Improving the Boot Light and License Plate Bulbs

[daveg]

License plate bulbs below - boot light on page 3 here http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=16137&start=30#p242265

I couldn't find any decent LED license plate bulbs for the Z4 (and had read on the board that other OEM solutions were too white or dim) I thought I'd make some of my own.

The problem with all of the white LED 501/W5W bulbs I could find is the LEDs weren't oriented in the right way. They either had LEDs facing forward or in all directions so would be pretty dim.
I wanted a white bulb without loosing any output.

The parts required are:

12 x 5050 SMD Power LED
2 x 4x21 Hole Vero-Board
2 x Rectifier Diode
6 x 180 Ohm Resistor

The diodes are there to protect the bulb from blowing if it is connected the wrong way round. The resistors were calculated to limit the LED current to 23mA - this should give a decent output whilst giving a decent life. I could have upped the current to make the bulbs brighter but the LEDs wouldn't have lasted as long. Some pictures for people wanting to DIY (please ask if not clear):





Here they are all soldered up, tested and ready to go:



The bulbs slot straight into the stock holders and fit nicely into the housings. Some pictures on the car (camera's exposure fixed to give accurate comparison):

Before:


After:


All in all pretty chuffed with the result, a bit brighter and really smartens up the back at night IMO.

 

[easty027]

they look great ! nice work

 

[ryukin]

very nice. makes quite a difference!

 

[Mafoo]

Good job. A much cleaner look for the backend. Will add this to my list of things to do on my car

 

[daveg]

Thanks for the comments guys - got something similar going in to upgrade the crap boot light. Will post that up when done.

 

[gannet]

+1 looks great

fancy doing some more

 

[Greeno]

nice. what is the black bit on the end of the one on the right? how did you hook them up to the bulb socket. or did you rip the socket out and hard wire them?

 

[daveg]

fancy doing some more

Cheers, I could be persuaded if someone REALLY wants a pair!

nice. what is the black bit on the end of the one on the right? how did you hook them up to the bulb socket. or did you rip the socket out and hard wire them?

Thank you- that's the bulb socket - it push and twists into the plastic enclosure/lens. Putting the original bulbs back in just involves removing the encosure, unplugging the bulb, switching and put back in bumper.

 

[Exactmax]

I would defo want a pair of these. How much would you want for a set? Posted to Richmond, Surrey?

Let me know?

 

[acerboo]

I would defo want a pair of these. How much would you want for a set? Posted to Richmond, Surrey?

Let me know?

me too (kent) and for the bootlight please.

 

[SSG S]

same here. price shippe to the states?

SSG S

 

[Rudd]

Great work, looks much better.

just got a private reg so i could do with some of those....

you shouldnt have said you could be persuaded..... how many members do we have on this forum? your going to be a busy man oke:

 

[daveg]

Thanks for the interest guys. I'll post the info on the boot light when it's installed and perhaps do a small run for those that want them/these. No promises!

Regards,
Dave

 

[aRtemis]

Makes a big diff I must admit. Do you think it would be worth doing the cockpit light as well?

 

[eyup]

Like this. May be tempted if you go for a groupbuild! Also, boot light sounds a runner. OEM is ******!

 

[Exactmax]

I'm desperate..... Let us know when you are building them

 

[Oakandacorns]

daveg - the new lights for the back numberplates look really good 8) ! I didn't realise that the OEM lights were that dim (going to take a look when it's dark). Thanks for posting the details.

 

[skikodiak]

I have not looked to see how much room we have to fit a led light in the factory position, but I've found some good stuff from an outfit here in the states called "SuperbrightLEDS" their website is http://www.superbrightleds.com/. They have several items that I have not seen elsewhere and their prices don't seem to be too bad. Not sure on how they do on international sales, but it may give you some ideas. I have replaced most of the interior lights with LEDs and have added a couple LED lights to the trunk (boot) along with changing the one factory light with a LED bulb. Sure makes a difference.

 

[acerboo]

hi are you able to make some of these for us? if not can you let me know where you sourced the parts so i can make some myself and can we have a pic of the other side of the bulb, thanks.

 

[daveg]

Right, I've made some enquries and got some prices. To make some for forum members would require having custom PCBs made. I couldn't saw, file and sand loads of veroboard as it takes ages! I would need to order around 60pcs of the PCB, which is 30 sets of bulbs.

The problem is low runs are expensive. I would expect a pair of bulbs to come out at approx £15 a set inc UK shipping. I have a feeling there won't be enough people interested at that price but welcome to be proven wrong.

If you want to make them yourself links are on the first post.

Dave