C30 Headlights

C30ing · Post by **C30ing** » 08 Jul 2026, 16:01

2009 C30. It looks like the previous owner separated the lens from the left headlight assembly at some point and used some type of black sealant to close it up. The repair looks pretty bad at it does leak.
Is there an aftermarket upgrade or a retrofit headlight for this car? Can I swap the xenon out for halogen? It seems easier to find the halogen headlights than the xenon, and cheaper too.
Thanks

Post by **Krons** » 08 Jul 2026, 20:57

I bought a used eBay replacement. Didn’t want the hassle of dealing with a conversion.

C30ing · Post by **C30ing** » 09 Jul 2026, 16:48

What type of conversion is out there? About how much did you find the replacements for?

Vova585 · Post by **Vova585** » 09 Jul 2026, 18:22

I would also suggest to restore original system. Check if erievovo might have a nice set for you. Xenon is way better in comparison to halogen(minus the price). Alternatively- remove the headlights, carefully separate the lenses. Polish them, apply UV protective coat. Finish with protective film(sold precut at ebay for 50). Butyl rubber seal might help. Also it heard that windshild sealant can do good job.
However, given ammount of work, I would rather opt for a good used set, polish/uv/film them and sell your existing headlights to recuperate some of the cost. Repair process with lens removal is very time consuming IMHO

C30ing · Post by **C30ing** » 10 Jul 2026, 09:23

I may go the restoration route. Erievovo doesn't show anything for C30's.
I know the xenon is better than halogen but can I 'downgrade' to halogen easily?
I see someone did a Hammer of Thor customization that looks really cool. I wish there were a plug and play aftermarket set of those available.

Post by **Krons** » 10 Jul 2026, 16:26

C30ing wrote: 09 Jul 2026, 16:48 What type of conversion is out there? About how much did you find the replacements for?

$350+tax/shipping. Wasn’t cheap but figured it into the price of the car when I bought mine. I figured time/money to determine a halogen conversion (if one exists) would’ve been the same.

Vova585 · Post by **Vova585** » 10 Jul 2026, 20:52

If you have some good car tuners around, they should be able to change software to a regular halogen. Then you will likely be able to install regular headlights and run without any dashboard lights. Now a question who can do it and how much it will cost. It is highly likely that "tune" will be around 250-350? I just saw a pair of lights on ebay for 400.
But sure it sounds like a fun project to be able to change software. However , i would still go the used oem route and refresh them

Post by **Krons** » 10 Jul 2026, 21:16

Vova585 wrote: 10 Jul 2026, 20:52 But sure it sounds like a fun project to be able to change software.

Having worked with software 15+ years of my career…that sounds like a nightmare lol.

Vova585 · Post by **Vova585** » 10 Jul 2026, 21:40

Krons wrote: 10 Jul 2026, 21:16
Vova585 wrote: 10 Jul 2026, 20:52 But sure it sounds like a fun project to be able to change software.
Having worked with software 15+ years of my career…that sounds like a nightmare lol.

I admire people that "speak computer". For me it is all magic and my brain is not braining upon encountering any issues. Based on my very basic understanding of the subject, it should theoretically not be too crazy complicated especially given downgrade to hallogen without possible bulb turn function and adaptation to vehicle height/cargo load. So hopefully it just as simple as reinstalling windows 95 given you have a working CD(in our case software from non xenon car). Wiring wise it also should not be a nightmare. I recently read that in russia and other surrounding countries it is common to "tune" the cars not to eliminate CEL with defective catalytic/removed catalytic, removing of egr is another common thing, resetting counts on webasto heaters.... Some people even able to make CEL light up upon ignition on, but make it "off" upon start(misfire, smoking..doesn't matter). Some even "cut" oxygen sensors and as result lost ability to control fuel mixture.
Thats why I always prefer to fix it like it was, since "better is a worst enemy if good".