LED Mod idea for my car

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I

IHYLN

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Aug 4, 2000
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I've been thinking about this for quite some time but I've been dying to replace the rear turn signals on my car (2002 530i) into LEDs.

I figured this wouldn't be a bad DIY project. I'm guessing I would need is a peice of circuitboard and a bunch of high output LEDs. I think all I would have to do is figure out the voltage and amps the socket is putting out.

I have a bit of an EE background so I think I can pull it off, unfortunately radio shack does not carry high output LEDs in stores but I may use what they have as a test to see if I can pull this off.
 
NutBucket

NutBucket

Lifer
Aug 30, 2000
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You can get LED bulbs but from what I've seen they aren't as bright. In theory if you filled the cavity with LEDs it would be a nice upgrade.
 
M

mAdD INDIAN

Diamond Member
Oct 11, 1999
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Originally posted by: IHYLN
I've been thinking about this for quite some time but I've been dying to replace the rear turn signals on my car (2002 530i) into LEDs.

I figured this wouldn't be a bad DIY project. I'm guessing I would need is a peice of circuitboard and a bunch of high output LEDs. I think all I would have to do is figure out the voltage and amps the socket is putting out.

I have a bit of an EE background so I think I can pull it off, unfortunately radio shack does not carry high output LEDs in stores but I may use what they have as a test to see if I can pull this off.
Click to expand...

It's doable. People have been doing it to the 4th gen Maximas now.

But it's a pain to do in terms of time and effort.
 
I

IHYLN

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well I'l give it a shot and I'll post pics. I will try to do something over the weekend!
 
B

BCYL

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Jun 7, 2000
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If someone rear ends you would you get into trouble because you modified your brake lights? They can claim your taillights are not bright enough for them to see...
 
K

KEV1N

Platinum Member
Jan 15, 2000
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If yer in CA I believe there is a no-fault law, that is, if you're rear ended it's never your fault.
 
I

IHYLN

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afaik they have to be bright and clear enough up to a certain angle (I beleive 160 degrees, I'm not sure because in NJ they passed a law where new cars do not have to be inspected until the car is 4 years old so I haven't gone in a while)

and if it doesn't pass inspection I can always pop in the original bulbs.
 
I

IHYLN

Banned
Aug 4, 2000
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Originally posted by: BCYL
If someone rear ends you would you get into trouble because you modified your brake lights? They can claim your taillights are not bright enough for them to see...
Click to expand...

That is the same in NJ to a certain degree but the driver who hit you has to be alert enough to not rear end you. However, if you are negligent and do not have working/dim tail lights then the blame is 50/50.

I imagine it's do-able. Just wondering what benefit it provides, though?
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brighter, looks better, and the new 3 series have LEDs! Why cant I? :p
 
Aharami

Aharami

Lifer
Aug 31, 2001
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make sure u post pics of the process too. might as well make a tutorial out of it
 
StageLeft

StageLeft

No Lifer
Sep 29, 2000
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Just keep the original gear so that you can revert back before you sell the car in the future, since this would hurt resale.
 
I

IHYLN

Banned
Aug 4, 2000
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I have a 2002 530 so I already have the tail lights you linked to. However, the turning signals and brake lights are still using the good old bulbs. My aim is to replace em with high output LEDs.
 
I

IHYLN

Banned
Aug 4, 2000
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I don't have time for that. Busy trying to up the weekly avg of BMW drivers who have sex.
 
N

NeoPTLD

Platinum Member
Nov 23, 2001
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Originally posted by: IHYLN
I have a 2002 530 so I already have the tail lights you linked to. However, the turning signals and brake lights are still using the good old bulbs. My aim is to replace em with high output LEDs.
Click to expand...

As long as you don't use Civicky looking white LEDs. . . .
 
I

IHYLN

Banned
Aug 4, 2000
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I plan on keeping them amber so I'll have a better chance of passing inspection
 
T

thomsbrain

Lifer
Dec 4, 2001
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Originally posted by: IHYLN
I don't have time for that. Busy trying to up the weekly avg of BMW drivers who have sex.
Click to expand...

yeah, i can just see it now:

"oh baby, your turn signals turn on and off so.... CRISPLY!!!! TAKE ME NOW YOU STUD!!!!"

:roll:
 
S

stev0

Diamond Member
Dec 9, 2001
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Originally posted by: BCYL
If someone rear ends you would you get into trouble because you modified your brake lights? They can claim your taillights are not bright enough for them to see...
Click to expand...

I'm kinda curious about this too... i replaced the taillights on my truck a few months ago and was pulled over a few weeks ago for them being dim. the tail light it self is made by TYC and has a dot certification, the blubs are from piaa and are the brightest i can buy but apparently they are dim enough for a cop to pull me over cause she thought they were off... :confused:

as far as your led mod goes, it's do-able, but do you really want to be spending that much time soldering all those led's into place?

there are a bunch of places on the web you can get led's at bulk prices. if you actually do the mod make sure to post some pics :D
 
M

Mark R

Diamond Member
Oct 9, 1999
8,513
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If you want to do it properly you really need to use specially designed high-output LEDs.

Only 2 products come to mind as being suitable - both from lumileds: Superflux LEDs and Luxeon LEDs. Both have the advantage that they have been designed for automotive use as well as general purpose use. Note that these LEDs aren't cheap, but offer by far the best bang-for-the-buck in terms of light output. There are technical challenges with luxeon devices - in particular current regulation and heatsinking, but with care they can make an excellent system.

Super flux LEDs are also ideal, and their lower power makes them easier to use. Some care is needed, because of their high-power, to prevent them overheating - but heatsinks aren't required.

I recently bought a blue Luxeon LED at the same time as I bought a pack of 100 'high-power' blue LEDs from ebay. The single luxeon totally dominated an array of 50 of the blue LEDs.
 
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