LED interior light replacement

[omgE30]

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.

[gearheadE30]

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

[-Syyy-]

This is the dimension that could fit for interior light of e30 (i had ordered for my car):

[Cobra Jet]

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.

[gearheadE30]

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.

[ryan_86]

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

[ak96ss]

Bulbs. Actually, a bulb.

[tjts1]

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

Factory license plate light with C5W bulb. Similar to interior light.

LED soldered in place.

Original bulb running off a 9v battery.

LED running off a 9v battery.

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.


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.

[Wise Old Dog]

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

[tjts1]

The night time comparison shot.

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.

[monty23psk]

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?

[AcSchnitzer318is]

The night time comparison shot.


 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

[carlos318is]

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

[AcSchnitzer318is]

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.