Barbados

Barbados

Active Member
Hi Mates,

I looked up some other threads but since the technology, suppliers and prices change so fast with stuff like this, are the LED park, brake and signal taillights last?

I read some threads here but some of the manufacturers and suppliers have gone south. Some guys said that the licence plate LED light fails, might be better to just use a LED bulb in the original lamp.

Please shed some light on what you use or would recommend :D
I was thinking of getting a pair of BMW ellipsoids with HID for the headlights.

I see the LED headlights around but not sure about the longevity of these.

Cheers.
 
The problem with LED bulbs is that they are not E Marked, The also suffer really badly from bad contacts, Ive just swapped out my LED stop/tail bulbs for a proper LED unit from BoltOnBits much better, brighter, and not going to suffer from bad lampholder contacts.
LED headlamps, replacement units are a must, LED retrofits in the existing units is pointless, they just wont work, neither physically nor legally to get a usable beam pattern.
The LED indicators im not a fan of the fast on/off pattern, Ive noticed a tendency on other vehicles to have it dim out (or at least one led does) to mimic the old incandescent lamp.
Ive swapped to clear lenses and orange lamps.
 
Ive just done the same "swapped out my LED stop/tail bulbs for a proper LED unit from BoltOnBits"
Loads better. I'm not going to bother with indicator but may do the side lights.
 
Been researching this my self

The fast flash or dim out you have tim is because you dont have the right flasher relay for your leds.

Bodging it with load resistors is purely to fool the flasher relay into thinking it is seeing the right load. Defeats purpose of leds imo.

Im having rdx from bolt on bits with the uprated 4 way flasher unit.

Then going for some wipac crystals and some night breakers + a boomslang.

Plus a non e marked chinese special led light bar on the a bar to come on with the high beams. That should keep the path lit..

I wouldnt bother with the led retrofit bulbs my self , ive tried in the past before i learned how these things work and its just not worht the hassle , basically by the time you have ####ed round making them work and transfering the heat energy into a bit of the car not designed for it and adding more connections you would have been as well to get the right unit. Its like 114 quid for all 8 units plus a flasher relay. Bargain given its 56 quid for 8 standard light units.....
 
Top Drive, all that you wrote is true regarding the LED retro fit bulbs and using resistors for higher current draw to trick the flashing relay.

Thanks for the input and advice.

Cheers.
 
top drive said:
Been researching this my self

Bodging it with load resistors is purely to fool the flasher relay into thinking it is seeing the right load. Defeats purpose of leds imo.

.
Click to expand...
correct the power you save with the lamp is being wasted else where with the resistors
 
Also isnt it an MOT fail to fit LED bulbs into standard lamo holders? May be wrong read it on here somewhere
 
I've had the Bolt on Bits ones in the last three defenders, and they've been superb. On the 200 I had to make connectors, but on the td5 and tdci the connectors just slotted in (make sure you get the right pin in the right position for stop/tail). Fitted the adjustable flasher to bring the flash rate in line with standards. They've been great for me, had then in 4 years now and never missed a beat.
Matt
 
"The MUD UK Kit is much better, comes with all the connectors fitted and slightly cheaper."

much better as in largely the same ? - certainly looks the same - right down to the post VAT price and connectors fitted.
 
top drive said:
"The MUD UK Kit is much better, comes with all the connectors fitted and slightly cheaper."

much better as in largely the same ? - certainly looks the same - right down to the post VAT price and connectors fitted.
Click to expand...

You are correct, Mud UK lights are plug and play for the 300tdi powered defenders.
 
bankz5152 said:
Also isnt it an MOT fail to fit LED bulbs into standard lamo holders? May be wrong read it on here somewhere
Click to expand...

No, but it is against construction and use (much like HIDs) as the lenses are E marked for use with incandescent lamps, not LED.
Ive been through 2 MOTs with LED bulbs in front side lights and stop/tail MOT guy actually commented how much better the stop/tail were :)
Only swapped then because the lamp holders were past their best and causing constant connection issues.
 
When I was lookig at them the RDX lights did not come with connectors, just bare wires. Was also £125.00

The MUD kit came with all connectors to fit as standard and was £123.99 shipped.

Looks like prices changed.
 
Only connectors to fit as standard if you have a 300 or newer though, those of us with "classics" need to chop and solder anyway.
 
I do not have tow worry about all the regulations here, though a police told me that my stock auxiliary (fog) lights on my BMW X5 was illegal LOL

They are so behind the times and a joke here, I told him my wheels are probably illegal too.

The connectors and soldering wire are not an issue for me, that's only an atom size of what I do for work and hobbies.

I am more concerned about quality and longevity of the lights. I do like the Muddy ones which has the stock shape and size.

Cheers.
 
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