Mercedes raises the bar in headlight technology!

[David]

Check out this video of the new Mercedes LED headlights:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0OJjvYPV3oc

Looking at the comments, there may be some issues with these in the US but either way it's pretty amazing tech.

[sugarwood]

Since this is an analog themed vintage forum,
the reaction is, "That's a $4500 headlight that will need replacing. I'll pay extra for Halogens, thank you very much"

[HardDrive]

Originally Posted by sugarwood

Since this is an analog themed vintage forum,
the reaction is, "That's a $4500 headlight that will need replacing. I'll pay extra for Halogens, thank you very much"

Yup.

[David]

I consider headlights to be the number one after dark performance aid so I always add upgraded lighting when choosing options.

The ability to run high beams all the time without affecting other drivers or causing glare from reflective signs and wet roads seems truly revolutionary to me.

[pksystems]

Teach people how to drive. Much more important then headlights that cost 500x as much.

[mreid]

My CLS63 has a version of this system that steers the beam and controls the light profile automatically. Systems like these, detection sensors, and cameras are the reasons your auto insurance rates will climb significantly over the next few years. That $300 fender bender is often today $3,000+ to repair. And it doesn't matter that you don't have that technology or have an accident history. Insurance is a risk pool that we all pay in to, aren't you excited?!

[island911]

Originally Posted by sugarwood

Since this is an analog themed vintage forum,
the reaction is, "That's a $4500 headlight that will need replacing. I'll pay extra for Halogens, thank you very much"

I would expect a replaceable LED panel. I expect that most of the cost is in the camera & computer.

[MBAtarga]

BMW revealed a similar system around last year.

https://youtu.be/CBUYm5AghVI

[David]

The BMW system does not appear to be even close the MB system. Did y'all actually watch the MB video?

[javadog]

Meh. I'm going to hold out for Audi's laser lights.



Okay, so all these things are great, and I'd love to own something like this, but the manufacturers are going to have to guarantee availability of spares for far longer than they do now, to get my money. No way I'm going to junk a car in 10 years, because the bean counters pulled the plug on the availability of a part that you absolutely have to have.

JR

[rusnak]

Totally insane.

It's like the new LED flashlights. Military and industrial use, not so much for the homeowner. On a civilian car, it's just not practical. But the uses are just crazy from the entertainment field, law enforcement, etc

[intakexhaust]

Pretty cool and I do appreciate the evolution of lighting. That said, the initial cost and later replacement is absurd.

Most amazing is the majority of any brand 'standard' LED has not proven its hype in any longevity. Everyday I see late model vehicles with burn't out non-working lights of some sort. If one is out of warranty, be ready to pay.

My other beef is the typical lighting technology thats very much glaring in oncoming traffic. And the manufactures call that safety? But here they disregard the other drivers.

[rusnak]

Originally Posted by intakexhaust

But here they disregard the other drivers.

Not sure about that. It looks like the MB guys invented this tech solely so that they do not do that.

[motion]

Gotta admit, that is pretty amazing tech in a mid-range consumer vehicle. Just a matter of time before this trickles down to everyone else.

[Porsche-O-Phile]

Originally Posted by pksystems

Teach people how to drive. Much more important then headlights that cost 500x as much.

I completely agree. There's way too much "technology for technology's sake" / solutions-in-search-of-a-problem these days. I can appreciate the engineering but there's no way on earth I'm spending $2,000, $3,000 or $4,000 for a headlight when a $20 unit will meet the legal requirement.

[motion]

Originally Posted by Porsche-O-Phile

I completely agree. There's way too much "technology for technology's sake" / solutions-in-search-of-a-problem these days. I can appreciate the engineering but there's no way on earth I'm spending $2,000, $3,000 or $4,000 for a headlight when a $20 unit will meet the legal requirement.

Really? Even when new tech can dramatically improve the safety of your wife and children?

[rusnak]

This is not like slapping some Xenon bulbs into the headlight reflector. This redefines the way light is used. It's not even just about safety. It communicates with light in 3 dimensions, from the driver to the oncoming traffic, and pedestrians. And because the light is aimed and controlled, it could be adapeted for offensive non lethal tactics, or defensive cover. It is mind-bending in execution.

[intakexhaust]

Originally Posted by rusnak

Not sure about that. It looks like the MB guys invented this tech solely so that they do not do that.

Exactly and my comment was referring to the array of others out there. Clearly, MB is the exception and they recognize this issue.

While on the subject of servicing cost, I laugh at the stupid 'near proprietary bulbs' cost. Some of the Benz old school filament burners such as park lamps or tiny dash bulbs command double the price.... and even from the aftermarket. Fun surprises for the DIY type who like to hold onto and still use an old car.

[rick-l]

I wonder how they make that lens with 84 individual elements? Think it could be injection molded plastic?

[Eric Coffey]

Pretty cool. Now they (the entire auto industry) just need to do away with the 6500K+ color temps IMO and employ more neutral/warm white emitters, preferably with higher CRI than typical "modern" headlights offer.