Convert Tail Lamp Bulbs to LED bulbs?

[Best4x4xFAR]

Hello All,

I've tried to search the subject, but maybe I am doing something wrong, because I'm not coming up with many results. Is there a tried and true LED bulb people are using to replace the tail brake light bulbs in the E53 Tail lights (upper and lower, as well as a clear when off, Amber when lit turn signal option, would I need a different relay for turn signals to prevent odd flash rates)?

Do I need a different bulb for the top rather than the bottom (they seem to both be 21 w single filament bulbs, and the control board on the tail lamp controls the intensity of the bulbs between taillight and brake light duty I guess)?

Is something like this a good choice? Or can these even be done given the fact that it seams as though the tail lamp board varies voltage for LED and Brake light functionality..

EDIT: I guess I would need these CAN BUS style bulbs to be able to effectively replace the tail\brake lamp bulbs?

[pezho405]

you can just get any bulbs you like, the brighter ones not the cheap ebay ones for 3$

WHat you will probably have to end up doing is coding to disable the cold monitoring for those bulbs, also for some warm monitoring as well

[tmv]

LED bulbs in taillights will not give you the brightness of halogen bulb. Led bulbs are directional, so unless you look directly straight at them, there won't be much brightness. I'd like my brake light as bright as possible.
Replace the taillights with LED taillights, not just the bulbs.

[BigBlack48is]

I tried the LED bulbs in my reverse lights and was NOT impressed with them. I ended up switching back to the stock bulbs

[Best4x4xFAR]

Hmmm, sounds like a project I will skip then, thanks for the information gentlemen..

[BigBlack48is]

The LED bulbs are great and work in applications like the angel eyes or interior lights, but do not have good distribution of light or penetration

[THE VEIN]

I've used led lights in my stock housing before just make sure u have a error free bulbs and they have a 360° viewing. and they will only appear brighter that's it

[THE VEIN]

Originally Posted by tmv

LED bulbs in taillights will not give you the brightness of halogen bulb. Led bulbs are directional, so unless you look directly straight at them, there won't be much brightness. I'd like my brake light as bright as possible.
Replace the taillights with LED taillights, not just the bulbs.

here is a pic of led bulbs in Stock housings. The left are led and right are halogen. I don't see anything that would make someone think That they won't be as bright from the side

[Ricky Bobby]

If you get the right type of bulbs in the reverse lights they can be as bright as stock, just gotta make sure you have enough high power led's and facing the right direction (or reverse lights shoot light out the side, real weird design.

My led reverse lights were 40 bucks for the pair but are bright as anything, and I have no issues seeing even with 15% tinted windows.

There's a thread about led reverse lights I ought to post some pics in and give it a bump.

The interior is a no brainer though. Get about 20 led bulbs and go to town, no errors on any and really updates the inside

[romeokc10]

Originally Posted by Ricky Bobby

If you get the right type of bulbs in the reverse lights they can be as bright as stock, just gotta make sure you have enough high power led's and facing the right direction (or reverse lights shoot light out the side, real weird design.

My led reverse lights were 40 bucks for the pair but are bright as anything, and I have no issues seeing even with 15% tinted windows.

There's a thread about led reverse lights I ought to post some pics in and give it a bump.

The interior is a no brainer though. Get about 20 led bulbs and go to town, no errors on any and really updates the inside

What he said, you've just gotta get the right ones, I've replaced all of my exterior lights with LED.