F30POST
F30POST
2012-2015 BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum (F30 / F32) | F30POST > 2012-2019 BMW 3 and 4-Series Forums > General F30 Sedan / F32 Coupe / F36 Gran Coupe Forum > Why does BMW downgrade turn signals to non-LED for new models?
Studio RSR
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      02-18-2013, 02:14 PM   #1
DannyITR
New Member
17
Rep
26
Posts

Drives: E92 328i
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Montreal

iTrader: (0)

Why does BMW downgrade turn signals to non-LED for new models?

BIMMERPOST
     Featured on BIMMERPOST.com
If you remember, the last E46 2005 3-Series had LED brake lights and LED rear turn signals. The first 2006 E90s has incandescent or standard bulp rear turn and brake lights. The facelifted E92 2009-2011 has LED rear turns, brakes and front turns. Now the brand spanking new F30s have (you guessed it) reverted back to incandescent or standard bulp rear turn and brake lights.

Am I the only idiot that is bothered by this downgrade in technology? Why does BMW do this? Do they think that the shiny new model design is enough to make us forget they screwed us on the on the LED lights which are brighter, safer, more efficient and just plain look better?
Appreciate 0
      02-18-2013, 02:34 PM   #2
venkata
Lieutenant
venkata's Avatar
United Kingdom
24
Rep
583
Posts

Drives: F30 330e MSport
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Lancashire

iTrader: (0)

I've noticed this too! Other Manufacturers also seem to do this and leave things for the facelift models. Very Annoying
__________________
Driving: F30 330e
// /M-Sport | Mineral Grey | Coral Red Leather | M Sport Plus Pack | Media Pro Plus Pack | Active Security Pack | Adaptive LED Lights | Advanced Parking Pack | Interior Comfort Pack | Enhanced Bluetooth with Wireless Charging| Black Performance Grill | Heated Seats | Heated Steering | Speed Limit Display

Appreciate 0
      02-18-2013, 02:42 PM   #3
metrathon
Captain
United_States
78
Rep
623
Posts

Drives: 2012 328i Sport Line
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Vista, SoCal

iTrader: (0)

So that when you get the LEDs on the the LCI you feel like it's added value

It's been pretty much the same story with adding LEDs to LCI and then remove them with the E39 and E60. So it looks to me this is a strategy.
__________________
Enjoying: 2014 Yamaha FZ-09 | 2015 Lexus GS 350 | 2015 Lexus RX 350
Past affairs: 2014 Lexus RX 350 | 2012 BMW 328i Sport | 2009 Audi A4 2.0T | 2007 BMW 750Li | 2006 Kawaki Ninja 650R | 2004 BMW 530i | 2004 BMW 520i | 2001 BMW 530i | 2003 Opel Vectra | 2002 Citroen Xsara
Appreciate 0
      02-18-2013, 02:44 PM   #4
RoundelM3
Major General
RoundelM3's Avatar
United_States
1816
Rep
6,974
Posts

Drives: 15 F80 M3, 22 G01 X3 30i
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Wendell, NC

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
2022 BMW X3  [9.83]
2015 BMW M3  [6.50]
As I recall, the E46 COUPES had LED lights; I think all of the sedans were incandescent. Haven't seen an F30 Coupe yet, but my 2007 E92 has incandescents. Haven't checked the F30, as it isn't due to be at the dealer's until next week, but I'll look. I'd expect the F30 335i to have LED units, though. If not, it's not that big a deal, although I'd much prefer the LEDs.
__________________

2015 F80 ///M3 Sedan 7DCT Tanzanite, 2022 X3 sDrive30i 8AT Brooklyn Grey
Appreciate 0
      02-18-2013, 03:01 PM   #5
SamS
Banned
United_States
866
Rep
6,248
Posts

Drives: Tesla M3 Perf + '18 X3 M40i
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Dallas, TX

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by roundel335 View Post
I'd expect the F30 335i to have LED units, though. If not, it's not that big a deal, although I'd much prefer the LEDs.
F30 has LED 'rear lights' aka light bars, but regular bulb brake and turn signals.
Appreciate 0
      02-18-2013, 03:15 PM   #6
RoundelM3
Major General
RoundelM3's Avatar
United_States
1816
Rep
6,974
Posts

Drives: 15 F80 M3, 22 G01 X3 30i
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Wendell, NC

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
2022 BMW X3  [9.83]
2015 BMW M3  [6.50]
Quote:
Originally Posted by SamS View Post
F30 has LED 'rear lights' aka light bars, but regular bulb brake and turn signals.
Well, that's a bummer! I'd think brake lights would be the same as the regular tail lights. I'm sure there'll be an upgrade kit available soon, though. At least the angel eyes are LED now.
__________________

2015 F80 ///M3 Sedan 7DCT Tanzanite, 2022 X3 sDrive30i 8AT Brooklyn Grey
Appreciate 0
      02-18-2013, 03:32 PM   #7
SamS
Banned
United_States
866
Rep
6,248
Posts

Drives: Tesla M3 Perf + '18 X3 M40i
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Dallas, TX

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by roundel335 View Post
Well, that's a bummer! I'd think brake lights would be the same as the regular tail lights. I'm sure there'll be an upgrade kit available soon, though. At least the angel eyes are LED now.
Someone will probably come out with LED replacements.. but that is risky IMO. LEDs can produce heat/voltages/errors that the standard bulb systems weren't designed for. And when it comes to something like brake lights, it seems like a safety risk. I'll stick with bulbs. After all, I'll never see 'em

LED halos are a HUGE upgrade. Those suckers are bright. No aftermarket E90 or pre-LCI E92/E93 version comes close to what's on the F30.
Appreciate 0
      02-18-2013, 03:32 PM   #8
zeezz
Second Lieutenant
10
Rep
227
Posts

Drives: F30 328i Sport Line
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Bay Area, CA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by roundel335 View Post
Well, that's a bummer! I'd think brake lights would be the same as the regular tail lights. I'm sure there'll be an upgrade kit available soon, though. At least the angel eyes are LED now.
I think someone mentioned to me that the center brake signal is LED. At least there's that. Relatively easy to replace with LED bulbs but it's still not the same nor should that be a necessary process.
Appreciate 0
      02-18-2013, 03:52 PM   #9
skier
Lieutenant
skier's Avatar
37
Rep
572
Posts

Drives: 2011 Z4 35is
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Phoenix

iTrader: (4)

Quote:
Originally Posted by roundel335 View Post
As I recall, the E46 COUPES had LED lights; I think all of the sedans were incandescent.
Not until LCI; I had a 2001 e46 330Ci, no LED.
__________________
Appreciate 0
      02-18-2013, 04:52 PM   #10
DrivenByE30
Brigadier General
DrivenByE30's Avatar
France
578
Rep
3,870
Posts

Drives: '12 F30 Lux 335i 6MT
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: OC - SoCal

iTrader: (0)

... so that they can make money ...
Appreciate 0
      02-18-2013, 08:56 PM   #11
lmaleke
Second Lieutenant
Hong Kong
13
Rep
217
Posts

Drives: shifting priorities for now...
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Jakarta, Indonesia

iTrader: (0)

Lightbulb There's an easy answer to that...

These....

Quote:
Originally Posted by metrathon View Post
So that when you get the LEDs on the the LCI you feel like it's added value

It's been pretty much the same story with adding LEDs to LCI and then remove them with the E39 and E60. So it looks to me this is a strategy.
Quote:
Originally Posted by DrivenByE30 View Post
... so that they can make money ...
+1000000000000000000
BMW's marketing at their best..
Appreciate 0
      02-18-2013, 11:57 PM   #12
FE9000
Private
2
Rep
92
Posts

Drives: Tesla Model 3
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Socal

iTrader: (0)

Product life cycle management... Besides, by the time LCI comes out, base MSRP will be higher by then...
__________________
Shopping again: 2011 E90 M3, 2018 F80 M3?
13 F30 328i AW/Black, Sportmatic Auto, M Sport Line, Nav, HK -- SOLD
08 E60 535i AW/Black, Auto, Prem, Sport and Nav -- SOLD
06 E90 330i AW/Black, 6 Speed, 35% Tint, Prem and Sport -- SOLD
Appreciate 0
      02-19-2013, 10:43 AM   #13
ft1338
Second Lieutenant
4
Rep
226
Posts

Drives: None
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: None

iTrader: (0)

So what will be the LCI? 2014 MY coming out this summer?
Appreciate 0
      02-19-2013, 02:16 PM   #14
ƒ°
ƒ°'s Avatar
101
Rep
1,237
Posts

Drives: ✚
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: ✚ ✚

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by SamS View Post
Someone will probably come out with LED replacements.. but that is risky IMO. LEDs can produce heat/voltages/errors that the standard bulb systems weren't designed for. And when it comes to something like brake lights, it seems like a safety risk. I'll stick with bulbs. After all, I'll never see 'em

LED halos are a HUGE upgrade. Those suckers are bright. No aftermarket E90 or pre-LCI E92/E93 version comes close to what's on the F30.
LEDs are already available; plug/play and no errors.

Personally, I HATE the LED turn signals on the E90/F10 and I'm glad they left it off the F30. They look like wasp hives.

The whole dotted LED lights are passe now. Audi and BMW's new LED DRLs are stunningly beautiful; they just need to integrate that tech into the rest of the lights.
Appreciate 0
      02-19-2013, 02:29 PM   #15
snowghost
Colonel
snowghost's Avatar
United_States
155
Rep
2,266
Posts

Drives: '13 335i M-Sport 6MT
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: SoCal

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by SamS View Post
Someone will probably come out with LED replacements.. but that is risky IMO. LEDs can produce heat/voltages/errors that the standard bulb systems weren't designed for. And when it comes to something like brake lights, it seems like a safety risk. I'll stick with bulbs. After all, I'll never see 'em

LED halos are a HUGE upgrade. Those suckers are bright. No aftermarket E90 or pre-LCI E92/E93 version comes close to what's on the F30.
Yes the LED halos are awesome! Can't believe how bright they are.
__________________
F30 Sapphire Black M-Sport 335i 6MT
Appreciate 0
      02-19-2013, 02:56 PM   #16
Alpine F31
Colonel
Alpine F31's Avatar
United_States
918
Rep
2,711
Posts

Drives: MB E350 4MATIC Estate
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Sherman Oaks, CA

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by Number View Post

Personally, I HATE the LED turn signals on the E90/F10 and I'm glad they left it off the F30. They look like wasp hives.

The whole dotted LED lights are passe now. Audi and BMW's new LED DRLs are stunningly beautiful; they just need to integrate that tech into the rest of the lights.
YES YES YES!!!!!!!!! I'm so glad you said this. I was starting to think I was the only one. I'm very happy that I DON'T have LED turn signals.
Appreciate 0
      02-19-2013, 07:06 PM   #17
manicottiK
Private
13
Rep
57
Posts

Drives: 530i (2017 G30)
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Philadelphia area

iTrader: (0)

Agreed. I want to see the light, not the light "bulbs."
Appreciate 0
      02-19-2013, 07:15 PM   #18
BavarianFanatic
Too much is never enough
United_States
655
Rep
3,079
Posts

Drives: Too Many
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: SE PA

iTrader: (0)

So there's fodder for folks to bitch about on forums.
Appreciate 0
      02-19-2013, 08:40 PM   #19
Elk
Major
32
Rep
1,285
Posts

Drives: 2012 335i
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: *

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Number View Post
The whole dotted LED lights are passe now.
Yes, to me they mean Kia, tractor/trailers, etc.
Appreciate 0
      02-19-2013, 08:53 PM   #20
drob23
Lieutenant Colonel
drob23's Avatar
United_States
50
Rep
1,730
Posts

Drives: S4
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Michigan

iTrader: (1)

Obviously I'm a huge fan boy, but the DRL's on the A5/S5/RS5 are the absolute tits

Angle eyes are also wicked, love seeing them in oncoming traffic...I think a part of me dies inside when I see a 328 w/o the light package...although not sure if I like new 4 series concept headlights, saw them in person and couldn't decide.
__________________
UNDRSTR
Appreciate 0
      02-20-2013, 12:06 AM   #21
gator15
Private First Class
United_States
9
Rep
176
Posts

Drives: BMW
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Jacksonville, FL

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by ft1338 View Post
So what will be the LCI? 2014 MY coming out this summer?
The F30 was just went on sale last February. If BMW goes according to their usual LCI schedule, it will be MY2016, so quite a wait.
Appreciate 0
      02-20-2013, 12:15 AM   #22
ValeYellow46
MotoGP Fanatic
17
Rep
27
Posts

Drives: F80 M3
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Cincinnati

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by drob23 View Post
Obviously I'm a huge fan boy, but the DRL's on the A5/S5/RS5 are the absolute tits

Angle eyes are also wicked, love seeing them in oncoming traffic...I think a part of me dies inside when I see a 328 w/o the light package...although not sure if I like new 4 series concept headlights, saw them in person and couldn't decide.
Agree, F30's without Xenon lights look terrible! I still can't believe BMW NA is using the Estoril Blue M-Sport 328i without Xenons in their ads right now.
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:51 AM.




f30post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST