Weak backup lights, any fixes?
12-26-2004, 12:13 PM
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My Ride: 2008 535i: June 6th start build, complete June 17th, at NY Port July 5th, at dealer July 10th, took delivery Friday July 13- Plantimum Bronze/Natural Brown Leather/Light Poplar, Sport Package, Sport Auto, Active Steering, Premium Package, CWP & PDC. Dinan Performance Software 384hp & 421 ft/lbs.
I find that my backup lights are not strong enough to do any good. I actually keep my foot on the brake so I get the benefit of more light from the brake lights. Anyone know the wattage curently installed and can I go up to a higher rating? Do the Euro cars have better backup lights?
12-26-2004, 12:19 PM
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My Ride: G30 M550i
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There are many aftermarket backup lights. You should be able to find them easily on the web... (Sorry I don't have any links at this time.)
12-26-2004, 12:20 PM
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My Ride: 2008 535i: June 6th start build, complete June 17th, at NY Port July 5th, at dealer July 10th, took delivery Friday July 13- Plantimum Bronze/Natural Brown Leather/Light Poplar, Sport Package, Sport Auto, Active Steering, Premium Package, CWP & PDC. Dinan Performance Software 384hp & 421 ft/lbs.
I would like to keep the car stock looking. I was hoping for a bulb swap.
12-26-2004, 01:02 PM
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My Ride: G30 M550i
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A quick search yielded many hits. Here's two that show what I'm talking about:
http://www.securityworld.com/lightin...genbackup.html
http://www.audiooutfitter.com/store/20106.html
Without looking, I can't say if the E60 uses the 1156 or 3156 type bulb. If not, I'm sure there are similar replacements for other bulb types...
http://www.securityworld.com/lightin...genbackup.html
http://www.audiooutfitter.com/store/20106.html
Without looking, I can't say if the E60 uses the 1156 or 3156 type bulb. If not, I'm sure there are similar replacements for other bulb types...
12-26-2004, 02:00 PM
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My Ride: 545iSMGSilver GrayAuburn Dakota LeatherLogic 7 Premium SoundSports Package
The OEM back up lights are only 16W... 12V 16W putting in a 50W wouldnt that draw too much current?
12-26-2004, 02:03 PM
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I'm no electrician but in light bulbs, I think watts are a measure of light output, not currrent draw. It's amps that measure draw.
These bulbs are designed exactly for this application. I doubt they'll cause any problems...
These bulbs are designed exactly for this application. I doubt they'll cause any problems...
12-26-2004, 02:29 PM
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Originally Posted by Rudy' date='Dec 26 2004, 03:03 PM
I'm no electrician but in light bulbs, I think watts are a measure of light output, not currrent draw.? It's amps that measure draw.
These bulbs are designed exactly for this application.? I doubt they'll cause any problems...
These bulbs are designed exactly for this application.? I doubt they'll cause any problems...
[snapback]72630[/snapback]
Right Watts is how they measure how bright the light bulb is... but Power = Current * Voltage
Which is Watts = Amps * Volts so with the same 12 Volts and obtaining 50 W instead of 16W, Amps need to be higher thus higher current draw. No?
12-26-2004, 07:14 PM
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As I said, I don't know the formula, etc. but common sense tells me that there will be an increase in current draw with the brighter bulbs. The same common sense tells me it won't do any harm since these bulbs are designed for the exact application that we're talking about -- back-up lights.
What I'm not sure about is whether or not the car will scream at you if something other than what's expected is installed. It's possible that BMW is monitoring the circuit to alert you if a bulb fails, etc. If so, it might not like seeing the non-standard bulbs...
What I'm not sure about is whether or not the car will scream at you if something other than what's expected is installed. It's possible that BMW is monitoring the circuit to alert you if a bulb fails, etc. If so, it might not like seeing the non-standard bulbs...
12-26-2004, 08:36 PM
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Alright pennetta buy it and try it and let us know... as I would too like brighter back up lights 
