Amber rear turn signals - the easy way

[vadimp]

I've always hated the red rear turn signals they put on US-bound cars. One way to restore the original European look would be to purchase Euro-spec lamps, but that would run you around $700-800 each; cheaper with used from eBay, but still expensive.

Another way is to put amber LED bulbs and code the car to not throw a code. Just tried that and the result is better than I had expected. Perfect amber illumination even though the lens itself is red.

The bulbs are WeissLicht Spectrum, $89 a pair:

https://www.bimmian.com/WeissLicht-L...for-BMW-E70-X5

Coding can be done using a BMWhat App with any compatible WiFi OBDII dongle.

[BMWOO7]

Thanks for posting this. Do you have the LED front bulbs as well and if so do you have any issues with 'rapid-flashing' of the turn signals?

I have read different articles about the difference between using Red LED's vs. White LED's in the factory taillights, but the Amber's sure do look like they are producing a nice Amber flash, even through the Red lens'.

[vadimp]

Yes, I have WeissLicht Spectrum front LED bulbs. No error codes, no flickering, great light output.

[docsalr]

Just to let you know I changed the bulbs as suggested for the rear turn signals and they work great! No error or codes either. I am planning to ship the car to UK so I think that is one of the requirements.

[josiahg52]

I'd be interested in the EUR part numbers for LCI amber taillights if anybody has those lying around.

[ard]

doc....most countries require the lights to be oe....and comply with whatever light certifications existed for a new


tossing an unapproved third world bulb into a us-approved lens Assembly, and thinking the uk will say 'looks oe', will be risky.




to op-

Ive never understood lighting mods that (1) the owner cant see, just others, and (2) have zero functional value. Just me.

[josiahg52]

Originally Posted by ard

doc....most countries require the lights to be oe....and comply with whatever light certifications existed for a new


tossing an unapproved third world bulb into a us-approved lens Assembly, and thinking the uk will say 'looks oe', will be risky.




to op-

Ive never understood lighting mods that (1) the owner cant see, just others, and (2) have zero functional value. Just me.

You're right, the driver can't see their rear lights, just others. Most don't care or even think of them. You're wrong that such a "mod" has zero functional value.

A completely separate and amber turn indicator makes more sense than a red one. Other drivers at a glance have to make a judgment call whether the light they see is a brake indicator or the driver next to them is moving into their lane. An amber light with an amber lens is the best solution. That's why I want amber taillights. Having them light amber is better than nothing.

At least the E70 has separate turn indicators, brake lights and markers. Some manufacturers choose and are allowed to combine the brake light into a turn signal. This makes the taillights dangerously ambiguous. The all-red US E70 taillights exist and these manufacturers choose to combine light functions to save a buck and because the light assemblies are "good enough" for use in the US. It's for looks also. What's funny is these manufacturers have to add auxiliary lighting to sell their vehicles in other parts of the world.

[ard]

In America, driving at night in the rain...I see a blinking Amber light.

What does this mean? To me. At that time?

Not theoretically speaking if we could redefine USDOT standards


But hey, knock yourself out. Half the drivers in the us don't signal anyway.

[josiahg52]

Originally Posted by ard

In America, driving at night in the rain...I see a blinking Amber light.

What does this mean? To me. At that time?

Not theoretically speaking if we could redefine USDOT standards


But hey, knock yourself out. Half the drivers in the us don't signal anyway.

At what interval? How close are you to water? It might be a submarine ID mast light.

I mean, if the ONLY thing I see is a single amber blinking light. At night. While driving. In the rain.

[ard]

Originally Posted by josiahg52

At what interval? How close are you to water? It might be a submarine ID mast light.

I mean, if the ONLY thing I see is a single amber blinking light. At night. While driving. In the rain.

Hard to port cap'n!!!!