Different way of doing Angel Eyes

[lkv0315]

Hey guys, just wanted to ask a quick question which I will follow up with a cool idea and design here within the next few days.

I’ve noticed that most bulbs for the angel eyes have a single diode right in the center, pointed straight out. Would a more standard LED bulb that aims in two opposite directions on a double sided PCB (like what’s pictured here) work to illuminate the rings, or is it NECESSARY, that the bulb sends light straight out?


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[crystalworks]

Originally Posted by lkv0315

Hey guys, just wanted to ask a quick question which I will follow up with a cool idea and design here within the next few days.

I’ve noticed that most bulbs for the angel eyes have a single diode right in the center, pointed straight out. Would a more standard LED bulb that aims in two opposite directions on a double sided PCB (like what’s pictured here) work to illuminate the rings, or is it NECESSARY, that the bulb sends light straight out? Attachment 82286

Given the OE design, it's not likely to help at all. But would be cool to see what your thinking. I posted a picture of the OE angel eye light tubes and there is no real way to make them brighter without replacing them. The tubes act like fiber optics and carry that point of light at the diode around the rings.

https://xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/...-pictures.html

[lkv0315]

Originally Posted by crystalworks

Given the OE design, it's not likely to help at all. But would be cool to see what your thinking. I posted a picture of the OE angel eye light tubes and there is no real way to make them brighter without replacing them. The tubes act like fiber optics and carry that point of light at the diode around the rings.



https://xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/...-pictures.html

So something that would have the diodes pointing straight into the center of the dot and none on the sides would be best, got it!


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[X5chemist]

Take my money for anything that will work plug in. I bought another set of adaptive headlights. The set will be polished and clear tinted for protection. The OEM ones don't look bad. The problem on refreshing them is a clear coat sprayed on them. The spray has started to crack. I may try chemical removal but may damage the plastic. I would like nice brighter angle eyes.

[timmyc]

Originally Posted by X5chemist

Take my money for anything that will work plug in. I bought another set of adaptive headlights. The set will be polished and clear tinted for protection. The OEM ones don't look bad. The problem on refreshing them is a clear coat sprayed on them. The spray has started to crack. I may try chemical removal but may damage the plastic. I would like nice brighter angle eyes.

The trick to refresh the lenses is to have them clear coated at an auto body shop. I have done this personally several times years and years ago when I was spraying cars. Now I don't do that and when we do need them done, I sand the lenses to remove the failing coating and finish in 800-1000. Then mask the whole assembly off and drop them off at the shop. They throw them in when they spraying another car or part and charge me $50. I have yet to have any fail. Automotive clear has the UV inhibitor and will typically last as long as the car does. Our current coupe has had the treatment done and that was 5 years ago. The car is not garaged and we live at 5500' in Arizona. I'll post a picture later.

[X5chemist]

timmyc,
Interesting! I'll cleanup the replacement set. The set is actually not bad. Minimal effort is needed to bring them back to clean clear life. I'll stop at several shops and ask about clear coating them. I don't mind paying for a good clear to last a long time.

[timmyc]

Originally Posted by X5chemist

timmyc,
Interesting! I'll cleanup the replacement set. The set is actually not bad. Minimal effort is needed to bring them back to clean clear life. I'll stop at several shops and ask about clear coating them. I don't mind paying for a good clear to last a long time.

Yeah. If you just sand off the old clear then mask them off, I can't imagine a shop charging you more that that. They typically throw out more than what they might use to double coat the lenses.

[timmyc]

Originally Posted by lkv0315

So something that would have the diodes pointing straight into the center of the dot and none on the sides would be best, got it!


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Some more feedback for you.

I bought aftermarket LED's for my halo's and it didn't brighten them up that much, but it did give them a better look like the newer cars. I gave up on the aftermarket bulbs after they failed over and over. Even different brands. Doesn't mean I wouldn't try again with the right bulb!

[wpoll]

Originally Posted by timmyc

Some more feedback for you.

I bought aftermarket LED's for my halo's and it didn't brighten them up that much, but it did give them a better look like the newer cars. I gave up on the aftermarket bulbs after they failed over and over. Even different brands. Doesn't mean I wouldn't try again with the right bulb!

Best lasting bulbs I've found so far are Flösser - part #4010 (12v 10W BA9s) - and they also make a 20W version - #4020 (which I haven't tried). All the others I've tried last around 150 hours or so and then pfft...! The Flösser bulbs seem to last many years...

https://www.amazon.com/Flosser-4010-.../dp/B00BX3MZZQ