RD LEDs Installed

[Penguin]

Originally Posted by Epacy

that will cause an error and it will pop up on your dash.

Not on those lights. I can disconnect the bulb completely and not get an error.

I don't think BMW bothers to monitor those lights.

[Dubs]

These look great, anyone know of a similar light output product for the E53?

Dubs

[Penguin]

Originally Posted by Penguin

The link to the site selling them does not provide any specs. Any chance the info with your lights might have the current draw or wattage?

While camping it is convenient sometimes to leave the back hatch open for a while when setting-up the campsite, and I've thought about replacing the hatch lights with LEDs to reduce the current draw, e.g., rather than the same current and more light, I'm looking for the same light and less current.

OK, so I bought a couple figuring the extra light would be nice, even if the current wasn't lower. So I measure the current draw with the following results:

LED lights: 0.10 Amp each

Standard lights: 0.33 Amp each


So switching the rear hatch lights to these LEDs will cut the current draw when the hatch is open by more than 2/3. Or thereabouts, as I don't know the current draw of the illuminated "close" button.

The lights are brighter than stock and fit. While many after-market things say they are an exact fit, many are not. These truly are an exact fit.

While the lights are nice, I decided against ordering more to use in the foot wells, as while the bluish light is quite pleasing, I don't think it would fit that well with the upper lights still "yellow." And I don't really want to take the trouble to switch-out all the interior lights. And the yellow light's "warmth" sorta goes with the sand beige interior.

But if you are someone who leave the rear hatch open for extended periods of time, the lower current draw, combined with the increased and more even light, makes changing the rear hatch lights attractive.

[southwold]

Where can we order these?

[X5X]

Nice, I did the same thing on my old e53, but it was led blue.
I think i will do white on my e70.

[Epacy]

Originally Posted by southwold

Where can we order these?

It's in the very first post.

[Daripper]

Thanks Epacy for info! I replaced all four doors foot lamps, tailgate and did the rear license plate. Love the look at night. Nice and bright. Ill try to post pics of it.

- DaRip

[Epacy]

Originally Posted by Daripper

Thanks Epacy for info! I replaced all four doors foot lamps, tailgate and did the rear license plate. Love the look at night. Nice and bright. Ill try to post pics of it.

- DaRip

I am concerned the license plate lights would be too bright. I don't really need them to be crazy bright back there. Are they of the same intensity as the others?

[Daripper]

Originally Posted by Epacy

I am concerned the license plate lights would be too bright. I don't really need them to be crazy bright back there. Are they of the same intensity as the others?

Yup..they are bright and will attract attention because they dont look stock at all. Wish I could reduce the brightness somehow. Oh wells..it will work for now. Ill try to take some pics tonight. I just got back from doing a 3000 mile road trip with the X and it needs a major wash.

- DaRip

[barbja]

Originally Posted by Daripper

Yup..they are bright and will attract attention because they dont look stock at all. Wish I could reduce the brightness somehow. Oh wells..it will work for now. Ill try to take some pics tonight. I just got back from doing a 3000 mile road trip with the X and it needs a major wash.

How did you get the license plate lights out of the body? Do they come out the same as the others? I was having a problem with the first one so I stopped. I was concerned that I would break it. Do I just have to work at it harder with them than the others (the ones under the doors), or is there some secret?