Ahoy Skinnywater! ML fog lights.

[JB]

What is the story on the original design.. . .mounted in the same fixture as the head and parking lights?<br /><br />My '99 ML430 has the holes for them, as did my '98 ML320.<br /><br />Is there something that ,akes them illegal? Can I get the units and just plug them into the harness (plus add the relay)?

 

[Skinnywater]

Re: Ahoy Skinnywater! ML fog lights.

The US DOT and most States departments of transportation have resrtictions and specifications regarding fog/driving light use.<br />The original position of your light fixtures exceeded the hieght specifications to be used legally.<br /><br />It is policy and therefore improper that dealerships perform the work to make them operational. However, it's a simple project. <br />I have this proceedure in my notes somewhere.<br />Let me search my archives and I'll be able to give you the complete material and proceedure to get them operational.<br /><br />Operated properly, use of these lights amount to violating the law to the extent of removing a sleeping matress tag, IMO.

 

[pjc]

Re: Ahoy Skinnywater! ML fog lights.

Sorry I am off topic, and little offense as possible, but. <br /><br />If there is one thing that really pisses me off it's folks who mount aftermarket "fog" lights and aim same incorrectly. <br /><br />Even OEM lights can be unsafe IMO. Nothing more unsafe and irritating that some knob with 4 or more "headlights" burning my retinas. I presume some of these roadway warriors do this as a show of manhood. Mine is bigger than yours logic.<br /><br /> And acknowledge that in fog, the best lighting is low beams to reduce glare from illumination affect of light reflection from water vapor.<br /><br />I've driven for 28 years and do not need 4-8 billion candlepower to light the road in front of me. There aught to be a law.

 

[JB]

Re: Ahoy Skinnywater! ML fog lights.

No offense, pjc.<br /><br />I, too, am annoyed by guys driving in clear weather with fog or "driving" lights as well as headlights. I guess it is a "see what I have" sort of thing.<br /><br />The ML was originally designed, and the "lenses" over the lighting modules are cut, to spread the light evenly and low to assist visibility in fog, snow or heavy rain. I believe they would do a better job than the aftermarket lights that must be mounted on a useless "brush bar". They can only be operated when the headlights are on low beam.<br /><br />Thanks, Skinny. I will watch for the lilst and instructions.

 

[Skinnywater]

Re: Ahoy Skinnywater! ML fog lights.

The fog light is in the inner side of the headlight assembly and the socket is covered by a round rubber cup. The bulb is standard H-3 type. You can use either clear or yellow colored depending on your situation.<br />Installation of these bulbs with the headlight unit installed in the vehicle is difficult, but can be done.<br />The integrated fog lights are not enabled by default from the factory in the AAM option 16.<br />Toggle to "yes" AAM option 16 with the HHT to enable the circuit. <br /><br />JB, you can install these bulbs then request the dealer to enable option 16 of the AAM.<br />Depending on the date of manufacture of your '99 ML you may have to add a bulb in the instrument cluster to illuminate the fog/driving indicator.<br /> <br />In addition, the M-Class uses 55W H-1 bulbs for high beam, 55W H-7 for low beam, and 55W H-3 bulbs for the integrated fog beam. There are various third party bulb upgrades available, including following: <br />Higher wattage, e.g. 85-100W H-1, 85-130W H-3, or 100W H-7 bulbs. Be careful about these high wattage bulbs as the factory wiring and relays may not be able to handle the higher current. <br /><br /> I recommend this next option. <br />High output light Halogen bulb with Xenon gas such as PIAA's XTRA bulb, FET's HyperBulb, or IPF Super J Beam. These bulbs are usually advertised as 55=85W or 55=100W, meaning they will consume 55W but generate light output similar to normal Halogen bulbs at 85/100W. <br />Color tint like PIAA's Ion Crystal or FET's Gold Iridium that convert white light to amber with minimum light loss, or FET's HperWhite or PIAA's Diamond Blue that produce slight blueish light similar to the Xenon high intensity discharge light found in the newer Mercedes. The fog light is a good candidate for the amber color bulb as some on-coming drivers may mistake four bright lights (two low beam plus two clear fog beam) as high beam being turn on and flash you by mistake.<br /><br />JB, I've got a pair of Diamond Blue 85/100w bulbs in my wifes C230 Kompressor that are at least twice as effective over stock. We love them and it's very rare that we get an on-coming flash.<br /><br />Let me know if you need further assistance JB. <br /><br />By pjc; <br />

There aught to be a law.

Common sense, safe and sound installations or modifications and proper use of your equipment are fair and positive activitys. <br />I'll not surrender to jealousy, lawyers or imposed conformity.

 

[JB]

Re: Ahoy Skinnywater! ML fog lights.

Thanks, Skinnywater.<br /><br />The PIAA Diamond Blue or a similar amber/yellow 85/100 sound like the best option.<br /><br />Do I understand correctly that I don't need to install anything in the headlight assembly other than the bulbs? What about the relay in the electric/fuse panel?

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Ahoy Skinnywater! ML fog lights.

Hmmm I have heard stories that increasing to a larger wattage bulb has been linked to burnt up wiring harness' To get that extra wattage it draws more than normal wires can handle and melts them. I have seen this happen on VW's and Audi.<br /><br />Be careful when just changing the bulbs. I know it relates to ohms law and maybe an electric guru on the board can work out the guage wire required.<br /><br />Bob

 

[roscoe]

Re: Ahoy Skinnywater! ML fog lights.

pjc, there is a law, just not enforced.<br />I believe in WI, that the clear auxiliary driving lights are to be used under the same rules that govern your high-beam headlights. That is, they are not to be used if within 500' of an approaching vehicle, or if following within 500' of another vehicle.<br /><br />There are also laws pertaining to the aiming of such lights.<br /><br />347.07 Special restrictions on lamps and the use thereof. (1) Whenever a motor vehicle equipped with headlamps also is equipped with any adverse weather lamps, spotlamps or auxiliary lamps, or with any other lamp on the front thereof projecting a beam of intensity greater than 300 candlepower, not more than a total of 4 of any such lamps or combinations thereof on the front of the vehicle shall be lighted at any one time when such vehicle is upon a highway, and on a straight level road under any condition of loading none of the high?intensity portion of the beam shall be so directed as to strike the eyes of an approaching driver.

 

[Skinnywater]

Re: Ahoy Skinnywater! ML fog lights.

I'm 93.5% sure just the bulbs and a toggle on the AAM is all that's needed JB.<br />I'll make it 100% on Tuesday (4/10's)after I view the schematic.<br /><br />BTW JB, another reminder about your harmonic balancer, check it often.<br />Shoot, might as well go ahead and get it replaced before it leave you stranded.

 

[Skinnywater]

Re: Ahoy Skinnywater! ML fog lights.

Check your fuse box for K30 relay and F47 fuse JB.<br />They should already be in place.<br /><br /> BTW JB, another reminder about your harmonic balancer (front crankshaft pulley), check it often.<br />Shoot, might as well go ahead and get it replaced before it leave you stranded.

 

[JB]

Re: Ahoy Skinnywater! ML fog lights.

Thanks, Skinnywater.<br /><br />I will have them replace the HB at the next service (unless it was replaced already by previous owner).