How To Replace The Headlight Lens & Paint The Housing On Any Car Featuring An E55 AMG Wagon.

Learn how to paint your inside headlight housing and replace your headlamp lens with this easy to follow step by step video. Painting your headlamp housings is one of the best modifications you can do and it should only cost about $20! In this video, I show you how to paint the housings and replace your lens properly and we even build our own oven! If you like this video, let me know in the comments, give it a like and check out all the products I used linked down below.
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211 owners and anyone else with halogen high beams and project low beams: As stated painting the chrome housing around a halogen will reduce light output so your brights won't be as bright. I've been driving like this for years and don't mind the little light reduction only when the brights are used.

[@LegitStreetCars]

What do you prefer? Black or chrome headlight housings?

[@chosensupra9978]

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?

[@LegitStreetCars]

If its been taken care of yes

[@lilchimpo]

It depends on the color of the car but for me I like chrome on my W211

[@joonaspulkkinen6369]

Original. The black looks like a cheap aftermarket light to me.

[@DBSSTEELER]

Chrome. More functional as well.

[@sparten9999]

those lights remind me of the pinstripe suits or gangster suits. looks slick

[@noluck8613]

sparten 9999 same lol

[@TireSlayer55]

same

[@rickyricardo9166]

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!!🤙

[@triv_g]

“and from this, to this” ChrisFix😂

[@anthonyblacker8471]

I've always been wary about taking headlights apart. Great video Alex, super informational and really great ideas in there.

[@asb422]

You are the best, i love what you do and it helps me a lot! Greetings from Bavaria/ Germany , a fellow S211 E500 driver.

[@chazg8489]

I'm only 50 seconds in and had to express how gratifying watching this vid is for me Thank you

[@LegitStreetCars]

Thanks

[@JoeyLovesTrains]

You forgot to say, “hey guys Chrisfix here!”

[@msh7633]

lmao

[@danielaromero8316]

no hes not afraid to show is face him

[@diggleboy]

Alex does 'instructables'. Coming along nicely! Looking forward to the panel refinishing and assembly. Sweat equity is always so very satisfying.

[@myc36amg]

The black looks amazing. Keep up the good work 🇦🇺👍👍

[@adamfaulkner3913]

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.

[@cameronvs1]

Appreciate your concise, clear instructions and good ideas.

[@omarawad151]

You're a pro! I'm willing to make all the modifications on my w211 and W220. Can't wait😍

[@citizenpark2782]

Finally, a proper lens replacement vid. Ty!!!

[@modernlooks7041]

I really liked this style of fast step by step videos

[@75tranzam]

I have a 2010 Acura RDX I'm going to try this on Alex, thanks for giving me the confidence to try this!!

[@richardbarnes2609]

Love your work mate! I'll add this to the list of mods I want to do to my 98 LS400.

[@MrKriss-bx4lo]

Great Video ! Lights Look Sick !

[@davvesto6757]

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.

[@loou26]

Good job Alex, looks fantastic

[@zkramez]

You’re the man! You and Chrisfix are by far the most genuine car youtubers out there. Period.

[@craigjennings4175]

Awesome job. Really well put together. Need to change some sun effected lens. Will follow your example. Keep up the great content. 👍

[@hampussjoblom9671]

Have waited for this vid!

[@almostordinary_motors]

Doing this right now to my E63! Thanks bud! Have the little oven running behind me.

[@19PatMcDowell90]

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

[@HIDprojectors]

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.

[@TheObiwantoby]

Are you saying if you have a stock Xenon setup, this EVOXR V2.0 Bi-Xenon projector swap will increase the light output?

[@heinzkot360]

„Dont paint your projecting surfaces“ *paints his entire projection surface of his highbeam*

[@TireSlayer55]

car has bi-xenon projectors as mentioned in the video

[@heinzkot360]

@@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.

[@calebcooper9103]

They look so good man. Im going to this on my car

[@OGkotajarvi]

I made these yesterday they looks soo good

[@richardjones7386]

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?

[@solowenfigues2942]

Hi Legitcars, thank you for your beautiful videos that are doing. I just started doing in restoring w210 elegance. Hope it comes out well.

[@markt9438]

Dude ! Best light Dressing i have seen Yet !

[@spirosliatiris230]

Awesome !!!!! Perfect result.

[@ihatemytown]

Looks much more gooder 👌🏼

[@johnmckenzie427]

Looks beautiful!

[@jrmason]

Good idea of the box/oven. I never thought of that. Thanks! Maybe I'll do the Prius! -Jon

[@GT-Diaries]

Looks great, nice retrofit

[@carstenhaterauch7193]

Great Video. I like the Black headlights. Greetings from germany

[@Albanianguy9]

You make It look so easy man😅😅. Great video and narration!!

[@scottrlynch]

Well done Alex 👍🏻

[@dannyboii19891]

They look way nicer after the customization you did 👌🏼

[@OrjonZ]

You have been quickly becoming my favorite car KZbinr.

[@n84434]

Lookin good Louis!!

[@brianneeley4471]

Will be doing on 06 e350 thank you!

[@michaelgordon3434]

Giving BMW some love with the “halogen headlight” still image!!

[@surfdude7575]

Haha. Yeah. looks like an E90

[@jgatchaljgatchal8350]

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.

[@rohittaurus911]

Love the video Alex

[@TheDomin8rr]

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.

[@PANTYEATR1]

I've done this black housing mod in the past and i like semi gloss to a flat black.

[@sunnypopli4855]

looks really good.

[@tonyadams09]

Great Teaching Video

[@kgalvin28]

Thanks for the, biggest fear was removing the lense as mines glass, but I feel good now! S60r sorry wish it was a amg but I still have enough power in my car

[@bilobicho5317]

Nice job on those lights

[@franciscojavieribanezmarti1032]

Very good job

[@alejandroarreche795]

Excelente segui asi!!!

[@joyroc885]

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?

[@richardedwards7780]

Ciao Alex! Grazie Mille!!!

[@Kexche]

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]

it's a projector headlight as mentioned in the video. the inside of the housings doesn't need to be reflective

[@Kexche]

@@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

[@jschuessler]

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.

[@BL-ib1ko]

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.

[@wessellyrics3380]

Deze man is echt zo'n topper

[@whathappen79]

I really enjoy all your videos however my 2003 w220 s55amg are pretty simular. Would you recommend lowering links?

[@DannyKhoo89]

2 videos within 24 hours? Awesome

[@DeusVolo]

Alex got the idea on building this oven from when he was a kid and had an Easy Bake Oven.

[@aleksmiskov8855]

good job, thanks.

[@andreigorchkov7289]

Hi, Alex. Great job, brother! Really cool project, that changes dramatically a look of your headlights. Please, advise where did you get those HEAVY DUTY CLAMPS from??

[@tylerm.9408]

Looks so sick

[@askaribr1]

Can't wait to 3the wagon fully renewed 🤗🤗🇸🇦🇸🇦😘😘😘👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@nohop2008]

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...

[@elifaletrivera5759]

Very nice a future project for me...

[@chrislutz7557]

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.

[@MS-es9hm]

love it!

[@19PatMcDowell90]

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

[@ovidiurada]

Great Video! Maybe I will do it on my car :D

[@kidjeff4304]

Awesome!

[@Chevy3o3]

great video share !

[@user-ry3no8mc6z]

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.

[@onefastz95]

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

[@JohnSmith-ym3zq]

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. 😎

[@npillarisetti]

I watch all your videos, Super entertaining. I have a 2015 ML 250 Diesel and looking for some mods ideas. Hope you can suggest some. By the way, I am in Chicago area :-) so would love to do some mods with you when things are normal

[@tankaimeng1297]

I would prefer to retrofit a laser light into that black painted hi beam reflector, at least it will be still functioning.

[@rm1981ut]

Can you do a ceramic coating update on the car that’s had it on the longest? How’s the hydrophobic properties etc?

[@patriceHOFF]

sympa le rendu final

[@user-ut4zx8gi8d]

Man it looks amazing but i want to know the high-beam is now working as before since you painted the chrome reflectors?

[@seankellogg6154]

Nice harbor freight heat gun 👍👍👍👍

[@Rambobambo007]

Nice mod 👌

[@Meonthemove12]

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 🙏

[@ws3157]

Alex could you uplod video with head lights on and anti fog lights please. Btw great job

[@udedmario]

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

[@ravennexusmh]

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

[@udedmario]

@@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.

[@TheGalifrey]

@@udedmario No his high beams are reflector, he just ruined them, only the dipped beams are projector.

[@lido211]

This need all day

[@Korruptionen]

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.

[@tommylzllzz4295]

Nice Mercedes wagon I used to have 2006 wagon before she is beautiful 👍👍👌👏👏

[@ernestspencer7168]

Awesome ..

[@hojnikb]

Europe: "Thats illegal."

[@laservader1]

it is? I know loads of people in the UK who've painted their headlight houses?

[@hojnikb]

Týrmorr every modification has to be homologated (even things like led bulbs). If many are doing it, doesnt make it legal.

[@laservader1]

@@hojnikb Well that means painting a car has to be homologated...

[@benediktwind1453]

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)

[@ComputermanAM13]

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

[@snikwadRR]

Ok Alex, 1st thing I want to know. How different are the 211 headlamps to the 219 headlamps. They the 219 lamps come apart similarly?

[@bcrandeis]

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.

[@MrMoodit]

I like it.

[@arcangel514]

First! Keep up the great work!

[@pfoxhound]

He painted hi beam's reflector and told us not to do it)

[@matimati3530]

pfoxhound and also blinker, which is very important

[@HaloHamstur]

It will still work, just not nearly as well. I assume he might not even be driving it at night much or maybe anywhere where you'll need high beams.

[@laservader1]

@@HaloHamstur with the W211 bixenon headlights the projector does both hi and low beam, the separate hi is a carry over from the halogen headlights

[@markusklose11]

In Germany you would not come with this modification on blinker & beams through the 2-years car safety-check TÜV, so the car would be not anymore street-legal.

[@garbagecargarage]

@@markusklose11 Lithuania the same

[@firepalm130]

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?