Weak backup lights, any fixes?
12-26-2004, 09:12 PM
#11
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I commented on this problem months ago and nobody made a suggestion. 50W is 3X more than 16W and this is 3X the current draw. I think the problem is the small opening for the lights. If the bulb were pointed down more and had a biggere reflector, then it would be brighter. I would be concerned about electrical system sensing too high a current draw. I feel an extra lamp should be mounted, but have seen no good looking options. A fog light to the rear would be perfect but too bulky and may require another circuit for power. Making electrical changes is my biggest fear regarding warranty.
12-26-2004, 10:48 PM
#12
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Our E60's come standard with both front and rear fog lights. If you have them, activating the rear fogs would give you a lot more light while backing up.
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12-26-2004, 11:25 PM
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Originally Posted by streak' date='Dec 26 2004, 11:48 PM
Our E60's come standard with both front and rear fog lights. If you have them, activating the rear fogs would give you a lot more light while backing up.
Streak
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[snapback]72718[/snapback]
Yup no luck here in the US.
12-27-2004, 04:51 AM
#14
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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 search as well and came up with a #921 bulb rated at 18w as the OEM. I will check it out and report as the OEM's are not useable.
12-27-2004, 09:59 AM
#15
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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.
The only #921 bulbs that states a brighter light is Eurolite Xenon 921 bulbs.
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-gpVKuusFhnt/c...d_info&i=507921
I will order them and report back. They are the same wattage though.
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-gpVKuusFhnt/c...d_info&i=507921
I will order them and report back. They are the same wattage though.
12-27-2004, 11:33 AM
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Originally Posted by pennetta' date='Dec 27 2004, 10:59 AM
The only #921 bulbs that states a brighter light is Eurolite Xenon 921 bulbs.
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-gpVKuusFhnt/c...d_info&i=507921
I will order them and report back. They are the same wattage though.
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-gpVKuusFhnt/c...d_info&i=507921
I will order them and report back. They are the same wattage though.
[snapback]72802[/snapback]
Humm that might be the better alternative... only 2 Watts more but says its much brighter...
12-27-2004, 04:02 PM
#17
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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.
To answer some of the previous questions about draw and watts. Since the volts are constant 12v +/- the watts, 16w verses 50w does equate to three times the draw. Other than the car recognizing the difference, the higher wattage would generate three times the heat, assuming the same technology bulb is used- (ie incandesent, halogen, xenon). Higher heat can melt the bulb socket, melt the rear lense, or blow a fuse.
My Google research found some reference to four sockets but only two bulbs for the backup lights, however the other two sockets were not wired. If my Eurolite Xenons don't make it appreciably brighter then I might try some soldering.
My Google research found some reference to four sockets but only two bulbs for the backup lights, however the other two sockets were not wired. If my Eurolite Xenons don't make it appreciably brighter then I might try some soldering.
12-29-2004, 10:29 AM
#18
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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 got the bulbs today and just installed them. Its still light out here so can't tell if they are going to be better but the stock bulb is 16watts and the new one is 18watts, also the new bulb says Xenon gas bulb which should throw off more lumes for the same wattage rating.
I will report back in a few hours.
I will report back in a few hours.
12-29-2004, 10:39 AM
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Originally Posted by pennetta' date='Dec 29 2004, 11:29 AM
I got the bulbs today and just installed them. Its still light out here so can't tell if they are going to be better but the stock bulb is 16watts and the new one is 18watts, also the new bulb says Xenon gas bulb which should throw off more lumes for the same wattage rating.
I will report back in a few hours.
I will report back in a few hours.
[snapback]73476[/snapback]
COOL plese report back and with pics if you can. I'm interested.
.