Pics of my Interior Lighting Mod

[hpjunkie]

Originally Posted by xnsf

thanks for the comments!

the E92 was definitely on my mind when I was coming up with a solution. If I had better tools (my drill was too weak, which was why I didn't/couldn't drill through the door handle). I wanted to have the light come out from behind the door grip, so it would have some soft lighting that looked like the E92's. I'll probably try that a little later.

The front door LEDs is too tied down, which is why the light is only showing in towards the front. THe LEDs on the rear doors are looser which allowed me to make the light travel the entire length of the wood, although I would like it to be more even.

If anyone has a solution like to improve the light travel or the BMW-amber colored LEDs, tell me how!

how about some clear kind of rod. like for arts and crafts or something like that, of course it would have to be thin enough to fit between the door and bezel without being bulgy.

[X5 Meister]

Can't you just buy the entire strip that BMW uses and implement that somehow? That would actually look great especially with a two-tone interior.

[X Foomph]

So I picked up my X late today (Fri) as the parts required for my handle/window repair won't be in till Monday and I thought I could use the time to look further into the door handle LED's.

I felt around for where I thought the light might be and then pulled apart the sticky black cable wrap and bugger me I exposed not 1 but 2 LED lights. Can anyone tell me where the 2nd might go ?? I checked if they were working and they're not.

As you can see in the pics my in door connectors are different from 'butundo' (from this thread: http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/...y-mrbmwx5.html ) in that I only have one completed connection being the upper tweeter speeker. Nor do I have that spring housing with the clip at the end of the light.

So apart from not having the clips what I would like to know is how do I fire up these LED's, in particular the one for the inner door handle ?? Any input from Tom or someone who's done this 'mod' would be greatly appreciated.

[Laurence]

Originally Posted by X Foomph

As you can see in the pics my in door connectors are different from 'butundo' (from this thread: http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/...y-mrbmwx5.html ) in that I only have one completed connection being the upper tweeter speeker. Nor do I have that spring housing with the clip at the end of the light.

I suspect what you have there are connection "blocks" used for power distribution and not LED's.
The wires are bundled together and protected with a heat shrink plastic cover.

[carlgo]

Originally Posted by X5 Meister

Can't you just buy the entire strip that BMW uses and implement that somehow? That would actually look great especially with a two-tone interior.

There are all sorts of sizes and colors of flourescent lights made to light up the interiors and exteriors of cars. Time, money, imagination and good taste are the only barriers to really lighting things up.

Me, I am waiting for electric paint. Why this hasn't happened is surprising. Imagine your whole car glowing, maybe with color changes, movement, etc. Not to mention the military applications. And make-up. Glowing nekked womens would be interesting.

Actually, it is hard to imagine BMW's thinking. They provide a light, but don't hook it up, have extra labor and two installation options on the line, have to design and specify two different handle bezels, list and stock two different parts (8 when you consider left and right, front and rear, with and without lights).

All this on a $50K (+) vehicle.

Car companies supposedly try to cut their manufacturing costs, but there are so many examples of doing things in strange ways that can only add to their costs.

[mrbmwx5]

Originally Posted by X Foomph

.

So apart from not having the clips what I would like to know is how do I fire up these LED's, in particular the one for the inner door handle ?? Any input from Tom or someone who's done this 'mod' would be greatly appreciated.

[X5 Meister]

Actually it's not. They save money by using the same wiring harness. Have you ever seen some BMW's with seat panel cut-outs that haven't been utilized, like either for lumbar support, etc.? They save money by making 1 seat panel and then depending on options finish up the connections.

Originally Posted by carlgo

Actually, it is hard to imagine BMW's thinking. They provide a light, but don't hook it up, have extra labor and two installation options on the line, have to design and specify two different handle bezels, list and stock two different parts (8 when you consider left and right, front and rear, with and without lights).

All this on a $50K (+) vehicle.

Car companies supposedly try to cut their manufacturing costs, but there are so many examples of doing things in strange ways that can only add to their costs.

[X Foomph]

To Laurence & Tom,
Thanks for the heads up. I'll have another poke around and see if I can find the light. I feel a bit silly now thinking that I had 2 lights and stood there waiting for them to light up. I'm no auto electrician as you can see. You learn something new every day, thank you.

[xnsf]

turn on your parking lights to help locate the lights

on my car, the led of the led housing is wrapped in the black tape near the upper speakers

[X Foomph]

I had a really good look for the LED light for the inside handle but it's just not there. I felt all along the wrapped up wires behind the inside door panel like Tom suggested, but nada. I'm sure I would've felt the bulge of the LED if it was there.

I even tried what xnsf said which is also a good common sense idea. Jumped in the car (in the dark) with lights on, still nothing.

So I guess I missed out on what is a nifty little (mod) inclusion, as some people don't know or can't see where the handle is in the dark, bit of a shame.

I'm going to yield to defeat on this one unless someone can suggest something else.

BTW my X is '08/2002 3.0i non sport, Euro delivery.