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I've just picked up a 2015 250 CDI with the standard halogen headlamps and have already read about their dim performance on this site.
I've upgraded them to Osram 65W H7s for both the dipped and main beams. These are effectively re-bodied H9 lamps and yield a significant increase in output from around 1400 lumens (standard bulbs) to 2100 lumens.
This is also better than the 'upgrade' bulbs such as 'nightbreaker' and 'extreme power' which utilise smaller and harder driven filaments to achieve their '+110%' claims. The output from these is around 1500-1600 lumens (there is only so much that can be achieved if they are still rated at 55W)
The increased current is insignificant enough to be no cause for worry. Check 'Daniel Stern Lighting' for additional evidence of this.
The practical improvement is significant. When combined with an adjusted aim (they are set low from the factory - see 'Halogen Headlamp Aim' in this section for instructions) the illumination is absolutely transformed.
Proceed as follows:
Dipped Beams:
For the right hand headlamp, turn the steering fully left & vice versa.
Access the sliding panel within the wheel arch liner. Slide it up and move it aside
Access the bulb by removing the cover. Twist it anti clockwise. It is fairly tight.
Carefully remove the plug from the bulb
Push the wire clip upwards about 5mm. Be careful not to let it spring out.
Remove the bulb and replace with the new once. Be careful not to touch the 'glass'
Push the wire clip down and replace the remaining bits.
High Beams:
The right hand side is the tricky one due to the position of the coolant expansion tank. Do this one last as it will need to be done 'by feel'. The left hand one will provide the experience needed.
Remove the cover in the same way as for the dipped beams.
Grasp the plug and lift slightly upwards and pull. The bulb will unclip.
Remove the plug
When replacing, practice first with the old bulb so you can do it without touching the 'glass'. Push the bulb back into the clip with the plug attached and push down slightly. Look into the front of the headlamp to check you are located correctly.
For the right hand side I managed to push the bonnet release cables out of the way. This gave me just enough room to slide my hand in. Again, check your position by looking through the front of the headlamp - this really helps.
I've upgraded them to Osram 65W H7s for both the dipped and main beams. These are effectively re-bodied H9 lamps and yield a significant increase in output from around 1400 lumens (standard bulbs) to 2100 lumens.
This is also better than the 'upgrade' bulbs such as 'nightbreaker' and 'extreme power' which utilise smaller and harder driven filaments to achieve their '+110%' claims. The output from these is around 1500-1600 lumens (there is only so much that can be achieved if they are still rated at 55W)
The increased current is insignificant enough to be no cause for worry. Check 'Daniel Stern Lighting' for additional evidence of this.
The practical improvement is significant. When combined with an adjusted aim (they are set low from the factory - see 'Halogen Headlamp Aim' in this section for instructions) the illumination is absolutely transformed.
Proceed as follows:
Dipped Beams:
For the right hand headlamp, turn the steering fully left & vice versa.
Access the sliding panel within the wheel arch liner. Slide it up and move it aside
Access the bulb by removing the cover. Twist it anti clockwise. It is fairly tight.
Carefully remove the plug from the bulb
Push the wire clip upwards about 5mm. Be careful not to let it spring out.
Remove the bulb and replace with the new once. Be careful not to touch the 'glass'
Push the wire clip down and replace the remaining bits.
High Beams:
The right hand side is the tricky one due to the position of the coolant expansion tank. Do this one last as it will need to be done 'by feel'. The left hand one will provide the experience needed.
Remove the cover in the same way as for the dipped beams.
Grasp the plug and lift slightly upwards and pull. The bulb will unclip.
Remove the plug
When replacing, practice first with the old bulb so you can do it without touching the 'glass'. Push the bulb back into the clip with the plug attached and push down slightly. Look into the front of the headlamp to check you are located correctly.
For the right hand side I managed to push the bonnet release cables out of the way. This gave me just enough room to slide my hand in. Again, check your position by looking through the front of the headlamp - this really helps.
