DIY LED Reverse Lights
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From: Queens, NY
My Ride: A Car
Originally Posted by myfiveserie1818' post='1083256' date='Jan 2 2010, 10:00 PM
hey john,
I got these installed tonite. they are bright! however, the paper clips were way too short to wrap around. i recommend using longer metal wire. thanks!
I got these installed tonite. they are bright! however, the paper clips were way too short to wrap around. i recommend using longer metal wire. thanks!
i tried using longer ones. It's almost impossible to manuever inside with longer metal wires. The length of the current ones are perfect. U just need to make it sit and it would not move.
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Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 103
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From: New Jersey
My Ride: 2007 BMW 530xi Space Grey / Dark Grey
Sport pkg, Sun screens, Navi, 30% tint, HID Fogs, RDash license plate lights, LED Reverse lights, 6000k AE's, 20s Glossy black 128 wheels
This is a DIY for my LED Reverse Lights. Works for LCI and pre-LCI taillights. In this DIY, it was an LCI taillight.
You need to remove the taillight from the car first. Removing the taillight is simple. Just remove the two screws from the panel and then pull. Then there are 4 nuts holding the taillight in place. U can find the taillight DIY anywhere as it has been discussed MANY times.
Picture of actual product
Attachment 88995
Connected with resistor
Attachment 88996
Let's check the brightness
Attachment 88997
Taillight removed
Attachment 88998
Unclip the sockets for ALL the bulbs for pre-LCI. For LCI, twist the knob and pull out.
Attachment 88999
This is what it looks like when pulled out.
Attachment 89000
Take a close look of the rubbery foam.
Attachment 89001
Pull the foam back so u have access
Attachment 89002
Drop the panel into the hole
Attachment 89005
Another view of dropping the panel inside
Attachment 89006
Push the panel into the hole.
Attachment 89003
Another view of pushing the panel
Attachment 89004
Pull the mounting clips upwards using pliers
Attachment 89007
Wrap the mounting clips around so it stays put. You can use ur hands or pliers.
Attachment 89008
Picture of the socket piece
Attachment 89009
Socket piece with my custom cable with resistor
Attachment 89010
Put the foam back in place
Attachment 89011
Attach the connectors and clip them in place.
Attachment 89012
Finished!
Attachment 89014
Attachment 89015
Attachment 89016
Make sure you DO NOT rest the resistor on wires. The reverse lights would not be on for hours but safety is still a priority.
Post any questions u may have.
You need to remove the taillight from the car first. Removing the taillight is simple. Just remove the two screws from the panel and then pull. Then there are 4 nuts holding the taillight in place. U can find the taillight DIY anywhere as it has been discussed MANY times.
Picture of actual product
Attachment 88995
Connected with resistor
Attachment 88996
Let's check the brightness
Attachment 88997
Taillight removed
Attachment 88998
Unclip the sockets for ALL the bulbs for pre-LCI. For LCI, twist the knob and pull out.
Attachment 88999
This is what it looks like when pulled out.
Attachment 89000
Take a close look of the rubbery foam.
Attachment 89001
Pull the foam back so u have access
Attachment 89002
Drop the panel into the hole
Attachment 89005
Another view of dropping the panel inside
Attachment 89006
Push the panel into the hole.
Attachment 89003
Another view of pushing the panel
Attachment 89004
Pull the mounting clips upwards using pliers
Attachment 89007
Wrap the mounting clips around so it stays put. You can use ur hands or pliers.
Attachment 89008
Picture of the socket piece
Attachment 89009
Socket piece with my custom cable with resistor
Attachment 89010
Put the foam back in place
Attachment 89011
Attach the connectors and clip them in place.
Attachment 89012
Finished!
Attachment 89014
Attachment 89015
Attachment 89016
Make sure you DO NOT rest the resistor on wires. The reverse lights would not be on for hours but safety is still a priority.
Post any questions u may have.
Members
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 103
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
My Ride: 2007 BMW 530xi Space Grey / Dark Grey
Sport pkg, Sun screens, Navi, 30% tint, HID Fogs, RDash license plate lights, LED Reverse lights, 6000k AE's, 20s Glossy black 128 wheels
Members
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Queens NY
I changed my reverse lights to a HID 8000k this past summer with no errors on the dash. . These are way brighter than LED's. I've also install a switch with a diode that does not feed power back into the car electrical system. i can have the lights in reverse for about 20 minutes with minimal heat on the plastics. If someone tailgates me all I have to do it hit the switch and watch them back off.. I?m not knocking the LED?s but the difference is night and day.
I hate tailgaters!
Members
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Queens NY
. . . If you need help let me know,
Contributors
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,434
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From: NYC, Rego Park, Queens
My Ride: 2004 E60 530i, 2012 E70 X5 35i
Model Year: 2004
That's cool. I love extra bright lights too. Saw it before on another car, but how much was the whole kit? how did you wire it up btw?
Members
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Queens NY
I've done it for a few customers in the Bronx and Queens. It's not hard to wire up. The HID kit, relay and diodes was donated from gotHIDxenon.com in NY. Complete installation took less than an hour. I can give you some DYI pictures if needed.