Has anyone switched out all interior bulbs to LED yet?

Radioactive · 06-20-2011, 10:26 AM

Do they "Zap" bugs?

Nahoa · 06-20-2011, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tatsu666

but like i said, anyone knows the bulb numbers??

Looking around a bit after seeing this post I didn't find the option to do an LED "bulb" replacement. May have missed an option, but it seemed like the Bimmian deal that replaced the whole lens assembly was the only option. Maybe somebody else found something . . .

Nahoa · 06-20-2011, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lotus7

I actually prefer the light from candles (beeswax preferred, but paraffin is OK in a pinch), http://beeswaxcandleworks.com/index.html but those are hard to fit in the X3 sockets and blow out if you open a window. Candle light is much "warmer" than the stock incandescent bulbs. Their life is way less than the typical LEDs rated 50K hours, however.

I'm thinkin' mini hurricane lanters from someplace like Pier 1 would be a solution for you. I'm guessing if anyone could rig up an automated candle-lighting system integrated with the rear cargo door it would be you!

Babbage · 09-11-2011, 12:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tatsu666

but like i said, anyone knows the bulb numbers??

I'm thinking of upgrading the trunk bulbs myself. Possibly the other ones too. Did you find out which bulb numbers to get? I'd like to avoid paying $42 per pair, which seems excessive to me when other places sell them for around $12 for the same part.

drewmatthews · 09-11-2011, 03:58 PM

i'm in the process of updating all the lights of our x3, the front dome and rear passenger lights are giving me trouble as I dont know how to get into their housings, everything else was pretty much plug and play.

I have the bimmian ultimate LED if anybody cares. Photos when its all done.

Polar_Bimmer · 09-11-2011, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by powertech83

Personally I find bluish white LED on car interior made it kinda "cold"
I like the yellow lighting of the original one, it feels "warmer" and more luxurious.. especially on beige interiors.
Then again, everyone has their own preferences

Babbage · 09-23-2011, 10:28 PM

Update: I ordered and installed my LEDs from iJDMTOY.com (the deliver to Canada via USPS

).

I got 10 bulbs, "360-Degree Shine 5-SMD T10 Wedge Light LED Bulbs 158 168 194 921 2825" $13/pair. This is enough for the four footwells, underneath all four doors, and the two trunk lights. I'm keeping the original dome lights for now.

Be sure to have a small rag on hand to remove the old bulbs, they heat up very quickly.

Installation took 1 minute per light, absolutely no skills needed. The lights look beautiful.

tatsu666 · 09-24-2011, 12:19 AM

yea i've ordered from them as well for my civic, they got quick service. so you only got 10 of "360-Degree Shine 5-SMD T10 Wedge Light LED Bulbs 158 168 194 921 2825"?

sfax · 09-24-2011, 05:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Babbage

Update: I ordered and installed my LEDs from iJDMTOY.com (the deliver to Canada via USPS

).

I got 10 bulbs, "360-Degree Shine 5-SMD T10 Wedge Light LED Bulbs 158 168 194 921 2825" $13/pair. This is enough for the four footwells, underneath all four doors, and the two trunk lights. I'm keeping the original dome lights for now.

Be sure to have a small rag on hand to remove the old bulbs, they heat up very quickly.

Installation took 1 minute per light, absolutely no skills needed. The lights look beautiful.

Good work. Could we see some pics please?

Babbage · 09-24-2011, 07:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tatsu666

yea i've ordered from them as well for my civic, they got quick service. so you only got 10 of "360-Degree Shine 5-SMD T10 Wedge Light LED Bulbs 158 168 194 921 2825"?

Yes. They're sold in pairs, so I ordered 5 pairs. I'm keeping the original dome lights because it's a softer light for the passengers.

I'll try to take pics tonight, with only half the bulbs installed so people can compare. Do you need special permissions to post pictures to this board? Can I upload directly from my computer?

sfax · 09-24-2011, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Babbage

Yes. They're sold in pairs, so I ordered 5 pairs. I'm keeping the original dome lights because it's a softer light for the passengers.

I'll try to take pics tonight, with only half the bulbs installed so people can compare. Do you need special permissions to post pictures to this board? Can I upload directly from my computer?

No special permissions needed. Just use advanced edit and then Attach Files - Manage Attachments, or publish them elsewhere and use insert image and paste the image URL

Babbage · 09-27-2011, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sfax

Good work. Could we see some pics please?

Pics taken at night, with the flash off obviously, so the quality isn't the best. But you can clearly see that the LEDs are much brighter. I completed the switch today. But I'm keep the original reading lights, which I think will be softer and more pleasant for occupants.

Second pic: both left side doors are open, light comes from underneath the doors, onto the driveway.

Third pic: my messy trunk.

sfax · 09-28-2011, 12:37 AM

Thanks for posting. They look good but I think I would need to see them in the flesh. Not an easy thing to photograph

Babbage · 09-28-2011, 08:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sfax

Thanks for posting. They look good but I think I would need to see them in the flesh. Not an easy thing to photograph

The good news is that's it's not too expensive to buy, and it's easy to switch back. Just keep the old bulbs, and be sure to use a Kleenex to remove/handle the old bulbs (so that you don't get burned or leave skin oils on them, causing premature burn out).

richardchou · 10-18-2011, 09:18 PM

I did switch out the fog light to super white bulb and signal light to LED with loaded resistors. See picture

Want the thrill · 10-18-2011, 11:42 PM

What bulb did you use for the fog lights? It matches the led rings nicely. Was it much work to change them out?

richardchou · 10-19-2011, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Want the thrill

What bulb did you use for the fog lights? It matches the led rings nicely. Was it much work to change them out?

I use MTEC 4350K H8 light bulb which was bought of ebay. There is a thread that teaches you how to remove the fog light assembly with picture instructions. All you need is the screw driver that comes with your car.

tatsu666 · 10-19-2011, 03:43 PM

so your signal light is constantly on as white color now??

Want the thrill · 10-19-2011, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by richardchou

I use MTEC 4350K H8 light bulb which was bought of ebay. There is a thread that teaches you how to remove the fog light assembly with picture instructions. All you need is the screw driver that comes with your car.

Is that thread here on the X3 boards? Don't know how I missed it. I'll have to search for it! Thank you for the info on the bulbs!

richardchou · 10-20-2011, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tatsu666

so your signal light is constantly on as white color now??

Yes, they are LED.

h0mersimps0n · 10-21-2011, 08:20 PM

Finger on the switch to buy those fog bulbs - they look like from the photo that they match halos perfectly - would you say they match perfectly in person? Can u post link to install guide. Definitely doing this - big pet peace of mine is mismatched head/fog lamps

tatsu666 · 10-22-2011, 12:00 AM

then ur turn signal won't b flashing yellow anymore...kinda harder to see for other drivers, sorta dangerous...

Quote:

Originally Posted by richardchou

Yes, they are LED.

06-20-2011, 10:26 AM	#23
Radioactive Captain 42 Rep 764 Posts Drives: '11 X3 28i '10 535i '04 325i Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: San Diego iTrader: (1)	Do they "Zap" bugs?
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09-11-2011, 03:58 PM	#27
drewmatthews Registered 0 Rep 4 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW X3 (f25) Alpine White Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	i'm in the process of updating all the lights of our x3, the front dome and rear passenger lights are giving me trouble as I dont know how to get into their housings, everything else was pretty much plug and play. I have the bimmian ultimate LED if anybody cares. Photos when its all done.
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09-23-2011, 10:28 PM	#29
Babbage Private 7 Rep 74 Posts Drives: X3 2011 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	Update: I ordered and installed my LEDs from iJDMTOY.com (the deliver to Canada via USPS ). I got 10 bulbs, "360-Degree Shine 5-SMD T10 Wedge Light LED Bulbs 158 168 194 921 2825" $13/pair. This is enough for the four footwells, underneath all four doors, and the two trunk lights. I'm keeping the original dome lights for now. Be sure to have a small rag on hand to remove the old bulbs, they heat up very quickly. Installation took 1 minute per light, absolutely no skills needed. The lights look beautiful.
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09-24-2011, 12:19 AM	#30
tatsu666 New Member 4 Rep 20 Posts Drives: 2011 X3 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Coquitlam iTrader: (0)	yea i've ordered from them as well for my civic, they got quick service. so you only got 10 of "360-Degree Shine 5-SMD T10 Wedge Light LED Bulbs 158 168 194 921 2825"?
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09-28-2011, 12:37 AM	#35
sfax Brigadier General 91 Rep 3,855 Posts Drives: BMW X3 2011 F25 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Berkshire, UK iTrader: (0)	Thanks for posting. They look good but I think I would need to see them in the flesh. Not an easy thing to photograph __________________ F25 xDrive20d SE __ professional multimedia package \| dynamic package \| climate package \| 309s \| xline \| xenons \| electric seats \| folding mirrors \| business speakers
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10-18-2011, 09:18 PM	#37
richardchou Enlisted Member 3 Rep 43 Posts Drives: 2011 X3 35i M Sport - White Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Edmonton, AB CAN iTrader: (0)	signal light I did switch out the fog light to super white bulb and signal light to LED with loaded resistors. See picture Attached Images Last edited by richardchou; 10-18-2011 at 09:20 PM.. Reason: Add photos
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10-18-2011, 11:42 PM	#38
Want the thrill Lieutenant Colonel 330 Rep 1,560 Posts Drives: 2022 X4M40i, retired ‘11 X3 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: MI iTrader: (2) Garage List 2022 X4M40i [10.00]	What bulb did you use for the fog lights? It matches the led rings nicely. Was it much work to change them out?
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10-19-2011, 03:43 PM	#40
tatsu666 New Member 4 Rep 20 Posts Drives: 2011 X3 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Coquitlam iTrader: (0)	so your signal light is constantly on as white color now??
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10-21-2011, 08:20 PM	#43
h0mersimps0n Private 9 Rep 93 Posts Drives: X3 35i M-Sport Carbon Black Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Maryland iTrader: (0)	Finger on the switch to buy those fog bulbs - they look like from the photo that they match halos perfectly - would you say they match perfectly in person? Can u post link to install guide. Definitely doing this - big pet peace of mine is mismatched head/fog lamps
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