bmwrider2010

the only led with similar measurements for needle is 0805 size. ordered some super bright RED 0805

bmwrider2010

ok, got these 0805 apparently they are not right size they are a bit smaller I have soldered one to test but light output is about same as original orange this is not what I want so ordered 1206 size now they should be much brighter. anyway see my pictures and compare two needles 0805 led does add a little bit redness but only a little

balbs

The correct LED type and size are in the thread. You just have to read through it. From there you can pick the color an intensity you want.

bmwrider2010

I must be blind then I can't see anywhere correct LED size for needles and not for gauges which is 3528

niunia i oli

Do You change this led to 1206 ??

Oli

ucsbwsr

My 2300mcd Ultra White 3528 SMDs arrived in the mail along with some transparent red spray enamel.

I would also like to change my needle LEDs and the info and pictures in this thread leaves me to believe that 1206 is the proper size. 0805s are confirmed as being too small but has anyone tried the soldering the 3528 SMDs onto the pads for the gauge needles?

If the soldering pad is not a perfect match size-wise, is it still possible to "make it work"?

Are there potential risks with running an SMD on a smaller-than-ideal PAD?

Is there an issue with running a PLCC-2 in place of a regular SMD?


Here is technical data on the two size of SMD:
http://lighthouseleds.com/downloads/..._datasheet.pdf
http://lighthouseleds.com/downloads/..._datasheet.pdf

I also did a rough sketch showing the difference in recommended pad between the 1206 and 3528, the 1206 spacing is longer by .1mm but the greatest difference is the extra 1.1mm of pad width for the 3528.
Contact patch for the 3528 is .7mmL x 2.2mmW with 1.5mm spacing
Contact patch for the 1206 is .7mmL x 1.5mmW with 1.6mm spacing

...so, I will take a look at what the actual pad on my circuit board measures but based off the measurements supplied above would the extra .7mm of width pose a problem?

Thanks for any insight, I will follow up with my findings.

Evan

ucsbwsr

I wanted to follow up that you can in fact mount the 3528 on the pad intended for the 1206 needle LEDs, however I don't recommend it unless you are highly skilled at soldering, it is more work than it's worth.

I made a small write up on my cluster mod, it is still a work in progress and I will post my final result here soon. In the meantime feel free to view my write up here:
My Customized Gauge Cluster - Bimmerfest - BMW Forums

Here is a picture showing OEM vs. V1 vs. V2. Sorry for the poor photo quality.
V3 is soon to come.

Evan

niunia i oli

Hi,

i change my cluster to ALPINA design.

I used information from this topic and now it's look like that





And in the day time



Ofcourse I change orange led to white led and red below needles

I hope You like this mod

Oli

PS: Sorry for my engish

545iMike

Looks amazing. More info please. How did you get the alpina logo?

ucsbwsr

I am not happy with the LED output for my needles as I want them to really POP so it will be addressed down the road but for now the cluster is done. I added some more red enamel to darken the red and blacked out the KPH markings to clean up the gauge face at night.

Clean and efficient!

Evan

PS- I readjusted the cruise control marker after the photo.