25w Cree Led has just arrive. Guess what?

[Kev]

Hi, I have been looking at two options for replacing my 5w white AE bulbs (one stopped working just recently after 2 years)

These seem to be the 25W ones referred to in this post,

BMW E83 X3 E53 X5 25W CREE LED Angel Eyes Halo Rings Upgrade Bulbs Marker Kit | eBay

But having read some of the problems, you guys were having, and the note in the listing for these guys, I wondered if it's possible that the 20W ones have been redesigned to avoid some of the problems?

"Please note these have replaced our 25w model (4 LEDs each unit 12.5w each) These new 20w models have 1 x 10W CREE LED chip in each with side directional light output. Far brighter to look at and more reliable with no extra ballast resistors to plug in"

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/20W-10W-CREE-Angel-eye-LED-upgrade-units-BMW-X5-E53-02-07-6000K-2013-MODEL-/370773895267?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM& fits=Car+Make%3ABMW%7CModel%3AX5&hash=item5653d8a8 63#ht_2423wt_1399

What do you reckon guys? Or are they just the older ones, and the text is there to attract buyers awar from the 25W models?

Thanks for any experiences with these ... Cheers. Kev.

[X5SND]

Originally Posted by Kev

Hi, I have been looking at two options for replacing my 5w white AE bulbs (one stopped working just recently after 2 years)

These seem to be the 25W ones referred to in this post,

BMW E83 X3 E53 X5 25W CREE LED Angel Eyes Halo Rings Upgrade Bulbs Marker Kit | eBay

But having read some of the problems, you guys were having, and the note in the listing for these guys, I wondered if it's possible that the 20W ones have been redesigned to avoid some of the problems?

"Please note these have replaced our 25w model (4 LEDs each unit 12.5w each) These new 20w models have 1 x 10W CREE LED chip in each with side directional light output. Far brighter to look at and more reliable with no extra ballast resistors to plug in"

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/20W-10W-CREE-Angel-eye-LED-upgrade-units-BMW-X5-E53-02-07-6000K-2013-MODEL-/370773895267?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM& fits=Car+Make%3ABMW%7CModel%3AX5&hash=item5653d8a8 63#ht_2423wt_1399

What do you reckon guys? Or are they just the older ones, and the text is there to attract buyers awar from the 25W models?

Thanks for any experiences with these ... Cheers. Kev.

IMO, at this point it's pretty definitive that whatever the claim as to the brightness, the limiting factor in our rings is the design of the optics. Regardless of the claim, if you're looking for a result that gets you a daytime visible set of AE's, the bottom line is that you will end up disappointed.

[Doru]

I also had the e-bay specials Clockwork posted. Albeit, I had them about 6 or 7 years ago on my e39. They lasted less than 1/2 year.
Then I purchased 2 sets from Umnitza. One was the ICE 5 the other ICE Vxx. Both sets are still working today. They are maybe a smidge brighter than the e-bay specials, but there is definitely a different quality. The e-bay is lacking the term "quality". One set from Umnitza ended up in my e53.

On the e39 boards were different members that tried improving the light output of the stock AE's with different solutions, like this one (here's the thread with the build):



The best was done by a member from Japan, who moved States side, and relocated a HID bulb in the OEM AE bulb housing, like this (here's the post). The light output is close to the new e70. The AE bulbs from e39 and e53 are different, but the e39 fits in the e53 housing (not sure if vice-versa works too - I didn't have to try it):




Here's the Youtube vid with HID angel eyes:

HID Angel-Eye - YouTube