Originally Posted by bcredliner (Post 991815)

I would like my back up lights to be brighter but am not interested doing any coding. Is there a most recommended bulb here that doesn't do crazy stuff or throw errors?

Originally Posted by goodie2sandles (Post 991905)

Could always go with brand name....I know for sure Bimmian sells one. Perhaps ECS too

Originally Posted by Ricky Bobby (Post 991889)

Bc, if you don't use led bulb you won't need to code off cold monitoring.

Perhaps going from a 21w to a 25w bulb would be brighter?

Originally Posted by jgold47 (Post 991791)

I was playing around online looking at 7506 bulb options.

seems there is a 3497 that honda uses which is a bit brighter

and the big daddy seems to be a 796


cribbed from an AUDI site

BACK UP LIGHT
OEM
7506
12V
1.75A
21W
35cp
150hr

UPGRADE
3497
12V
2.1A
25.2W
45cp
600hr

UPGRADE
1295
12.5V
3A
37.5W
50cp
200hr

UPGRADE
796
12.8v
2.73a
35w
62cp
300hr

The reverse lights have several options but again the 75xx-series are a higher-spec European bulb that are already very good. The single-filament counterpart to the dual-filament 3496 is the 3497, again available from Honda by ordering part 34903-SF1-A01 for about $6. It's a krypton bulb with very long life. Again we can use the 1295 (clear) bulb for reverse lights but the very high wattage and amperage doesn't seem worth it when you only get an extra 5cp. The ultimate back up light is the halogen-filled 796. For roughly the same power draw and heat as the 1295, we get 62cp, nearly doubling the standard 7506. Running the bulb for short periods shouldn't be a concern in terms of the heat generated. Avoid the cheap 50w halogen lights at auto parts stores


Given the issues with the wiring in our tails, this may be a foolish idea, but thought I would share what I found

Originally Posted by hunds02 (Post 1055239)

Has anyone tried these?

https://bimmian.com/WeissLicht-LED-R...for-BMW-E53-X5

A tad bit overpriced, but they claim more light output than OEM. They also use a reflector to help increase output and the LED is on the side rather than top.

Originally Posted by Lexicon740iL (Post 1055246)

^^^^^^^Those don't look to bad at all.

Since I posted this thread I have switched to 15W HID kit in my reverse.

CRAZY BRIGHT

I coded them on for my follow me home lighting and they light up my whole garage when the door is closed

Originally Posted by X53Jay4.8is (Post 1055258)

I can vouch for the Bimmian Spektrum. I have them in my E39 M5, reverse and front turn signal and they really work well and will buy a set for my X5.

On another note I did the led license plate light kit for my BMW E39 M5 and I had problems with getting the right side module to consistently work. I tried two sets and after that I abandoned using them. I got a set of replacement led bulbs from superbright Leds and these have performed well.

So long story short the Bimmian for the Spektrum leds is great but some of the other leds that they market beware.

Originally Posted by hunds02 (Post 1055262)

How long have you had them and can you send me details on the kit you purchased? Will they flicker or cause OBC errors without the need for coding? Also where did you place the ballasts? I might take this route as I want bright reverse lights, as long as the install is not too involved.




How long have you had the Spektrums? Any OBC errors or flickering without the need of coding?