It is appalling to me that this car did not come with HIDs from the factory, ESPECIALLY given that the SLK roadster version has them, AS does the 300C and even the old 300M SE!

In any case, this is NOT trendy ricer "crap". While I agree that 99 percent of the time HID retrofits to NON HID cars are a BAD idea due to blinding oncoming traffic, SOMETIMES there is NOTHING you can do about it if the model of car you drive didn't come with the option from the factory. As a result proper aiming and proper selection of color (always always always use 4300k, its the stock temperature for a REASON!) and installation can ensure you get the Xenon experience without negatively affecting others, or making it look obvious you just shoved some HIDs in there.

Xenon headlights... Number 1 option on my list when buying a car.