Author Topic: E30 318is Custom LED Tails (Videos) (Read 8835 times)

AcSchnitzer318is · « **on:** July 23, 2008, 01:14:46 PM »

I know this isn't everyone's cup o tea, but I really dig LED lights... obviously. I've converted the fronts, rears, and e39 sidemarkers all to LED. I can post pics of the wiring/trunk views if anyone is interested. Thoughts, or suggestions welcome.

Daytime LED Video

Nightime LED Video

PS... lol before anyone asks. I'm 6'8" and make my little e30 look like a clown car, I know

Wizard · « **Reply #1 on:** July 24, 2008, 09:18:54 AM »

I like the concept, but do have to agree that it is not for everyone. Is there a reason you made your own light panels (I read your posting on R3V), and not just bought pre-made ones like these:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2x-blue-22-LED-Flashing-Light-Panel-Strobe-Grill-Car_W0QQitemZ150273842068QQihZ005QQcategoryZ33713QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

BTW...Are your knees in the steering wheel?...lol

AcSchnitzer318is · « **Reply #2 on:** July 24, 2008, 12:15:03 PM »

Quote from: Wizard;53753

I like the concept, but do have to agree that it is not for everyone. Is there a reason you made your own light panels (I read your posting on R3V), and not just bought pre-made ones like these:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2x-blue-22-LED-Flashing-Light-Panel-Strobe-Grill-Car_W0QQitemZ150273842068QQihZ005QQcategoryZ33713QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

BTW...Are your knees in the steering wheel?...lol

Yes my knees hit the steering on turning fairly frequently. I want to switch to a smaller momo wheel instead of the ridiculously huge airbag wheel to solve this problem.

I didn't do panels like that because I wanted them to be a certain size for the tail light housings. Plus I think it would have been a bit more expensive to try and buy panels for all the lights.

Cobra Jet · « **Reply #3 on:** July 25, 2008, 12:11:45 PM »

What's the purpose of having the "wig-wag" affect? Also, why so many different "combos" for the brake lights when depressing the brake pedal?

If you have pics of the wiring, please do post it up. Looks like a cool mod/upgrade, although I think I would just go w/ the standard "light em up" rather than having multiple combos (especially the wig-wag effect - the last thing you would need is to hit it by accident, or forget to change it to normal and have a Cop pull you over for having such a system - in some states it's illegal to have the lights wired as such on public roads and you could get a fine).

AcSchnitzer318is · « **Reply #4 on:** July 26, 2008, 12:58:44 PM »

^There is no "real" purpose for the wig wags. It was a function of the LED controller I am running... to control intensities of the LED. So that when I am running parking they are dim and then brake they are bright. But the controller I used was an ambulance accessory and it was just a matter of running one extra wire for that function. Sooooo I ran that wire to a switch in my rear ashtray with an LED. That way it is impossible for me to leave it on by accident.

I only really use it for tail gaters or car shows. Other than that it remains unused. I'll post pics of the trunk wiring, and tails all chopped up in a bit.

curly_and_burly · « **Reply #5 on:** October 01, 2009, 01:03:39 PM »

they look unreal at nite

s_ribs · « **Reply #6 on:** October 24, 2009, 04:46:58 PM »

That's awesome! I'd love to learn how to make those.

AcSchnitzer318is · « **Reply #7 on:** October 24, 2009, 11:32:58 PM »

They look good during the day and night. Video of LEDs during the day is VERY difficult with a point and shoot camera. I am thinking of working on a revision 2 with a set of ebay tails soon just to see if I like it.

I'll post some pics of the boards tomorrow...

s_ribs · « **Reply #8 on:** October 25, 2009, 07:34:59 PM »

Excellent, thanks!

monty23psk · « **Reply #9 on:** October 25, 2009, 10:01:25 PM »

Yes are so awesome. Would love to know how to make them or if there is a bood to read up for this. I want to start with the license plate lights and go all around the car.

mkodama · « **Reply #10 on:** October 26, 2009, 01:25:37 AM »

Looks very clean and nice. I personally find it a tasteful update to an E30 that makes it seem modern without looking all weird like an E90.

AcSchnitzer318is · « **Reply #11 on:** October 26, 2009, 01:36:04 AM »

Sorry it's not up yet guys... been working on redoing my interior and well we all know how time gets sucked away. I WILL get pics up as well as a generic, and I mean generic, how to.

markus24q · « **Reply #12 on:** November 03, 2009, 11:07:31 PM »

You made your car look like a freakin disco!

AcSchnitzer318is · « **Reply #13 on:** November 04, 2009, 12:52:23 AM »

Quote from: markus24q;80893

You made your car look like a freakin disco!

LOL... ya it can have that effect with the strobes on. I'm uploading the long awaited in progress pics now guys. Sorry it took so long...

EDIT: You asked for it...

monty23psk · « **Reply #14 on:** November 04, 2009, 09:17:21 AM »

Wow....I really want to learn to do this. I can do soldering and and the fabrication. I just need to learn the electronics to know what parts I need and things like that. This would be a project once I finish the exterior of my car. Around how much do you think per side with all the parts involved?