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Nolden 7" round Bi-LED headlight review!
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Posted 9/6/2013 1:57 AM
jeremyw
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Date registered: Apr 2010
Location: Portland, OR
Vehicle(s): '03 G500 O'erlanderwagen
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Nolden 7" round Bi-LED headlight review!

First off I have to give credit where credit is due. Robert(Oilworker) first turned me on to these Nolden bi-LED's after he fitted them to his Defender;
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/37713-An-expedition-truck-on-portals/page75
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/37713-An-expedition-truck-on-portals/page76

I had briefly looked at the other options available like JW Speaker and Trucklite(and OEM Mercedes bi-xenon which are $$$), but once I saw Robert's review, I knew the Nolden's were the ones for me based on light output and quality construction; plus they're less money than I've seen the JW Speaker 8700 Evolution's sold for!

I contacted Nolden in Germany, who put me in touch with their top worldwide distributor, and I ordered up a set in black chrome finish/12V/DOT SAE/left hand drive/position city light(the position light makes them actually a triple LED lamp) to test for the US market. Nolden has a myriad of different configurations for worldwide use. I figured the black chrome finish would be the best look for my G. They also have chrome and black(which is what the Army is using).



Here's the black chrome on the left vs chrome on the right;


Dark/black option;


Features of the Nolden's;
Innovative design with the latest automotive approved Osram LED technology
White road Illumination compatible with HID/Xenon
One of the brightest LED high and low Beam 7“ Headlights available
Lifetime > 30.000 hrs
Low power consumption saving both fuel and energy
Vibration and shock proof design
Integrated electronic driver
H4 connector for 'Plug & Play' installation
Standard fixing as 7“ Sealed Beam Headlights (PAR56)
UV resistent PC hard coated front lens
Rigid Aluminium Housing
Voltage range 12-24V
480h salt spray tested and fully water proof to IP6K9K
ECE homologation. SAE on request.
EMC tested and homologated
Left hand drive and right hand available
Development and Production according to ISO TS 16949
Warranty: 2 years

I finally had time to get the lights fitted...and thankfully it wasn't as much of a headache as I originally anticipated it might be(my biggest concern was how the Nolden stainless adapter ring would fit and affect the aiming of the lights).

Their stainless adapter ring for the MBUSA G(see below for W460/Europa W463 question) fits very well(they have an adapter ring specific for each vehicle application, as these 7" round lights are also used on other applications like Mercedes Unimog, Rover(Series, D90, D110/130), Jeep Wrangler, Toyota FJ(40/55/60. NewFJ may be actually slightly larger than 7" I'm told, but I'm helping them confirm fitment), Hummer, VW(T2/T3, Mk1&2 Golf), etc). Eventually, after figuring out with the first lamp that I wouldn't need to use their supplied round white insert clips(for the ball socket adjuster screws) for the adapter ring, I just popped the 3 black clips(circled in green in picture below) out of the factory headlight and then moved the entire black plastic "bucket" w/ 2 headlight adjusting screws and 1 mounting stud from the factory Mercedes light onto the Nolden stainless adapter ring and light. This way the aiming wasn't affected. I double checked the aiming of course; ~38.5" off the ground.


The biggest hurdle for my specific application, which wasn't even such a big hurdle, was securing the factory Mercedes rubber headlight trim rings--these fit around the very edge of the headlights so that when the body-colored headlight surrounds(left and right of center grille) are re-fitted, there is no gap between them and the light itself. I ended up using gaffers tape to secure the rubber rings to the backside edge of the body-colored headlight surround as they are just a tad bit too large to fit securely on the Nolden's. (FYI I did have the tint shop we use add 6mm clear protection film to the Nolden's to protect from potential rock damage).

Lighting output and cutoff pattern is excellent; these things are bright!! There is a very distinct cutoff line. I thought that the bottom "halo" (circled in green in picture) would take some getting used to, but I've already quickly gotten used to it. I assume this is present because of the parabolic "eye" in the headlight.

Pics of the Nolden bi-LED on left side, factory Mercedes/ZKW H7 halogen w/ PIAA NightTech bulbs on right side;
Low beam(yes, I know I was too close to the door but I was just using it as a before/after line of reference using the masking tape, as my OEM lights were already aimed correctly);


High beam;


Since these 7" lamps themselves are "universal"(ie unique fitment for a G-Wagen vs a Rover is based on the stainless "bucket" ring which is supplied w/ high quality stainless hardware), the position light wiring may need to be modified a bit. Their connector is a very high quality "weatherpack" connector whereas the Mercedes factory uses a lower quality blade-style connector. Since their wiring lead mentions warranty being void if tampered with, I spoke to their technicians and they instructed me to cut off the weatherpack connector and just use two male spade connectors. I chose to modify the light vs the truck in case a future buyer of my truck wants to go back to OEM halogen's for some reason(dunno why they'd want to do that but to each their own).


Up close shots Nolden vs ZKW halogen as fitted;



OEM ZKW halogens w/ upgraded PIAA NightTech H7 bulbs during the day;

vs
Nolden bi-LED's during the day;

A few night time pics...
Low beams(they're now aimed a bit higher, back to the 38.5" off the ground where I originally had them in the pics above);


High beams;


Along with my Autohome RTT and Nat'l Luna fridge/freezer, the Nolden bi-LED's are the best mod I've made to my vehicle. My eyes are thanking me!

PS--anyone know if the W460/EuropaW463 headlight buckets are the same as the '02+ W463?(I never had the headlights out in my W460 so I don't know)



Edited by jeremyw 9/6/2013 1:57 AM
#216937
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Posted 9/6/2013 6:31 AM
DUTCH
Administrator Doppelgänger




Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: US, GA, Atlanta
Vehicle(s): 2015 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI,2018 Sprinter
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RE: Nolden 7" round Bi-LED headlight review!

Contact information for this top worldwide distributor? Thanks.
#216942 - in reply to #216937
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Posted 9/6/2013 8:41 AM
hipine



Date registered: Jul 2006
Location: US, CO, Bailey
Vehicle(s): 460 1980 280GE w. 617A
5000
RE: Nolden 7" round Bi-LED headlight review!

Interesting write up. Thanks for taking the time to do such a thorough job for us!

-Dave G.
#216943 - in reply to #216937
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Posted 9/6/2013 8:56 AM
brabus g36
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Date registered: Jun 2006
Location: Canada
Vehicle(s): 89 230GE cabrio, 88 280GE LWB, 87 300GD pickup
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Re: Nolden 7" round Bi-LED headlight review!

Can they be installed in the 460?
Could you tell us how much they cost?

thanks
#216944 - in reply to #216937
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Posted 9/6/2013 1:36 PM
DUTCH
Administrator Doppelgänger




Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: US, GA, Atlanta
Vehicle(s): 2015 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI,2018 Sprinter
Posts: 9963
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Not German

These lights are made in Taiwan by MicroLight Auto Parts Mfg. Co. Ltd.
#216949 - in reply to #216937
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Posted 9/6/2013 2:01 PM
drey
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Date registered: Sep 2012
Location: Scottsdale AZ
Vehicle(s): 04 G500
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Re: Nolden 7" round Bi-LED headlight review!

Those look great.

Hard to believe you forgot to let us know how we can get a set.
#216950 - in reply to #216937
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Posted 9/6/2013 7:16 PM
Otiswesty
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Date registered: Jun 2007
Location: Portland, Oregon
Vehicle(s): 463.241, 461.213
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Re: Nolden 7" round Bi-LED headlight review!

The Europa trucks use a Hella 7" bucket that holds the standard 7" incandescent or halogen light. This headlight bucket is also commonly found in Porsche and VW applications and can be fitted to MBUSA 463 as well as any 460 series Gwagens

http://www.eurotruck-importers.com/index.php?main_page=product_info...

Edited by otiswesty 9/6/2013 7:18 PM
#216956 - in reply to #216949
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Posted 9/6/2013 10:33 PM
jeremyw
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Date registered: Apr 2010
Location: Portland, OR
Vehicle(s): '03 G500 O'erlanderwagen
Posts: 846
500
Re: Nolden 7" round Bi-LED headlight review!

You're very welcome for the write-up guys.

Still need to confirm W460 fitment--I know the W460 and Europa463 have the same headlight bucket--I'll probably end up putting one of mine into Tony's W460 SWB to confirm fitment. That'll be easiest.

Still working on pricing for the G sets...probably will be in the $600'ish/set range + shipping.

The Taiwanese make some high quality components! And service is top notch too.

Other specs for the light geeks, which I forgot to add initially;
Lumen output LowBeam: 1,532.3 lm
Lumen Output Highbeam: 1,666.5 lm

Technische Daten/Technical Data! ! Wert/Value Einheit/Unit Beschreibung/Description!
Modellbezeichnung/Product Code 7“ Bi-LED Head Light
Abmessungen/Dimension 177 X 152 mm
Anzahl LEDs u. Typ/Quantity of LEDs and Typ 5 St/pc Osram Automotive
Leistung/Power (LowBeam/HighBeam) 32/39 W
Spannung/Voltage 9-32 Volt
Lumen/Lumens (LowBeam/HighBeam) 1880lm / 2400lm (calculated) ~1550lm/~1700lm (measured)
Stromaufnahme/Consumption 0.07/2.1/2.7A@12V PO/LB/HB; 0.04/1.05/1.35A@24V PO/LB/HB
Lichtkennzahl/reference number 20
Fixings PAR56 can replace common 7“ Sealed Beam
Gewicht/Weight 1170 Gramm
Zulassung/Homologation ECE, SAE auf Anfrage/on request
Temperaturbereich/Operation range -40 - +80 °c
Material Gehäuse/Material Housing ADC
Material Lichtscheibe/Material Front Lens PC hard coated
Umwelt Standard/Environment Standard SAE 2139
ESD Protection ISO 10605 Level 4
Schutzklasse/ IP Class 6K9K
Stecker/Connector H4 Headlight Tyco Superseal PO

Edited by jeremyw 9/6/2013 10:33 PM
#216959 - in reply to #216937
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Posted 9/6/2013 10:43 PM
DUTCH
Administrator Doppelgänger




Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: US, GA, Atlanta
Vehicle(s): 2015 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI,2018 Sprinter
Posts: 9963
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Re: Nolden 7" round Bi-LED headlight review!

So you plan to sell them? If that be the case, this thread needs to go in the For Sale Forum; and folks need to understand clearly the reason for the review of the product.
#216960 - in reply to #216959
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Posted 9/6/2013 11:09 PM
jeremyw
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Date registered: Apr 2010
Location: Portland, OR
Vehicle(s): '03 G500 O'erlanderwagen
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Re: Nolden 7" round Bi-LED headlight review!

DUTCH - 9/6/2013 7:43 PM

So you plan to sell them? If that be the case, this thread needs to go in the For Sale Forum; and folks need to understand clearly the reason for the review of the product.


I appear to be the first G owner in the USA(maybe the world?, I'm not certain of that) to test these for them so I've asked them what kind of quantities/prices the G community could expect. From their pricing I've seen, they're a lot less $$$ than MBUSA wants for the xenon's!
#216961 - in reply to #216960
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Posted 9/7/2013 10:03 AM
Titus Pullo
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Date registered: May 2007
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Re: Nolden 7" round Bi-LED headlight review!

I see them here pricy as hell: http://www.ebay.com/itm/NCC-Nolden-Full-LED-Headlights-7-177mm-Merc...
#216965 - in reply to #216937
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Posted 9/7/2013 12:14 PM
jeremyw
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Date registered: Apr 2010
Location: Portland, OR
Vehicle(s): '03 G500 O'erlanderwagen
Posts: 846
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Re: Nolden 7" round Bi-LED headlight review!


Wowzers, that is charging a HUGE premium. They're probably looking for the uber wealthy people who pee money.
But wait, they include free s/h.

Edited by jeremyw 9/7/2013 12:20 PM
#216968 - in reply to #216965
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Posted 9/13/2013 10:31 AM
jd1234
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Date registered: Dec 2012
Location: New York, NY
Vehicle(s): 2003 g55
Posts: 31
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RE: Nolden 7" round Bi-LED headlight review!

I know this post is more about a review of these LEDs, but figured I would give my input about recent lights I installed.

I have the eBay $430 fishcake xenon ones and I must say they are really good. Best lighting output I have had on any car. The other day the passenger in my car even commented about them.
The output is in a diamond shape (not sure if that is good or bad but I love them)

Setup was really easy. Everything was plug and play and I never had any errors come up.

Worth taking a look and saving some money.


I have nothing to do w the seller and I don't receive any benefit from this posting.
#217033 - in reply to #216937
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Posted 9/13/2013 11:51 AM
H1LM002G55
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Date registered: Mar 2010
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Re: Nolden 7" round Bi-LED headlight review!

To me, the beam pattern does not look superior to the Speaker LED headlamps.
#217035 - in reply to #216968
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Posted 9/15/2013 1:47 AM
jeremyw
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Date registered: Apr 2010
Location: Portland, OR
Vehicle(s): '03 G500 O'erlanderwagen
Posts: 846
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RE: Nolden 7" round Bi-LED headlight review!

jd1234 - 9/13/2013 7:31 AM

I know this post is more about a review of these LEDs, but figured I would give my input about recent lights I installed.

I have the eBay $430 fishcake xenon ones and I must say they are really good. Best lighting output I have had on any car. The other day the passenger in my car even commented about them.
The output is in a diamond shape (not sure if that is good or bad but I love them)

Setup was really easy. Everything was plug and play and I never had any errors come up.

Worth taking a look and saving some money.


I have nothing to do w the seller and I don't receive any benefit from this posting.


Pics?
#217066 - in reply to #217033
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Posted 9/15/2013 1:57 AM
jeremyw
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Date registered: Apr 2010
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Vehicle(s): '03 G500 O'erlanderwagen
Posts: 846
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Re: Nolden 7" round Bi-LED headlight review!

H1LM002G55 - 9/13/2013 8:51 AM

To me, the beam pattern does not look superior to the Speaker LED headlamps.


To each their own. From the Speaker vs Trucklite reviews w/ pics I had seen on one of the Jeep forums, I thought neither had overly stellar beam patterns--but maybe that was an old Speaker housing. In all honesty, I don't think any of these are going to match the engineering behind OEM LED's like Audi for example. Yes, Nolden's are manufactured by one of the big LED manufacturers in the world, but I'd guess that Audi still dumps more money into LED technology.

I've been very pleased so far with the lighting output and cutoff patterns...and I myself prefer the aesthetic look of the Nolden's vs the Speaker's, they look more OEM-esque to me, which is why I gave the Nolden's a try.
#217067 - in reply to #217035
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Posted 9/17/2013 9:45 AM
thebigblue

Date registered: Jan 2012
Location:
Vehicle(s):
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RE: Nolden 7" round Bi-LED headlight review!

German dealer: http://nakatanenga-tours.de/shop/catalog/details?sessid=tRkH8lavMWQ...
#217141 - in reply to #216937
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Posted 9/19/2013 12:29 AM
jeremyw
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Date registered: Apr 2010
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Posts: 846
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RE: Nolden 7" round Bi-LED headlight review!

Yikes, $765/each!

Just a heads up for those W460 owners inquiring if they fit W460; I'm getting a W460 headlight bucket from another G owner in the next day or so and will be fitting my lamp to it, so I'll have info on the W460 headlight fitment next week.

FYI, in talking to Nolden about the new black coating option, it's a very special coating and they have to order them by huge batches(100 sets at a time), so the black coating is not readily available.


Edited by jeremyw 9/19/2013 12:30 AM
#217181 - in reply to #217141
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Posted 9/19/2013 1:54 AM
olasdeplata
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Re: Nolden 7" round Bi-LED headlight review!

For 460s, considering the prices of these headlamps, does it not make more sense to get two Hella H4 buckets and use a xenon conversion kit? Such a change can be done for less than $200...

I am sure these lights are awesome, but is it worth the money for the incremental light over a xenon kit?

BTW, I am tired of my old 460 DOT lights... compared with headlights in newer cars, they are pretty unsafe.
#217185 - in reply to #216937
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Posted 9/24/2013 12:02 AM
jeremyw
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Date registered: Apr 2010
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Re: Nolden 7" round Bi-LED headlight review!

olasdeplata - 9/18/2013 10:54 PM

For 460s, considering the prices of these headlamps, does it not make more sense to get two Hella H4 buckets and use a xenon conversion kit? Such a change can be done for less than $200...

I am sure these lights are awesome, but is it worth the money for the incremental light over a xenon kit?

BTW, I am tired of my old 460 DOT lights... compared with headlights in newer cars, they are pretty unsafe.


Always give and takes with modifications...I was thinking about adding in an aftermarket xenon/HID kit to my factory ZKW lights, but the issue is that often the xenon's won't fire off, or they'll flicker on/off, so you have to turn your headlights off and then back on in hopes of the light coming alive. Sure, the DDM Tuning HID kits are like $30/ea kit, but IMHO they appear to be made in such great volume that I'm not sure of their long-term reliability. If it fails, you get a new one for pennies. But, to wire it in cleanly and meticulously would take hours--then if you have to replace it when it fails, it's hours again. And where to mount the ballast where it's easily accessible yet will stay put? So I shy'd away from the xenon kit myself due to the potential failure/hassle.
That being said, could an LED lamp fail and leave you without headlights as well? Yes. No doubt the old halogen's are the lowest cost option, and easily field fixable if a bulb fails...but the light output is dimmer and old technology.

Again, pluses and minuses to all the options IMHO.
#217311 - in reply to #217185
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