Halogen to LED DRL conversion - BMW 3-Series Forum (F30 / F32)

justinnum1 · 02-18-2012, 03:15 PM

It says the DRL lights use a PW24W halogen, i found these LED's that are replacements for halogens...im pretty sure this would work bu was wondering if anyone here more technical than me had any input.

http://www.bimmian.com/70/WTS/

I might buy these and give them a try. I will call first and make sure i can return them if they dont work/throw a code.

I think these might look cool and for 70 bucks is an inexpensive DIY

svache · 02-18-2012, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justinnum1

It says the DRL lights use a PW24W halogen, i found these LED's that are replacements for halogens...im pretty sure this would work bu was wondering if anyone here more technical than me had any input.

http://www.bimmian.com/70/WTS/

I might buy these and give them a try. I will call first and make sure i can return them if they dont work/throw a code.

I think these might look cool and for 70 bucks is an inexpensive DIY

Wow I'm curious to see how that looks compared to the regular halogen. If you have them, could you post some pics/vid and experiences online?

matt_335Ci · 02-18-2012, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justinnum1

It says the DRL lights use a PW24W halogen, i found these LED's that are replacements for halogens...im pretty sure this would work bu was wondering if anyone here more technical than me had any input.

http://www.bimmian.com/70/WTS/

I might buy these and give them a try. I will call first and make sure i can return them if they dont work/throw a code.

I think these might look cool and for 70 bucks is an inexpensive DIY

great find!!

justinnum1 · 02-21-2012, 03:49 PM

Will probably order this tonight or tomorrow, will post pics of the before and after

90degreeman · 02-21-2012, 03:54 PM

Justin - Are there any bulbs available for the rear tail-lamp which are not LEDs? I am going to replace them if I can. Let me know

Cheers. Btw, do Xenon's on the 335i also have these same bulbs? if so, i amgoing to order these... $70 is not terribly expensive.

NGuyadeen · 02-21-2012, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justinnum1

It says the DRL lights use a PW24W halogen, i found these LED's that are replacements for halogens...im pretty sure this would work bu was wondering if anyone here more technical than me had any input.

http://www.bimmian.com/70/WTS/

I might buy these and give them a try. I will call first and make sure i can return them if they dont work/throw a code.

I think these might look cool and for 70 bucks is an inexpensive DIY

Looks good dude great find!!!!! Since you just got your car will BMW void warranty if you do that?

justinnum1 · 02-21-2012, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NGuyadeen

Looks good dude great find!!!!! Since you just got your car will BMW void warranty if you do that?

I hope not lol, why would they? im basically replacing a shitty light bulb with a cool one. If it throws a code or does not work i will just return them.

I have read up on that warranty stuff, they cant void me for just replacing a light bulb(at least i dont think they can). If i was doing an engine tune, or downpipes or something then yea, probably. If they give me any shit ill go nuts on them lol.

NGuyadeen · 02-21-2012, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justinnum1

I hope not lol, why would they? im basically replacing a shitty light bulb with a cool one. If it throws a code or does not work i will just return them.

I have read up on that warranty stuff, they cant void me for just replacing a light bulb. If i was doing an engine tune, or downpipes or something then yea, probably. If they give me any shit ill go nuts on them lol.

Okay lol. BMW dealers always give the stupidest reasons to deny a repair. Give emm hell if they do. Thats such a economical LED solution

Rdx · 02-21-2012, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justinnum1

I hope not lol, why would they? im basically replacing a shitty light bulb with a cool one. If it throws a code or does not work i will just return them.

I have read up on that warranty stuff, they cant void me for just replacing a light bulb(at least i dont think they can). If i was doing an engine tune, or downpipes or something then yea, probably. If they give me any shit ill go nuts on them lol.

If so, replace them back. Lol.

rollinstone157 · 02-27-2012, 08:55 PM

I'm sorry, but don't get those bulbs. Bimmian overcharges for EVERYTHING.

If you go to HighPerformanceBulbs.com, you can get their 18-LED bulbs that will fit these cars for $50 (http://www.highperformancebulbs.com/bmwpy5frtusi.html). And you can get the 23-LED version for $60 (http://www.highperformancebulbs.com/bmwpy5frtusi1.html).

If you're willing to spend $70, get something that will blow both lower-end HPB products, and the overpriced Bimmian product out of the water. Get the 7.5 Watt LED bulb (in amber here http://www.highperformancebulbs.com/bmwpy5amulhi.html and in white here http://www.highperformancebulbs.com/bmwpy5ulhipo.html) and they will be SOOO much brighter than the cheaper bulbs. No one else sells those 7.5 Watt turn signal bulbs by the way.

HPB has a great reputation over on E90Post for having rock-solid HID kits that won't throw errors, and they have an almost perfect track record on the pick 06/07 models too. Everything I've bought from them (interior kit for my car + friend's cars, AE's, turn signals, etc.) has exceeded my expectations, and their customer service is incredibly helpful for an extremely small business.

justinnum1 · 02-27-2012, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rollinstone157

I'm sorry, but don't get those bulbs. Bimmian overcharges for EVERYTHING.

If you go to HighPerformanceBulbs.com, you can get their 18-LED bulbs that will fit these cars for $50 (http://www.highperformancebulbs.com/bmwpy5frtusi.html). And you can get the 23-LED version for $60 (http://www.highperformancebulbs.com/bmwpy5frtusi1.html).

If you're willing to spend $70, get something that will blow both lower-end HPB products, and the overpriced Bimmian product out of the water. Get the 7.5 Watt LED bulb (in amber here http://www.highperformancebulbs.com/bmwpy5amulhi.html and in white here http://www.highperformancebulbs.com/bmwpy5ulhipo.html) and they will be SOOO much brighter than the cheaper bulbs. No one else sells those 7.5 Watt turn signal bulbs by the way.

HPB has a great reputation over on E90Post for having rock-solid HID kits that won't throw errors, and they have an almost perfect track record on the pick 06/07 models too. Everything I've bought from them (interior kit for my car + friend's cars, AE's, turn signals, etc.) has exceeded my expectations, and their customer service is incredibly helpful for an extremely small business.

Interesting, i have not ordered yet, thanks for this! My 3 concerns are
-will it throw a code?
-how hot will the get, they are made for turn signlas, ut being DRL's they would be on for a while
-how easy to install? i got into the area i need to install and its tight as hell in there

also. what would the return policy be? i will be calling this new place tomorrow, thanks again!

rollinstone157 · 02-27-2012, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justinnum1

Quote:

Originally Posted by rollinstone157

I'm sorry, but don't get those bulbs. Bimmian overcharges for EVERYTHING.

If you go to HighPerformanceBulbs.com, you can get their 18-LED bulbs that will fit these cars for $50 (http://www.highperformancebulbs.com/bmwpy5frtusi.html). And you can get the 23-LED version for $60 (http://www.highperformancebulbs.com/bmwpy5frtusi1.html).

If you're willing to spend $70, get something that will blow both lower-end HPB products, and the overpriced Bimmian product out of the water. Get the 7.5 Watt LED bulb (in amber here http://www.highperformancebulbs.com/bmwpy5amulhi.html and in white here http://www.highperformancebulbs.com/bmwpy5ulhipo.html) and they will be SOOO much brighter than the cheaper bulbs. No one else sells those 7.5 Watt turn signal bulbs by the way.

HPB has a great reputation over on E90Post for having rock-solid HID kits that won't throw errors, and they have an almost perfect track record on the pick 06/07 models too. Everything I've bought from them (interior kit for my car + friend's cars, AE's, turn signals, etc.) has exceeded my expectations, and their customer service is incredibly helpful for an extremely small business.

Interesting, i have not ordered yet, thanks for this! My 3 concerns are
-will it throw a code?
-how hot will the get, they are made for turn signlas, ut being DRL's they would be on for a while
-how easy to install? i got into the area i need to install and its tight as hell in there

also. what would the return policy be? i will be calling this new place tomorrow, thanks again!

1. Will it throw a code? It didn't throw a code on E92 Pre-LCI's, and E90 LCI's w/ halogen lights (both cars use these as running lamps) it shouldn't throw a code (newer BMWs are much less picky with aftermarket bulbs--still will throw bulb-outs on cheap/non-canbus bulbs) but I cannot personally guarantee you it will not throw one. However, they have a very forgiving return policy, so if it does, no harm-no foul as they say...
2. They will certainly get hot, but they're clearly designed for it--note the all-aluminum construction. It won't get nearly hot enough to melt the housing, that's for sure.
3. I haven't seen an F30 yet (might be going on a test drive tomorrow though!!) so I can't say for sure; however, I bet there will be plenty of room--just pop the hood and take a look!

bosz · 02-27-2012, 09:52 PM

WOW GOOD FIND!

I almost wanted to put off buying ht MY12 till BMW came out with LED lights in the F30.

Just check out this video which shows the difference between the crappy bulb and sexy LEDs:

bosz · 02-27-2012, 09:55 PM

but is it just me or these LEDs aren't in sync:

JoeyO · 02-28-2012, 09:34 AM

How come LED bulbs are made to replace fog light halogen bulbs and every other bulb on the car but they're not designed for the regular driving headlamp halogen bulbs? In other words, the lights that really matter.

I'm clueless when it comes to LED bulbs.

pcbrew · 02-28-2012, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeyO

How come LED bulbs are made to replace fog light halogen bulbs and every other bulb on the car but they're not designed for the regular driving headlamp halogen bulbs? In other words, the lights that really matter.

AFAIK, it's because you need roughly point light source at the focal point of the reflector to create the beam for the main lights and that takes special high-power LEDs or maybe some projector system.

Notice that the LED replacements have multiple small LEDs mounted on a cylinder to generate ~same total light output as the halogen. This is fine if you just need light that gets scattered in multiple directions for turn signals, brake lights, etc., but not so good if you need to create a beam of light.

Accelerometer · 02-28-2012, 10:46 AM

Guys,
I am bit of an LED nerd and have designed custom solutions for a few cars. Let me just say this, the majority of drop in LED bulbs are sub par and won't come close to matching your stock halogen output. LEDs by nature have a narrow output angle so they may look ok from straight on but output drops significantly when you stray from direct line of sight. This is why most OEM LED lighting solutions employ custom optics/reflector solutions to maximize viewing angles.

The only semi drop in solution I have ever seen that exceeds halogen output are the 5W LEDs from ELEF http://elef-usa.com Elef's solution will reuqire you to splice you OEM wiring harness and possibly add relays to get them to function correctly.

I would jsut be concerned with BMW's bulb checking functions and also if this would have any affect on the Active Brake Light system (If you choose to replace your brake lights).

Still kills me that BMW didn't offer a full LED lighting solution from factory!

Video of ELEF turn signals vs a drop in tower solution:

svache · 02-28-2012, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bosz

WOW GOOD FIND!

I almost wanted to put off buying ht MY12 till BMW came out with LED lights in the F30.

Just check out this video which shows the difference between the crappy bulb and sexy LEDs:

wow thanks for this! I'm so going to change my indicator bulbs with the LED's like this, such a huge difference!

JoeyO · 02-28-2012, 11:50 PM

I don't understand the whole white indicator bulbs thing. Isn't that illegal in the USA? Are people that desperate for attention? That would be very very distracting to my eyes if I ever saw that on the road. Individualism should never be achieved at the expense of the public's safety, IMO. It falls in the same category as people who put those annoying blue bulbs in the headlights or put neon ground effects under their cars.

svache · 02-29-2012, 02:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeyO

I don't understand the whole white indicator bulbs thing. Isn't that illegal in the USA? Are people that desperate for attention? That would be very very distracting to my eyes if I ever saw that on the road. Individualism should never be achieved at the expense of the public's safety, IMO. It falls in the same category as people who put those annoying blue bulbs in the headlights or put neon ground effects under their cars.

Well, actually I mostly quoted that particular one because of how the LED's look compared to the regular bulbs, not so much for the color of the LED's. Basically I could have quoted one of the others as well, it's just that he was the first with a video

And yep, it is illegal from what I know but so are the amber colored ones if they are not DOT approved (well, at least here in Hawaii). If it really makes a big difference in safety, I don't know. I do know the video stated that it is dramatized so it might not be as bright as it looks in the video.

Either way, once I get my F30, I am going to order amber ones, not the white ones. Take, for example, the indicators in the mirrors, those are amber colored too, if the ones up front all the sudden are white, it's going to look very odd imo.

AWMSPORT · 02-29-2012, 02:13 AM

I like the LED , did it throw any codes? do they make them in White?..(IMO i hate orange)

Quote:

Originally Posted by bosz

but is it just me or these LEDs aren't in sync:

Anodite10 · 02-29-2012, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bosz

but is it just me or these LEDs aren't in sync:

LOL they aren't in sync!

02-18-2012, 03:15 PM	#1
justinnum1 Brigadier General Drives: 2013 335i Msport Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: South Florida Posts: 3,792 iTrader: (0)	Halogen to LED DRL conversion It says the DRL lights use a PW24W halogen, i found these LED's that are replacements for halogens...im pretty sure this would work bu was wondering if anyone here more technical than me had any input. http://www.bimmian.com/70/WTS/ I might buy these and give them a try. I will call first and make sure i can return them if they dont work/throw a code. I think these might look cool and for 70 bucks is an inexpensive DIY __________________ F30 335i Msport Estoril Blue/Black leather sport auto. black grills, Performance Exhaust, HK,
	Tweet

02-21-2012, 03:49 PM	#4
justinnum1 Brigadier General Drives: 2013 335i Msport Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: South Florida Posts: 3,792 iTrader: (0)	Will probably order this tonight or tomorrow, will post pics of the before and after __________________ F30 335i Msport Estoril Blue/Black leather sport auto. black grills, Performance Exhaust, HK,

02-27-2012, 08:55 PM	#10
rollinstone157 Brotographer Drives: 2010 328i xDrive Sedan Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: NJ, USA Posts: 1,545 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2010 BMW 328i xDriv ... [3.33]	I'm sorry, but don't get those bulbs. Bimmian overcharges for EVERYTHING. If you go to HighPerformanceBulbs.com, you can get their 18-LED bulbs that will fit these cars for $50 (http://www.highperformancebulbs.com/bmwpy5frtusi.html). And you can get the 23-LED version for $60 (http://www.highperformancebulbs.com/bmwpy5frtusi1.html). If you're willing to spend $70, get something that will blow both lower-end HPB products, and the overpriced Bimmian product out of the water. Get the 7.5 Watt LED bulb (in amber here http://www.highperformancebulbs.com/bmwpy5amulhi.html and in white here http://www.highperformancebulbs.com/bmwpy5ulhipo.html) and they will be SOOO much brighter than the cheaper bulbs. No one else sells those 7.5 Watt turn signal bulbs by the way. HPB has a great reputation over on E90Post for having rock-solid HID kits that won't throw errors, and they have an almost perfect track record on the pick 06/07 models too. Everything I've bought from them (interior kit for my car + friend's cars, AE's, turn signals, etc.) has exceeded my expectations, and their customer service is incredibly helpful for an extremely small business. __________________ CPO Space Gray 2010 328i xDrive Sedan -\|- Premium -\|- Value -\|- Heated Seats/Steering Wheel -\|- PDC Fr./R -\|- Xenon -\|- Navigation -\|- Logic7 -\|- Installed -\|- Rear Fogs -\|- HighPerformanceBulbs Ultimate LED Interior Kit [courtesy, footwell, dome, + trunk modules] -\|- V-LEDS 9W Reverse Lights -\|- HPB 20W Angel Eyes -\|- Lots of Coding

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02-21-2012, 03:54 PM	#5
90degreeman Private First Class Drives: Crappy 2001 Accord Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Universe Posts: 173 iTrader: (0)	Justin - Are there any bulbs available for the rear tail-lamp which are not LEDs? I am going to replace them if I can. Let me know Cheers. Btw, do Xenon's on the 335i also have these same bulbs? if so, i amgoing to order these... $70 is not terribly expensive.

02-27-2012, 09:52 PM	#13
bosz Lieutenant Drives: F30 335i Ordered Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: toronto Posts: 546 iTrader: (0)	WOW GOOD FIND! I almost wanted to put off buying ht MY12 till BMW came out with LED lights in the F30. Just check out this video which shows the difference between the crappy bulb and sexy LEDs:

02-27-2012, 09:55 PM	#14
bosz Lieutenant Drives: F30 335i Ordered Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: toronto Posts: 546 iTrader: (0)	but is it just me or these LEDs aren't in sync:

02-28-2012, 09:34 AM	#15
JoeyO Lieutenant Drives: silver car Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: USA Posts: 516 iTrader: (0)	How come LED bulbs are made to replace fog light halogen bulbs and every other bulb on the car but they're not designed for the regular driving headlamp halogen bulbs? In other words, the lights that really matter. I'm clueless when it comes to LED bulbs.

02-28-2012, 10:46 AM	#17
Accelerometer Second Lieutenant Drives: '13 F30 335i /'11 E90 M3 ZCP Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NJ Posts: 279 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW E90 M3 [0.00] 2013 BMW F30 335i x ... [0.00]	Guys, I am bit of an LED nerd and have designed custom solutions for a few cars. Let me just say this, the majority of drop in LED bulbs are sub par and won't come close to matching your stock halogen output. LEDs by nature have a narrow output angle so they may look ok from straight on but output drops significantly when you stray from direct line of sight. This is why most OEM LED lighting solutions employ custom optics/reflector solutions to maximize viewing angles. The only semi drop in solution I have ever seen that exceeds halogen output are the 5W LEDs from ELEF http://elef-usa.com Elef's solution will reuqire you to splice you OEM wiring harness and possibly add relays to get them to function correctly. I would jsut be concerned with BMW's bulb checking functions and also if this would have any affect on the Active Brake Light system (If you choose to replace your brake lights). Still kills me that BMW didn't offer a full LED lighting solution from factory! Video of ELEF turn signals vs a drop in tower solution:

02-28-2012, 11:50 PM	#19
JoeyO Lieutenant Drives: silver car Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: USA Posts: 516 iTrader: (0)	I don't understand the whole white indicator bulbs thing. Isn't that illegal in the USA? Are people that desperate for attention? That would be very very distracting to my eyes if I ever saw that on the road. Individualism should never be achieved at the expense of the public's safety, IMO. It falls in the same category as people who put those annoying blue bulbs in the headlights or put neon ground effects under their cars.