LED bulbs, any recommendations?

M

mjennings23

Senior member
 North West
Morning all,

I'm looking at upgrading my filament bulbs externally to LED, just to freshen up the car a bit.

Does anyone have any recommendations as to brands, I know BMWs tend to be very picky when it comes to flickering or bulb out warnings with led bulbs.

For reference, I'm wanting to replace side lights, indicators, brake/tail lights and number plate lights. I've recently ordered a new set of xenon bulbs too.
 
Flickering is due to the bulb checks, bulb out warnings due to the reduced load.
"Canbus compatible" LEDs simply have integrated resistors to match the power draw of normal bulbs and negate any power savings. Cheap ones often don't last long.

I would recommend coding out the bulb checks and getting true LEDs. I have a mix of Philips and Osram, but would happily exclusively use Osram premium now.

For number plates I think you're better off with the OE units from the 1 series, couple of threads on here about the mod.
 
Scooba_Steve said:
Flickering is due to the bulb checks, bulb out warnings due to the reduced load.
"Canbus compatible" LEDs simply have integrated resistors to match the power draw of normal bulbs and negate any power savings. Cheap ones often don't last long.

I would recommend coding out the bulb checks and getting true LEDs. I have a mix of Philips and Osram, but would happily exclusively use Osram premium now.

For number plates I think you're better off with the OE units from the 1 series, couple of threads on here about the mod.
Click to expand...
Hi,

How do you code out the checks? I've just put in some led bulbs today as one of them died and my indicators are now on when sidelights are switched on.

I have carley and believe I have already changed the voltage checks AFAIK.

Is my only further option to get some LEDs with the resistors? Or as you mentioned Steve, the orsam ones?

Cheers,
 
I've not got Carly so can't help with that but must assume check control is still on along with at least one of the hot or cold bulb checks. If you can get NCS Expert working I can show you what to turn off.
OSRAM will need the checks turning off, so are currently no good to you but they make very good LEDs. I currently have rear brake, reverse and indicators from them and Philips front side lights.
 
I bought these for the rear number plate, they are excellent:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/282117811343

I originally just bough the bulbs but they were not very bright as the plastic inside the holders was pretty old and didnt let a lot of light through. These units look just like the ads you see, in the dark its a bright white light, a very cheap worth while mod IMHO.
 
scooobydont said:
I bought these for the rear number plate, they are excellent:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/282117811343

I originally just bough the bulbs but they were not very bright as the plastic inside the holders was pretty old and didnt let a lot of light through. These units look just like the ads you see, in the dark its a bright white light, a very cheap worth while mod IMHO.
Click to expand...

I can second these, I have had them for a year or so.

Scooba_Steve said:
I've not got Carly so can't help with that but must assume check control is still on along with at least one of the hot or cold bulb checks. If you can get NCS Expert working I can show you what to turn off.
OSRAM will need the checks turning off, so are currently no good to you but they make very good LEDs. I currently have rear brake, reverse and indicators from them and Philips front side lights.
Click to expand...

Cheers ScoobaSteve, I will do my best to get that NCS on. I have a copy of the software but not installed. Have you managed to get it working within a VM? Or a standalone laptop?
 
NCS is working along with INPA stand alone on a Windows 10 tablet, it was a manual install though so time consuming but not difficult. I don't have ISTA installed for the only reason the HDD isn't big enough.
 
Hi Steve, I've managed to get them both installed on a laptop. Apart from launching the software I literally have zero idea what I am doing with either of them! I can just about pick what car I have so please go easy! Thanks again
 
Chii said:
Hi Steve, I've managed to get them both installed on a laptop. Apart from launching the software I literally have zero idea what I am doing with either of them! I can just about pick what car I have so please go easy! Thanks again
Click to expand...

I'd be really interested in doing this also and I'm in the same situation have the software installed but not used yet. been looking for some tutorials on "coding" via NCS but not found any yet
 
Ive installed LEDs into the interior lamp locations and sidelights on my 53 Zed. I purchased the LEDS from my local Halfords & although expensive they work first time and haven't failed ... unlike some of the cheap Chinese rubbish which I bought off Ebay and had problems with immediately :!: :thumbsdown:

I also updated the reverse lamps (I have two on my Zed) to LEDs (bought off Amazon) and it makes such a difference in the level of illumination.

Can you guys provide any recommendations or weblinks to LEDs bulbs so I can update my front foglights?
 
k31ron said:
I'd be really interested in doing this also and I'm in the same situation have the software installed but not used yet. been looking for some tutorials on "coding" via NCS but not found any yet
Click to expand...

Hi K31ron,
I've managed to code some options with the NCS so far, nothing useful. I am really only looking for the option to disable the LED DRL check. Progress is slow! After I get that done I will play around with some other things
This video on Youtube was the most helpful I found on what to do with NCS - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFvwCurUpCE&t

I think he mentioned in the video the lighting ECU is 'ALSZ'
 
Chii said:
k31ron said:
I'd be really interested in doing this also and I'm in the same situation have the software installed but not used yet. been looking for some tutorials on "coding" via NCS but not found any yet
Click to expand...

Hi K31ron,
I've managed to code some options with the NCS so far, nothing useful. I am really only looking for the option to disable the LED DRL check. Progress is slow! After I get that done I will play around with some other things
This video on Youtube was the most helpful I found on what to do with NCS - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFvwCurUpCE&t

I think he mentioned in the video the lighting ECU is 'ALSZ'
Click to expand...

thanks will take a look
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom