LED bars on e61
#1
Thread Starter
New Members
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: iceland
My Ride: BMW E61 530d with 3,5l injectors and remapped, love that workhorse
LED bars on e61
Hi i was just wondering if anyone has installed a led bar behind or infront the bumper grille on an m-tech front bumper
#2
Members
Senior Members
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 899
Likes: 13
From: San Diego
My Ride: E61 with all the mods
Model Year: 2008
Engine: N54
#4
New Members
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 351
Likes: 0
From: Chicago
My Ride: 2010, E61, 535i xDrive
Model Year: 2010
Wouldn't those LED bars just emit light in every direction? Wouldn't that be upsetting to oncoming drivers?
I realize that your car might not have Xenon headlamps, you might want to consider those instead.
If you do have xenons but that's, somehow, not enough, UCSBWSR has upgraded his headlamps with much brighter and better elements, these keep the brightness away from oncoming traffic and cars he is behind, look up his thread; that would be a much better way to do it and still consider those who you share the road with.
I realize that your car might not have Xenon headlamps, you might want to consider those instead.
If you do have xenons but that's, somehow, not enough, UCSBWSR has upgraded his headlamps with much brighter and better elements, these keep the brightness away from oncoming traffic and cars he is behind, look up his thread; that would be a much better way to do it and still consider those who you share the road with.
#7
Thread Starter
New Members
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: iceland
My Ride: BMW E61 530d with 3,5l injectors and remapped, love that workhorse
Yeah they are, as long as you can turn them on and off with a button and not blind anyone, don’t remember the exact rule from it but they are legal
#8
Members
Senior Members
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 899
Likes: 13
From: San Diego
My Ride: E61 with all the mods
Model Year: 2008
Engine: N54
Oh really? lol I figured that much. I was hoping for a more detailed response on your lighting needs, there are many different types of lights for different applications.
First I would suggest upgrading your headlights since those are already on the car, are intended to illuminate the road, and with proper modification can produce all the light you will really need for pretty much any circumstance. More importantly you can increase low beam light output that will be controlled and safe for oncoming traffic, there is also the high beam.
Most light bars are intended for off road use only and consequently don't have very controlled beam patterns with regard to rise (cutoff) so when it's on it blinds people, if you don't care then there are some other factors to consider. Mounting it behind the lower grill will be blocking your radiator or intercooler depending on your motor, not ideal. The grill will also be blocking a small amount of light. Probably the most important thing to consider with that mounting location is "foreground" since the light bar will be so close to the ground it inherently will be illuminating the road immediately in front of you much like fog lights and if your goal is to have a light bar as a high beam supplement for distance vision then foreground is counterproductive since it reflects and creates glare. The light will make your pupils constrict and you won't be able to see as far.
So in summary, upgrade your headlights and if you still need an auxiliary high beam then consider mounting the light bar to the roof. If you are after different results then be more eloquent than saying "for better visibility" so I can be more helpful.
Evan
First I would suggest upgrading your headlights since those are already on the car, are intended to illuminate the road, and with proper modification can produce all the light you will really need for pretty much any circumstance. More importantly you can increase low beam light output that will be controlled and safe for oncoming traffic, there is also the high beam.
Most light bars are intended for off road use only and consequently don't have very controlled beam patterns with regard to rise (cutoff) so when it's on it blinds people, if you don't care then there are some other factors to consider. Mounting it behind the lower grill will be blocking your radiator or intercooler depending on your motor, not ideal. The grill will also be blocking a small amount of light. Probably the most important thing to consider with that mounting location is "foreground" since the light bar will be so close to the ground it inherently will be illuminating the road immediately in front of you much like fog lights and if your goal is to have a light bar as a high beam supplement for distance vision then foreground is counterproductive since it reflects and creates glare. The light will make your pupils constrict and you won't be able to see as far.
So in summary, upgrade your headlights and if you still need an auxiliary high beam then consider mounting the light bar to the roof. If you are after different results then be more eloquent than saying "for better visibility" so I can be more helpful.
Evan
#9
Those bars are illegal in some States. I am not sure of the exact law but I know some people with Jeeps that got tickets for having them installed and uncovered we have to buy covers for them because the local cops said that even if they were not on they could reflect light from another drivers legal headlights back into their eyes. One guy had a Jeep liberty with a factory light bar in top that had 4 round lights in it. He got a ticket but went to court and won because it was a factory installed option and had DOT approval. The judge said that state and local laws can not override federal vehicle laws when pertaining to factory options.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Stormbird
E61 Touring Discussion
14
12-07-2018 08:19 AM
vokey_sg
E60, E61 Parts, Accessories and Mods
3
11-09-2006 12:22 AM