tail-light bulb burning through paint on painted tail-lights..

[J-Thurm]

I've been looking for a LED bulb that would be bright enough to show through black painted tail-lights on my 2007 BMW Z4 Coupe. Have you guys replaced your tail-light bulbs with an after market LED or some other type of bulb that looks good/didn't set off any sensors? The stock tail-light bulbs are burning through the paint in one spot and I'm getting them repainted now. I know they aren't meant to be painted, but I was hoping I could find a decent bulb, and not a cheap set, like most of the ones listed on eBay. The part number is 7506L, but would just 7506 work, or does it need the L as well? Thanks in advance.

[pungo]

I believe the L just stands for long life.


Are you using translucent paint designed specifically for tail lights?

[J-Thurm]

Originally Posted by pungo

I believe the L just stands for long life.


Are you using translucent paint designed specifically for tail lights?

I'm basically using the car color (black sapphire metallic) on the tail-lights, third brake light, and all of the other reflectors. I've had it on the car for a few years now with no problems anywhere else, except for the tailights, where it's burning through in that one spot on both lights with the stock bulbs.

[pungo]

I'm guessing the lights are pretty dim with black body color paint over the lens. I'd think if you get rear ended, you may be a fault since you've drastically altered the safety equipment on your car


Try some LEDs with allot of Cree XB-D chips. Just code out the error.

[chickdr]

I assume you are talking about the brake lights? I have LEDs in mine and they work great. The bulb out error comes up at start up, but as soon as I press the brake pedal it goes out. I have had mine for years.

[J-Thurm]

Originally Posted by chickdr

I assume you are talking about the brake lights? I have LEDs in mine and they work great. The bulb out error comes up at start up, but as soon as I press the brake pedal it goes out. I have had mine for years.

Yes, I'm talking about the brake lights. I just ordered some white LED 6000k bulbs for them to try those out, hopefully a lot less heat. What kind of LED bulbs are you using? Thanks for the reply

[J-Thurm]

Originally Posted by pungo

I'm guessing the lights are pretty dim with black body color paint over the lens. I'd think if you get rear ended, you may be a fault since you've drastically altered the safety equipment on your car


Try some LEDs with allot of Cree XB-D chips. Just code out the error.

Some cars come with stock black tail-lights..Mustangs, Corvettes, etc...so mine isn't too much different. Do you know where to find LEDS with Cree XB-D chips...and how do you code out the error if it comes up (probably a stupid question)....thanks!

[pungo]

Originally Posted by J-Thurm

Some cars come with stock black tail-lights..Mustangs, Corvettes, etc...so mine isn't too much different. Do you know where to find LEDS with Cree XB-D chips...and how do you code out the error if it comes up (probably a stupid question)....thanks!

No cars come with body colored painted lights stock. They have a translucent tint, much different then opaque paint. So yes, yours are much different.


Look on ebay for the LEDs and code them with NCS Expert to not check hot or cold for the bulbs you change.

[J-Thurm]

Originally Posted by pungo

No cars come with body colored painted lights stock. They have a translucent tint, much different then opaque paint. So yes, yours are much different.


Look on ebay for the LEDs and code them with NCS Expert to not check hot or cold for the bulbs you change.

true, I guess I was typing too fast and worded that wrong. They "appear" to be the body color, not necessarily the body paint. I'm actually getting them painted black, but it's not the exact black sapphire metallic that is on the car. I will post pictures of them soon.

[StickMon]

The WeissLicht from Bimmian brake lights and turn signals have parallel resistors, so they're error free.
A bit pricey at $50 per bulb, but very high quality, and bright as hell.

[pungo]

Originally Posted by StickMon

The WeissLicht from Bimmian brake lights and turn signals have parallel resistors, so they're error free.
A bit pricey at $50 per bulb, but very high quality, and bright as hell.

$100 for a pair of brake light bulbs, then turn signals, parking an reverse so $400 total

[chickdr]

Originally Posted by J-Thurm

Yes, I'm talking about the brake lights. I just ordered some white LED 6000k bulbs for them to try those out, hopefully a lot less heat. What kind of LED bulbs are you using? Thanks for the reply

I wish I could tell you. Don't know for sure where I got them but I believe it was off EBay. Not expensive bulbs.

[J-Thurm]

Originally Posted by StickMon

The WeissLicht from Bimmian brake lights and turn signals have parallel resistors, so they're error free.
A bit pricey at $50 per bulb, but very high quality, and bright as hell.

I tried looking for these on the site, but I'm not seeing any for a 2007 Coupe. Could you post a link to them if you don't mind? I might try this route...thank you.

[bosstones]

You mean smoked/tinted lenses, not painted, right?

[StickMon]

Bimmian's website is difficult to navigate. I have:
Brakes: WTSZZY8XB
Turn signals: WTSZZY5AB

They were a little cheaper when I did this years ago.
Between brakes, turn signals, panic brakes, and reverse lights I'm into it for about $250.

Some more info in this old thread:
http://www.zpost.com/forums/showthre...7#post15524907