Any recommendations for LED brake lights? SOLVED

fe7565 · 03-23-2024, 10:26 PM

I lost my OEM halogen left brake light today after 11 years of dutiful performance

Any suggestions? I am not a $150/pair exotic bulbs kinda guy. I retrofit my halogens with LEDs for Daytime Driving and Low-Beam for under $25 a pair that work great, so LED brake bulbs in that range.

I haven't visually confirmed yet, but I believe it's P21W (outer) for 2012 F30 328i.

Billfitz · 03-24-2024, 11:29 AM

I have these: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Make sure of what bulbs you have, the charts aren't always right.

fe7565 · 03-24-2024, 12:30 PM

Thank you. I checked what bulb I need to buy, and didn’t say anything wrong with the filament. So I checked the connection and there was severe pitting. Cleaned it off with sandpaper and now it works. However, I need to prepare some replacement bulbs since they are 11 years old.

In the big excitement, I forgot to check the part number of the bulb. The two pegs are on the bottom and 180 degrees. So should be P21W

Oksamit78 · 03-24-2024, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fe7565

Thank you. I checked what bulb I need to buy, and didn’t say anything wrong with the filament.

Over the years of use, the filament metal evaporates, some of it settles on inside surface of the glass bulb, the intensity of the buld lowers (bulb light becomes dimmer). Filament becomes more fragile and could let go at any moment. It is good to be prepared with replacement at hand or, at least, have the source lined up for purchase.

fe7565 · 03-24-2024, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oksamit78

Over the years of use, the filament metal evaporates, some of it settles on inside surface of the glass bulb, the intensity of the buld lowers (bulb light becomes dimmer). Filament becomes more fragile and could let go at any moment. It is good to be prepared with replacement at hand or, at least, have the source lined up for purchase.

Thank you. Ordered LEDs, which should also reduce amperage.

Billfitz · 03-24-2024, 09:36 PM

If I needed any additional convincing on the need for LEDs for brake, turn and back up lights it's the all too common failure of the rear lamp ground connectors that burn out from excess current.

03-23-2024, 10:26 PM	#1
fe7565 Lieutenant Colonel 553 Rep 1,578 Posts Drives: 2012 BMW 328i N26 Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: United States iTrader: (0)	Any recommendations for LED brake lights? SOLVED I lost my OEM halogen left brake light today after 11 years of dutiful performance Any suggestions? I am not a $150/pair exotic bulbs kinda guy. I retrofit my halogens with LEDs for Daytime Driving and Low-Beam for under $25 a pair that work great, so LED brake bulbs in that range. I haven't visually confirmed yet, but I believe it's P21W (outer) for 2012 F30 328i. __________________ Help each other: if you manage to fix your issue (especially with help from this forum), don't be a dck and disappear. Follow-up by posting the solution so you can help others. Last edited by fe7565; 03-30-2024 at 04:53 PM..*
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03-24-2024, 11:29 AM	#2
Billfitz Lieutenant General 8243 Rep 16,079 Posts Drives: '15 328iX GT Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: New Hampshire iTrader: (0)	I have these: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Make sure of what bulbs you have, the charts aren't always right.
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03-24-2024, 12:30 PM	#3
fe7565 Lieutenant Colonel 553 Rep 1,578 Posts Drives: 2012 BMW 328i N26 Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: United States iTrader: (0)	Thank you. I checked what bulb I need to buy, and didn’t say anything wrong with the filament. So I checked the connection and there was severe pitting. Cleaned it off with sandpaper and now it works. However, I need to prepare some replacement bulbs since they are 11 years old. In the big excitement, I forgot to check the part number of the bulb. The two pegs are on the bottom and 180 degrees. So should be P21W Attached Images __________________ Help each other: if you manage to fix your issue (especially with help from this forum), don't be a d*ck and disappear. Follow-up by posting the solution so you can help others.
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03-24-2024, 09:36 PM	#6
Billfitz Lieutenant General 8243 Rep 16,079 Posts Drives: '15 328iX GT Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: New Hampshire iTrader: (0)	If I needed any additional convincing on the need for LEDs for brake, turn and back up lights it's the all too common failure of the rear lamp ground connectors that burn out from excess current.
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