	#47 (permalink)
etyu Founding Member #2 / Ambassador Of Good Will Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Orange County, CA Vehicle: 2008 SLK 55 Posts: 5,279 Country: Thanks: 376 Thanked 277 Times in 168 Posts	Don't forget to do the "aluminum foil" mod on the clear side markers before installing. Link: http://www.slkworld.com/general-modi...er-lenses.html I like the PIAA bright yellow Plasma Ion lamps on the side markers. The bulb is pale yellow, so it's not noticeable when unlit (even up close in the daytime), and it's a bright yellow when lit (Just want to be different, instead of amber). __________________ *Eddy* To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Pewter/Beige, PIII package, Airscarf, Hands-Free Communication System, Lighting package Designo Black Leather Cover on e-brake handle, ( To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Bill T), SmartTop v1.0, Kleyman 3BFM (NoRegret Custom), Green Air Filters, *Mod. R170 ant., EuroClear sidemarkers w/PIAA PlasmaIon lamps, chromed front & rear turn indicator lamps, PIAA SuperPlasmaGTX front parking lamps, bilateral rear fog lamps enabled. Last edited by etyu; 10-14-2007 at 02:42 PM.*

10-14-2007	#53 (permalink)
smoothbnzf4n4tc Senior SLK World Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: USA Vehicle: 2009 Mars Red SLK55 Posts: 170 Country: Thanks: 12 Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts	I know but they're for the indicators... I know but they're for the indicators so it shouldn't really matter much.

10-14-2007	#54 (permalink)
etyu Founding Member #2 / Ambassador Of Good Will Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Orange County, CA Vehicle: 2008 SLK 55 Posts: 5,279 Country: Thanks: 376 Thanked 277 Times in 168 Posts	Link to PIAA H7 bulbs at $70 a pair: http://www.ttstuff.com/Merchant2/mer...ode=PIAA-17655 __________________ *Eddy* To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Pewter/Beige, PIII package, Airscarf, Hands-Free Communication System, Lighting package Designo Black Leather Cover on e-brake handle, ( To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Bill T), SmartTop v1.0, Kleyman 3BFM (NoRegret Custom), Green Air Filters, *Mod. R170 ant.*, EuroClear sidemarkers w/PIAA PlasmaIon lamps, chromed front & rear turn indicator lamps, PIAA SuperPlasmaGTX front parking lamps, bilateral rear fog lamps enabled.

10-13-2007	#42 (permalink)
SLKChick SLK World Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 38 Country: Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	They are usually only found on US spec cars, my M3 comes with amber bumper markers but the euro model does not. This is just something that D.O.T(Department of Transportation) has decided will provide for a safer driving environment for both the owner and other drivers on the road.

10-14-2007	#43 (permalink)
smoothbnzf4n4tc Senior SLK World Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: USA Vehicle: 2009 Mars Red SLK55 Posts: 170 Country: Thanks: 12 Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts	Thanks for the info, slkchick. Yeah, I think I'll stick with the amber. BTW why are you going with LEDs? What are the benefits? Off Topic: White looks really nice on the slk. Hopefully its not too hard to maintain for you!

10-14-2007	#55 (permalink)
smoothbnzf4n4tc Senior SLK World Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: USA Vehicle: 2009 Mars Red SLK55 Posts: 170 Country: Thanks: 12 Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts	So another question for you guys. Are these aftermarket HID kits DOT approved or street legal or is there a risk for getting pulled over. Because as I was browsing through the forum, I saw Don's car with the 5k D2S bulbs and they looked nice. I might go for an upgrade and get 5k halogen h7 bulbs for fogs and a 5k d2s bulb, but would that be legal?

10-14-2007	#56 (permalink)
-1- Don Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Virginia USA Vehicle: SLK 55 ///AMG The MON55TER on the block Posts: 2,224 Country: Thanks: 54 Thanked 57 Times in 41 Posts	Factory HID xenon bulb is 4300k. Some, but not much difference going with a 5000k bulb. In my opinion, unless you go 8000k, and especially 10000k plus you shouldn't have a problem. Here's a great link for technical information on HID xenon lights. http://www.intellexual.net/hid.html#bulbs __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. *----------------1-----------------* --------SLK 55 ///AMG--------- THE MON55TER ON THE BLOCK

10-15-2007	#57 (permalink)
SLKChick SLK World Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 38 Country: Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	There isn't any laws governing the brightness of your lights, and you have to get some really REALLY blue lights before they can pull you over for trying to impersonate a law enforcement vehicle. That is why they don't allow you to have any type of blue lights on your car. And apparently, it is illegal to install HIDs on your car if the manufacture doesn't even offer it as a option. My friend got pulled over but didn't know what he did wrong. The cop told him that he violated some code and he needs to remove his HIDs.

10-15-2007	#59 (permalink)
etyu Founding Member #2 / Ambassador Of Good Will Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Orange County, CA Vehicle: 2008 SLK 55 Posts: 5,279 Country: Thanks: 376 Thanked 277 Times in 168 Posts