M42club.com - Home of the BMW E30/E36 318i/iS

DISCUSSION => Interior => Topic started by: omgE30 on March 21, 2008, 11:34:38 AM

Title: LED interior light replacement
Post by: omgE30 on March 21, 2008, 11:34:38 AM

Anybody know what size/type LEDs to buy when replacing the interior lights, I saw a thread on some forum a while ago explaining it but I can't seem to find it now.  Thanks.

Title: LED interior light replacement
Post by: gearheadE30 on March 24, 2008, 04:25:04 PM

check out superbrightLEDs.com. Sorry, can't help with the size.

Title: LED interior light replacement
Post by: -Syyy- on March 25, 2008, 01:11:23 AM

This is the dimension that could fit for interior light of e30 (i had ordered for my car):
(http://img329.imageshack.us/img329/9428/391led15sj6.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)

Title: LED interior light replacement
Post by: Cobra Jet on March 25, 2008, 07:36:08 AM

When everyone is referring to using LED's in "interior" lighting, I'm suspecting everyone is talking about the dome lights or adding additional lights??

If LED's are used in the dash lighting, the dimming function of the light switch will be useless and you will not be able to "dim" the lights (for those of you who do) when using LED's.

Title: LED interior light replacement
Post by: gearheadE30 on March 27, 2008, 04:52:03 PM

Actually, the dimmer still works. You would be right if the car had alternating current, where you would need a pulse width modulator, but with DC current, the rheostat works fine.

Title: LED interior light replacement
Post by: ryan_86 on October 16, 2008, 06:47:26 PM

Hi quite new to this as i got my 318i today does the light control switch have bulbs or LEDs?

Title: LED interior light replacement
Post by: ak96ss on October 16, 2008, 06:53:17 PM

Bulbs. Actually, a bulb.

Title: LED interior light replacement
Post by: tjts1 on October 16, 2008, 08:18:05 PM

I have about 750 left over LEDs (12v type 168 base) from work to play around with so I was ****ing around with the soldering iron and the tail light bulbs and come up with this.

LED on the right as I get it, middle removed the base, left removed the built in diode and resistor. Normally the LED functions between 3-4v. With the diode and resistor it can be used in a car at 12v
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3029/2947113485_5ea9cc604d.jpg)
Factory license plate light with C5W bulb. Similar to interior light.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3046/2947199899_b9f606993e.jpg)
LED soldered in place.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3192/2948055686_df5a5292b7.jpg)
Original bulb running off a 9v battery.
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2332/2947175825_f96b1578e7.jpg)
LED running off a 9v battery.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3014/2948032140_32c4c91a42.jpg)
Installed. I'll do the other side as well after I get some night shots for comparison. I might have to use 2 led per side to match the light output.
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2081/2948080742_e6284b3b3b.jpg)

I bought these in bulk for my business and ended up with 750 extra. If you're handy with a soldering iron and you're interested in doing something similar, the LEDs are $2 a pop + shipping.
The LEDs are 10mm diameter X 14mm tall. Light output is 3.5 lumen and the LED with the build in resistor/diode is functional between 9v to 27v DC. Thats the range I've tested it in anyway. At 18v its friggin bright. As you increase the voltage, life expectancy drops exponentially. So keep it around 12-14v to be safe.

Title: LED interior light replacement
Post by: Wise Old Dog on October 16, 2008, 10:54:35 PM

I tried the LED's in my dome lights. Not enough light output for me, too dim. Went back to incandescent.

Title: LED interior light replacement
Post by: tjts1 on October 17, 2008, 02:26:17 AM

The night time comparison shot.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3292/2948640654_5863aa786f.jpg)

Quote from: Wise Old Dog;58722

I tried the LED's in my dome lights. Not enough light output for me, too dim. Went back to incandescent.

I agree. I don't think LEDs make good interior lights.

Title: LED interior light replacement
Post by: monty23psk on October 17, 2008, 09:28:59 AM

looks good at night. I would like a pair if you can provide basic instructions. I can do paypal. I haven't worked with LEDs yet, so can removing the base from the bulb damage something easily?

Title: LED interior light replacement
Post by: AcSchnitzer318is on March 03, 2009, 08:15:49 PM

Quote from: tjts1;58730

The night time comparison shot.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3292/2948640654_5863aa786f.jpg)

 I agree. I don't think LEDs make good interior lights.

I disagree... I think they make excellent interior lights.  But you have to make them yourself to get it bright enough :)

(http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/14/img1329bs4.jpg)

(http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/2306/img1330ng6.jpg)

(http://img22.imageshack.us/img22/437/img1331ay0.jpg)

Title: LED interior light replacement
Post by: carlos318is on March 04, 2009, 10:53:18 AM

Hi what diode and resistor did you use as there are loads of different ones out there

Title: LED interior light replacement
Post by: AcSchnitzer318is on March 14, 2009, 09:49:28 AM

Just buy the flexible SMD strips off of ebay for like $25.  They can be cut down to size and are extremely versatile.  I used them for interior lights, LED fog lights on my wife's mazda, and license plate lights on 2 cars.  And that's all with a single $25 order.  

Need to order some more now so I can complete my LED tails by adding LED reverse lights.