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DIY LCI tail-light retrofit (cheaper method)

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Old 08-22-2009, 10:27 AM
  #31  
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My Ride: 2007 550i Jet Black|Black Options: Sport|Premium|Cold Weather|PDC|Nav|Satellite Radio|Active Steering|Convenience Entry Mods: Trinity Side Skirts|Trinity Black Grilles|LCI Tail Lights with Bruce V6|Fog Light Bezel Rings|MTEC V2 Angel Eyes|LED License Plate Lights
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Originally Posted by pinguhk' post='985385' date='Aug 22 2009, 11:36 AM
don't forget there is a brake light on the top of the glass roof. So I doubt that a accident will occur, unless he or she can not see the bright led line of lights at the top.

The third light only goes on when the driver hits the brake - (Positive confirmation that the brake was pressed). However, under normal driving (i.e. brakes not hit) the third light is off. If you are driving at night and the signals (i.e. brakes under the new mod) flicker, the driver behind will not necessarily have time to go through the analysis of saying to themselves, I didn't see the third light flash. They will simply see the flickering on the traditional brake / signal location and react. Depending on the driving situation they might be forced to react quickly (for example going through a turn). At night (when it is dark) they may not even realize there is a third light because it was unlit...

I'll agree this mod will not guarantee an accident but I think it will increase the probability of one (even if only slightly). Further, it is most likely that if the accident occurs it will be the car behind you and the one that hits that.... I wouldn't want that on my conscience for a mod.

I think many people dislike when drivers weave in and out of traffic, without signaling their intentions. This is similar in that it will be potentially providing misleading signals.

Let me say, I think the mod is cool - I just think the flickering is a bug that should be fixed.

Just my two cents.
Old 08-23-2009, 07:15 AM
  #32  
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Originally Posted by wolf' post='985464' date='Aug 23 2009, 02:27 AM
I think many people dislike when drivers weave in and out of traffic, without signaling their intentions. This is similar in that it will be potentially providing misleading signals.

Let me say, I think the mod is cool - I just think the flickering is a bug that should be fixed.

Just my two cents.
I know what you mean
when I lived in England and driving I never weave in and out of traffic, unless I am in London.
BUT in HK you have to all the time and every 1 dose it or you never go any were and stuck in the same spot for a long long time
It is 1000 time worst in China.
Old 08-23-2009, 08:15 AM
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Originally Posted by pinguhk' post='986111' date='Aug 23 2009, 11:15 AM
I know what you mean
when I lived in England and driving I never weave in and out of traffic, unless I am in London.
BUT in HK you have to all the time and every 1 dose it or you never go any were and stuck in the same spot for a long long time
It is 1000 time worst in China.
Here in NYC, you have to do that along with those crazy cab drivers...
Old 08-23-2009, 08:47 AM
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Originally Posted by theXman' post='986142' date='Aug 24 2009, 12:15 AM
Here in NYC, you have to do that along with those crazy cab drivers...

this is why we all need the SB
Old 08-24-2009, 02:56 AM
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The title says it all. You get what you pay for. If you want a quality oem solution you buy Bruce's cables. If you want cheap alternative that does work exactly as it should you use this method. Personally I went for the former.
Old 08-24-2009, 06:48 PM
  #36  
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Originally Posted by wolf' post='985319' date='Aug 22 2009, 08:02 PM
I'd be nervous about the strobing. If the rods/bars are strobing people will assume the car is braking or possibly turning. Incorrect "signals" will raise the chances of an accident occurring. And you don't want to have some drivers think you are slamming the brakes in front of them - this might lead to getting a SMOOTHIE thrown at your car
I got your feel but seem too much.
Strobing on the Turn led light not in brake led rod.
Beside this strobing just once and in less power. Looked not as normal turn light up.
The drivers in behind should not think you slamming the brakes unless they are nuts.
Old 08-24-2009, 08:49 PM
  #37  
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dang that looks pretty sick! Can't justify the cost of it plus I have the OEM LCI brake lights hehe
Old 09-09-2009, 09:32 PM
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Originally Posted by GX528i' post='987769' date='Aug 25 2009, 12:49 AM
dang that looks pretty sick! Can't justify the cost of it plus I have the OEM LCI brake lights hehe

You don't need to put the bulbs on the other side, you can put bau15s 5led bulb and color them with black paint, the leds are not going warm. Don't worry. after the 9. sek of initialization no error on bord with this led bulbs.
Old 09-11-2009, 07:27 AM
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Hi guys,

I have a suggestion. Instead of turning the Bulbs the other way, we can use a 24Volt bulbs instead of the 12Volt bulbs. This will give a dimmer light effect and therefore make the 5 leds look more outstanding.
Old 09-22-2009, 06:37 PM
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Hi guys,

Last night help other member in alternative method.

Use 2 more resistors 22ohm connected the brake and tail to ground thus to fool the computer worked fine.

DIY LCI tail-light retrofit (cheaper method)-post_14507_1250568920_thumb.jpg

Left connector
Connect Pin 6 (TAIL) with 22 ohm resistor to Pin 8 (GND)
Connect Pin 7 (BRAKE) with 22 ohm resistor to Pin 8 (GND)

Right connector
Connect Pin 6 (BRAKE) with 22 ohm resistor to Pin 8 (GND)
Connect Pin 7 (TAIL) with 22 ohm resistor to Pin 8 (GND)


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