[Infamouz627]

Originally Posted by robgutie328i

why cant they make an led that is white when its on and blinks amber when turning.... They can make Borg eye ware but cant make a cool light!!!! Fix this problem mighty INTERNET! cause in texas i believe u have to have amber lens or amber bulb

They do have this. They're called switchback LEDs. Pretty sure they aren't compatible with our cars without some kind of coding or wiring of resistors.

I just got around to swapping in some 7507 PY21W chrome halogens. Obviously can't compare to LEDs as far as brightness but they serve the purpose (getting rid of amber, signals and error free).

What's alarming is the amount of snow residue and salt located on the headlight internals behind the cover in the wheel well (nasty winter in NYC thus far). Anyone have any idea how to clean this area out before things start to corrode?

[zeezz]

Originally Posted by F30EDR

No error?

No issues so far, you do need to code off the warm/cold checks and set the LED flag through system coding. I've run LEDs on the rear turn signals for over a year with no issues.

[v1k1ng01]

Originally Posted by Infamouz627

They do have this. They're called switchback LEDs. Pretty sure they aren't compatible with our cars without some kind of coding or wiring of resistors.

Switchback bulbs are double filament, which means they would require modification to the housing, electrical rewiring, and re-coding of the ECM to function. They wouldn't need resistors as long as the replacement LED's were CANBUS, and ran stock watts.

[Infamouz627]

Originally Posted by v1k1ng01

Switchback bulbs are double filament, which means they would require modification to the housing, electrical rewiring, and re-coding of the ECM to function. They wouldn't need resistors as long as the replacement LED's were CANBUS, and ran stock watts.

I can understand the coding and perhaps rewiring but why would the housing need to be modified?

While we're on the topic, any suggestions on my concern about salt in the headlight area? It also baffles me how easily salt and other road grime can get under that panel. What's preventing moisture from getting under there as well and causing condensation in the housing?

[v1k1ng01]

Originally Posted by Infamouz627

I can understand the coding and perhaps rewiring but why would the housing need to be modified?

While we're on the topic, any suggestions on my concern about salt in the headlight area? It also baffles me how easily salt and other road grime can get under that panel. What's preventing moisture from getting under there as well and causing condensation in the housing?

Switch backs are double filiment bulbs which require 2 channels to operate, the standard fitment in the socket of F30 is PY21W which is for a single filiment and a single channel.

I do beleve there is a plastic seal on the socket that prevents the elements from interfearing with the eletronics in the headlamp unit.

[kitster]

Anyone tried these Philips X-treme Vision PY21W LED Retrofit, I've seen some videos and they seem to be bright enough during the day/night.

[bmw_fascinated]

I found those bulbs on ebay several weeks ago, but the high pricing restrained me from buying them. In post http://www.f30post.com/forums/showpo...&postcount=191 is another video.
Would be great if someone could test them.

[bmw_fascinated]

PowerBulbs.com lowered the price and by writing them an email I got additional 10% off

[mckmcr]

Yes the ones with chrome bit look nice and might be the right choice

CREE LEDs are expensive and stronger but I dont really see the point in them as for indicators standard (cheaper LEDs) are enough

PW24W is a tricky one - it fits DRLs for the F30 series but the socket is different than on E90 PW24W (which isn't even DRL for them) - confusing...

[c3r2z8f30i]

Originally Posted by kitster

Anyone tried these Philips X-treme Vision PY21W LED Retrofit, I've seen some videos and they seem to be bright enough during the day/night.

Has any installed this?

[bmw_fascinated]

I haven't tested them in a BMW rear light, but these Philips LEDs are very bright and produce a good beam pattern.
I also got a pair of the red P21W LEDs. In direct comparison they appear slightly dimmer than the amber ones, but installed as stop light they perfectly match the reflector and are brighter than a 1156 bulb.

[963mw]

Hey guys, can anyone just help by telling me the bulb sizes on the 4 series? I want to switch to LED and what do you recommend that I buy (given that no error codes will show, and that it will be brighter/better looking)

Sorry if I am asking for much, it's my 2nd post on this website (1st time I register on car forums)

Thanks!

[Steve33]

Originally Posted by nickhelou

Hey guys, can anyone just help by telling me the bulb sizes on the 4 series? I want to switch to LED and what do you recommend that I buy (given that no error codes will show, and that it will be brighter/better looking)

Sorry if I am asking for much, it's my 2nd post on this website (1st time I register on car forums)

Thanks!

Check your manual, it has the bulb types

I believe that some of the Weisslicht LED bulbs don't fit in the 4 series brakes, not positive though.

[963mw]

Originally Posted by Steve33

Check your manual, it has the bulb types

I believe that some of the Weisslicht LED bulbs don't fit in the 4 series brakes, not positive though.

Thanks, should have thought of that earlier!

[lance666]

Originally Posted by zeezz

No issues so far, you do need to code off the warm/cold checks and set the LED flag through system coding. I've run LEDs on the rear turn signals for over a year with no issues.

Which are the codes required??



Thx

[hsk1610]

I see various power outputs on the LEDs for the front turning signals. What do people think is sufficient for visibility? I am thinking of white lights instead of amber. Is 7.5 watts ok or do I need 11 watts or greater?

[MattTheCarNut]

Maybe I'm dumb, but I ordered the same bulbs as the OP, but I'm stumped on the install. No way is this bulb going to fit into the same socket as the OEM bulb.

Any help would be great....

Thanks!

[Steve33]

Originally Posted by MattTheCarNut

Maybe I'm dumb, but I ordered the same bulbs as the OP, but I'm stumped on the install. No way is this bulb going to fit into the same socket as the OEM bulb.

Any help would be great....

Thanks!

How do they not fit?

[MattTheCarNut]

Originally Posted by Steve33

How do they not fit?

The base of the LEDs look to be too big to fit into the plastic holder like the OEM bulb.

Does the below help....

[MattTheCarNut]

^ I think I found my answer. Perhaps the F30 and F32 have different sized bulbs? Is the F32 a PY24W?

[andrew 330i]

~ has anyone tried the more expensive led ones (they look better in the off position through the clear lenses)?

WeissLicht Spektrum LED signal bulb

http://www.bimmian.com/WeissLicht-LE...r-F80-3-Series

note: (lifetime replacement warranty as well)

[BMWbill]

Originally Posted by andrew 330i

~ has anyone tried the more expensive led ones (they look better in the off position through the clear lenses)?

WeissLicht Spektrum LED signal bulb

http://www.bimmian.com/WeissLicht-LE...r-F80-3-Series

note: (lifetime replacement warranty as well)

Looks like you'll be the first! Please get them and report back to us.
I guess they are error free because they put out the same wattage as a regular bulb? I see on that site that they make a new flat bulb that says it is better for BMW side marker lights. They should be more specific and show photos of various cars noting which bulb is best for which application.

I believe them that these will be brighter. But I also fear that since they are fast-responding LEDs, they will still flicker every time the bulb-test signal is pumped out, so we will still have to code that test to "off".