ZPOST
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read


Go Back   ZPOST > BMW Z4 Roadster and Coupe > Z4 DIY (Do It Yourself) Articles
  TireRack

SUPPORT ZPOST BY DOING YOUR TIRERACK SHOPPING FROM THIS BANNER, THANKS!
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      11-17-2011, 07:59 PM   #23
beta
Lieutenant Colonel
80
Rep
1,663
Posts

Drives: 2006 M Roadster
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: CA

iTrader: (2)

Let's see some pics guys! Before and after shots are encouraged
__________________
Appreciate 0
      11-24-2011, 05:22 PM   #24
dubsesd
#dubspec
dubsesd's Avatar
No_Country
6312
Rep
5,200
Posts

Drives: G05 X5/ 2016 F80 M3 INDVL
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Ottawa

iTrader: (2)

here you go guys....




Last edited by dubsesd; 11-24-2011 at 09:34 PM..
Appreciate 0
      11-24-2011, 09:50 PM   #25
cooots
Enlisted Member
cooots's Avatar
8
Rep
38
Posts

Drives: Z4 M Coupe
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Australia

iTrader: (0)

Wow, great pics dubsesd

I think they look brighter here than they do in real life, but shows off the end result nicely! man your car is nice too.

Thanks for the input. You happy with them?

Last edited by cooots; 11-24-2011 at 10:01 PM..
Appreciate 0
      11-24-2011, 09:56 PM   #26
dubsesd
#dubspec
dubsesd's Avatar
No_Country
6312
Rep
5,200
Posts

Drives: G05 X5/ 2016 F80 M3 INDVL
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Ottawa

iTrader: (2)

Yes. Very happy with the kit. I did however get the replacement R-Dash LED license plate housing lights, that's probably why they are brighter. The kit ones are not very bright
Appreciate 0
      11-26-2011, 01:38 PM   #27
Bayonet
Private First Class
30
Rep
137
Posts

Drives: Z4 Mc
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Socal

iTrader: (3)

for anybody still wanting interior LEDs, bimmian is having its black friday special still going on i believe....should be 10% off and they have 3 different kinds to choose from.

http://www.bimmian.com/
Appreciate 0
      11-26-2011, 02:30 PM   #28
Aries326
Lieutenant Colonel
Aries326's Avatar
United_States
192
Rep
1,527
Posts

Drives: 2008 Z4 3.0si, 2013 E92 M3 ZCP
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: NC

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
2013 E92 M3  [0.00]
2008 BMW Z4 3.0si  [9.00]
I just ordered a set of these from eBay to install in my 3.0si roadster. Something to do this winter. I can't wait!

@dusesd
Thanks for sharing those pics! Looks nice!
Appreciate 0
      12-10-2011, 05:12 PM   #29
goldguilexx
Lieutenant
goldguilexx's Avatar
No_Country
38
Rep
425
Posts

Drives: mini
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: southern Ca

iTrader: (0)

Just bought a set myself. Cant wait!
Appreciate 0
      12-14-2011, 02:21 PM   #30
jjdrivesajazz
Banned
4
Rep
29
Posts

Drives: 2003 bmw z4 2.5i
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: san francisco, ca, usa

iTrader: (0)

www.automationLED.com

in this car there are (2) 12smd godzilla panels for the front map lights and (1) t10 9smd wedge light for the trunk, the license plate and reverse lights will come very soon!



Appreciate 0
      12-15-2011, 06:31 AM   #31
Aries326
Lieutenant Colonel
Aries326's Avatar
United_States
192
Rep
1,527
Posts

Drives: 2008 Z4 3.0si, 2013 E92 M3 ZCP
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: NC

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
2013 E92 M3  [0.00]
2008 BMW Z4 3.0si  [9.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by cooots View Post
Replaced my rear licence plate lights with these...
Attachment 606721

Same amount of light as the standard globes, but white instead of yellow. finishes off the job nicely.
How's it look? I bet it was a lot cheaper than getting the whole replacement lights.
__________________
Appreciate 0
      12-15-2011, 04:29 PM   #32
cooots
Enlisted Member
cooots's Avatar
8
Rep
38
Posts

Drives: Z4 M Coupe
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Australia

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Aries326 View Post
How's it look? I bet it was a lot cheaper than getting the whole replacement lights.
In my opinion, huge improvement over the standard look.

In terms of cost... US$4 delivered.

Try it, and if it turns out you don't like them, just throw them out. Can't imagine this happening tho.
Appreciate 0
      12-19-2011, 10:15 PM   #33
Aries326
Lieutenant Colonel
Aries326's Avatar
United_States
192
Rep
1,527
Posts

Drives: 2008 Z4 3.0si, 2013 E92 M3 ZCP
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: NC

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
2013 E92 M3  [0.00]
2008 BMW Z4 3.0si  [9.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by cooots View Post
That would be great if you could do that dubsesd!


Out of curiosity, I actually installed a pair of these 8-LEDs in the roof light afterward (2xreading lights)...
Attachment 604009

They fit fine through the reading lights holes, but not through the centre light hole??? must be slightly different diameter (or maybe it was just me). Not necessarily an issue though because, as XMetal mentioned previously, you can easily remove the glass and reverse-install the LEDs without any hassles. Or dremel the LED down a bit.

I did find that these LEDs were more closer to the brightness of the standard globes. Although I was happy with the ones I got with the ebay kit, I figure I might aswell keep these new ones in.

Moral of the story - if your not satisfied with the brightness of the LED roof lights, or any of the other LED lights for that matter, just spend an extra couple of bucks to get an LED with more lights on it to replace it.

A bit of trial and error may be required to satisfy your lighting preferences - no big deal. The results are definitely worth it and you'll probably never have to change the LED again.
Got a part number for these? I'm not too satisfied with the brightness of the LEDs would consider changing them to these LEDs. Thanks!

EDIT: Never mind. I was able to find them without part #s.
__________________

Last edited by Aries326; 12-19-2011 at 10:43 PM..
Appreciate 0
      12-19-2011, 10:25 PM   #34
Aries326
Lieutenant Colonel
Aries326's Avatar
United_States
192
Rep
1,527
Posts

Drives: 2008 Z4 3.0si, 2013 E92 M3 ZCP
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: NC

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
2013 E92 M3  [0.00]
2008 BMW Z4 3.0si  [9.00]
So, I finally installed my LEDs from the kit suggested above. It was ok. I loved the warm glow but the reading lights were too dim so I'm going to change the LEDs as suggested by other members here. Here are before and after pictures. Sorry if my camera didn't capture enough of the lights. I took the shot with a 35mm f1.8 Nikon lens with a D3100 at ISO 800 and I believe 1/40.



__________________
Appreciate 0
      12-19-2011, 11:33 PM   #35
Aries326
Lieutenant Colonel
Aries326's Avatar
United_States
192
Rep
1,527
Posts

Drives: 2008 Z4 3.0si, 2013 E92 M3 ZCP
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: NC

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
2013 E92 M3  [0.00]
2008 BMW Z4 3.0si  [9.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by chickdr View Post
I went ahead and ordered a 16LED festoon for my trunk only to find out my trunk doesn't use a festoon.... The roadster uses a wedge style lamp. Back to the drawing board.... Glad I only paid 1.50 for the bulb.
I just made the same mistake. I need to read these threads slower. Anyone want to buy a 16 LED festoon, let me know.

I just bought a set of these. It it's got 10 LEDs. It should be bright enough for the trunk.
__________________
Appreciate 0
      12-20-2011, 09:00 PM   #36
cooots
Enlisted Member
cooots's Avatar
8
Rep
38
Posts

Drives: Z4 M Coupe
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Australia

iTrader: (0)

Great photos, Aries326... perfect for people who want to see a direct comparison.

1 picture = 1000 words

thanks for the input
Appreciate 0
      12-28-2011, 01:23 PM   #37
jjdrivesajazz
Banned
4
Rep
29
Posts

Drives: 2003 bmw z4 2.5i
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: san francisco, ca, usa

iTrader: (0)

a common mistake when buying LED's is that people assume MORE LED's = BRIGHTER

there are 2 common types of LED's, 5050smd and 1210smd

each 5050smd is as bright as 3 1210smd, so a 6smd 5050 festoon bulb is as bright as a 18smd 1210 festoon bulb

so for maximum light output, use 5050smd's, check out www.automationLED.com
Appreciate 0
      12-30-2011, 11:17 PM   #38
GammaZeta
Captain
56
Rep
862
Posts

Drives: 1
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Ma

iTrader: (1)

Very interested in doing this for the Z4M Roady interior lights. I would like to have the lights whiter and a little brighter, but not TOO bright.

Where is the best place to purchase them and what exactly should I buy to just do the cabin lights?
Appreciate 0
      01-02-2012, 10:03 PM   #39
cooots
Enlisted Member
cooots's Avatar
8
Rep
38
Posts

Drives: Z4 M Coupe
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Australia

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by GammaZeta View Post
Very interested in doing this for the Z4M Roady interior lights. I would like to have the lights whiter and a little brighter, but not TOO bright.

Where is the best place to purchase them and what exactly should I buy to just do the cabin lights?
see posts #1 to #37
Appreciate 0
      01-02-2012, 10:07 PM   #40
GammaZeta
Captain
56
Rep
862
Posts

Drives: 1
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Ma

iTrader: (1)

I did, but I am still confused:

"there are 2 common types of LED's, 5050smd and 1210smd

each 5050smd is as bright as 3 1210smd, so a 6smd 5050 festoon bulb is as bright as a 18smd 1210 festoon bulb"

How the hell am I supposed to know what to buy after that?
Appreciate 0
      01-02-2012, 11:11 PM   #41
Aries326
Lieutenant Colonel
Aries326's Avatar
United_States
192
Rep
1,527
Posts

Drives: 2008 Z4 3.0si, 2013 E92 M3 ZCP
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: NC

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
2013 E92 M3  [0.00]
2008 BMW Z4 3.0si  [9.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by GammaZeta View Post
I did, but I am still confused:

"there are 2 common types of LED's, 5050smd and 1210smd

each 5050smd is as bright as 3 1210smd, so a 6smd 5050 festoon bulb is as bright as a 18smd 1210 festoon bulb"

How the hell am I supposed to know what to buy after that?
Here's what I put in my trunk. The kit that was suggested by the OP comes with a festoon which a Z4 non-M does not have.

Here's the kit I bought from eBay for the Z4. This is what the OP suggested buying. I haven't tried figuring it out yet, but you can probably put together your own set cheaper but it's a bit of a pain in the ass to do.

I thought the reading lights were a bit too dim so I tried replacing them with these but it didn't make too much of a difference because you still only have one LED that's really facing downwards. It's not like the inside of the housing is reflective and the other lights on the sides would help.

So after ordering some extra LEDs and playing around with them a bit, I'm basically using the same LEDs that came with the kit except for the one in the trunk.
__________________
Appreciate 0
      01-03-2012, 07:53 PM   #42
cooots
Enlisted Member
cooots's Avatar
8
Rep
38
Posts

Drives: Z4 M Coupe
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Australia

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by GammaZeta View Post
I did, but I am still confused:

"there are 2 common types of LED's, 5050smd and 1210smd

each 5050smd is as bright as 3 1210smd, so a 6smd 5050 festoon bulb is as bright as a 18smd 1210 festoon bulb"

How the hell am I supposed to know what to buy after that?
Was just kidding you

Your probably best to go with the ebay kit I suggested (all the lights are a good brightness, except the roof lights which may be a little dim for some).

If it turns out your not happy with the brightness of the roof lights - replace them with some alternatives (going by jjdrivesajazz's post - something with 5050smd LEDs would be your best bet). Again, ebay.

At the end of the day, we're not talking big $ here, so don't be afraid to experiment.

Hope this helps...
Appreciate 0
      01-05-2012, 10:09 PM   #43
jjdrivesajazz
Banned
4
Rep
29
Posts

Drives: 2003 bmw z4 2.5i
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: san francisco, ca, usa

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by GammaZeta View Post
I did, but I am still confused:

"there are 2 common types of LED's, 5050smd and 1210smd

each 5050smd is as bright as 3 1210smd, so a 6smd 5050 festoon bulb is as bright as a 18smd 1210 festoon bulb"

How the hell am I supposed to know what to buy after that?
you could tell easily by the size, and most reputable LED stores will tell you if it's a 5050 led or 1210 led in their description

refer to www.automationLED.com for more pics, check under godzilla and t-rex lights

here's a quick comparison to 12smd panels, both have 12 led's, but the left one has 12 5050 LED's, while the right one has 12 1210 LED's
Appreciate 0
      01-11-2012, 05:44 PM   #44
nicepeta
New Member
0
Rep
5
Posts

Drives: 2010 MINI cooper
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Cupertino, CA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by dubsesd View Post
here you go guys....



Thats bright! nice pictures too

I got my from 4aeautodesign.com They have all kinds of LED with great price too
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Tags
led interior light globe bulb

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 02:58 AM.




zpost
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