LED marker/angel eye bulbs

[gsj87]

Hi all,

I've just purchased my first BMW E53. 2005 3.0d, 105k on the clock (£6300).

Thankfully, it already has Xenon headlights fitted but I'd like to change the angel eye/marker bulbs from the halogen to the LED.

I've read most of the posts on this forum which say that the LED bulbs look brilliant and bright at night but you can barely see them in the daylight, which is fine, I'd rather have the 'white' look than the yellow.

I've seen a number of 6w, 7w, even 10w bulbs. My question is, is there a difference in brightness between them? Most people say no but I'd rather double check before I buy them.

Is there any particular bulb which you all recommend?

Thanks in advance! 

[X5Sport]

Try HIDS Direct or HIDS4U as they do the direct replacements.  The difference between 6 & 10W LEDs is not huge to be honest.

It takes about 5 minutes to change them and it is a fitting rather than just an LED.

[gsj87]

[quote="X5Sport"]
Try HIDS Direct or HIDS4U as they do the direct replacements.  The difference between 6 & 10W LEDs is not huge to be honest.

It takes about 5 minutes to change them and it is a fitting rather than just an LED.
[/quote]

Thanks, bud, will give them a go.

Am I right in saying that once the LED's are fitted, I'll see a second or two flicker everytime I start the car?

[X5Sport]

Yes.  It can be stopped by coding out the cold bulb check.  LEDs light up faster than filaments so you see the flicker.

[gsj87]

[quote="X5Sport"]
Yes.  It can be stopped by coding out the cold bulb check.  LEDs light up faster than filaments so you see the flicker.
[/quote]

How would I do that? Do I need a specific scanner?

[X5Sport]

Computers and software via the OBD2 port.  It might be possible using the Carly App and their OBD2 adapter, have a look on line.

Scanner 1.4.0 was the favourite but it's needs XP and it not very easy to configure to play nicely on current OS versions - unless you like torturing youself looking for the right drivers  >:(

[gsj87]

[quote="X5Sport"]
Computers and software via the OBD2 port.  It might be possible using the Carly App and their OBD2 adapter, have a look on line.

Scanner 1.4.0 was the favourite but it's needs XP and it not very easy to configure to play nicely on current OS versions - unless you like torturing youself looking for the right drivers  >:(
[/quote]

I definitely don't haha. Thanks for the advice.

[gsj87]

So I looked at the two suggested HID websites and the bulbs are much more expensive than I thought.

I've came across these on eBay.. 10w led CREE bulbs, are these a good idea to buy?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from= ... 7&_sacat=0

[grumpywurzel]

I have bought a set of those in the past, worked ok. Major minus point for me was the rear of the led unit is smooth with nothing to grip hold of, trust me when I say it's a pain in the nuts to try and get them to lock into place and even worse to remove. My set lasted roughly 12 months, do not buy these from amazon https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00 ... UTF8&psc=1

Complete piece of junk! Yes I gave them the 1 star review....

[gsj87]

[quote="grumpywurzel"]
I have bought a set of those in the past, worked ok. Major minus point for me was the rear of the led unit is smooth with nothing to grip hold of, trust me when I say it's a pain in the nuts to try and get them to lock into place and even worse to remove. My set lasted roughly 12 months, do not buy these from amazon https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00 ... UTF8&psc=1

Complete piece of junk! Yes I gave them the 1 star review....
[/quote]

Thanks for the advice, which LED angel eyes are you using now then?

[grumpywurzel]

Got a set from HIDS direct in the post, more expensive but hopefully worth it, their dipped beam sets are good so fingers crossed

[gsj87]

[quote="grumpywurzel"]
Got a set from HIDS direct in the post, more expensive but hopefully worth it, their dipped beam sets are good so fingers crossed
[/quote]

How much were they? Do you have a link for them? I tried looking on the website but couldn't find the exact type.

[grumpywurzel]

http://www.hids-direct.co.uk/24w-cree-x ... 5-e66-e87/

Hope that works

[gsj87]

Cheers pal, I did see these but a bit out of my price range at the moment with Christmas etc.

Please let me know how you get on with them and if they're any better than the £25 ones I've just purchased from eBay.