View Full Version : Interior LED lighting conversion upgrade
omeyhomey
03-22-2006, 10:42 PM
Update: Interior LED lighting conversion...
hey guys, well heres an old trick i did on my E36 bmw. I converted all of the interior lighting bulbs to LED based bulbs instead of the normal filament style bulbs. What this does is ...
* Reduce electricity used by almost 95%
* Reduce strain on the electrical system
* it emits ZERO heat unlike conventional bulbs
* it will last 10 times longer than any conventional bulbs
* it emits a much higher quality vibrant true white light
The only downside is it is slightly pricy but when u take into account that the bulbs will last a lifetime then it is actually a bargain b/c u will never have to replace another bulb again.
Anyways here are the pictures (i left some of the stock bulbs in place to show a comparison of before and after. (sorry for the blurry pics, the camera isn't the best in the dark.)
The final bulb tally is as such for W140's but im sure its almost the same for W202s...
for 6411 bulbs (39mm 9LED super white bulbs)...
- lower door bulbs (4, 1 per door)
- two for front main dome lights
- one for rear dome light
- Liscence plate ones SHOULD be 6411 too
- one trunk bulb
BA9S bulbs
- two front map lights
- two rear reading lights
Total count = 14 @ roughly $5 a peice
I did not do any of the vanity mirrors and I wont so i dunno about those but hope that helps guys.
http://forums.mbworld.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=76787&stc=1
http://forums.mbworld.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=76788&stc=1
http://forums.mbworld.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=76789&stc=1
http://forums.mbworld.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=76790&stc=1
http://forums.mbworld.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=76791&stc=1
FreeStyler
03-23-2006, 06:56 AM
WOW! Im gonna do this tomorrow...Any tips?
kameraguy
03-23-2006, 07:31 AM
Woah, that's cool :)
So did you need to add resistors, and are the LEDs soldered or somehow clipped to the normal connectors?
If you can post some detail pics of a sample bulb install that would be great :)
omeyhomey
03-23-2006, 07:59 AM
Originally posted by kameraguy
Woah, that's cool :)
So did you need to add resistors, and are the LEDs soldered or somehow clipped to the normal connectors?
If you can post some detail pics of a sample bulb install that would be great :)
NO YOU DO NOT! :) . These bulbs have EVERYTHING built in, the resistors and all. no soldering either, these are PLUG AND PLAY :) . the outside casing is identical to incandescent.
also be sure to get the 9-LED bulbs (they have 3-6 and those are not nearly as bright). hope that helps.
kameraguy
03-23-2006, 08:10 AM
Ahh, I see! So they literally are replacements for the incandecent bulb counterparts. Sweeeeet!! Thanks, this is defintely a "cool" mod, yuck yuck yuck, pun intended :)
Oh, btw, do you recommend buying the bulbs online somewhere, or are these readily available at a local automotive shop?
FreeStyler
03-23-2006, 08:12 AM
go to this site kameraguy, gives you an idea of how it works...
http://autolumination.com/festoon.htm
Ashkan's C280
03-23-2006, 09:12 AM
are you doing cluster or tranny lights? (the shifter lights from 1-4,5) and why not vanity mirrors? too much work? Also lots of 202s are lacking puddle lights and reading lamps in the rear, sucks but meh, also are there spots where we can put in lights in the foot wells or would it have to be custom done...
i have the 9 led for my domes too. pretty damn bright, but sometimes its really annoying. it does look cool though.
omeyhomey
03-23-2006, 12:43 PM
ya you can buy them directly from that "Festoon" site or you can get off ebay. hope that helps.
Denlasoul
03-23-2006, 01:12 PM
Would these have the fading light on/off like the normal bulbs?
Not sure why I am even asking, cuz I have all my interior lights off whenever I open the doors. :bandit:
unHookt
03-23-2006, 01:39 PM
good question.
anyone?
Ashkan's C280
03-23-2006, 03:13 PM
i like the fade so its a toss up to change to a cool color or to keep the fade, omeed? do you still have fade?
jstrat85
03-23-2006, 06:06 PM
wow! i like it so much! i want to do this mod! were do i get these lights from?
Ashkan's C280
03-23-2006, 07:16 PM
there is a fade, i asked omey
benzonline
03-23-2006, 08:04 PM
I think the fade feature isnt the bulb itself doing it....its the light circuit?
iwhocorrupts
03-23-2006, 08:16 PM
I have red LED maplights on the interior of my car, they are 6 LED lights, and I believe they are 34mm bulbs, I ordered them from superbrightleds.com
there is fade but it isnt as drastic as an actual filament.
IamJanuar
03-23-2006, 09:15 PM
I have LED on my interior that I bought from http://autolumination.com/festoon.htm
The setup on my 1999 c43:
white 44mm 9 LED
-2X frontlight
-1x backlight
-1X trunklight
(The 39mm is a little loose)
194 Superwhite Xenon (glass bulb) on the square reading light upfront. http://autolumination.com/festoon_before_after.htm
Dont buy LED bulb for that spot.(pointless! here's why) LED bulb is brightest from the front, the light from the side of the bulb is just minimal. If you ever take out this bulb, the front of the bulb does not face down into the square plastic. The side face the square plastic. If you did browse the 1st link above and stumble upon this http://autolumination.com/194.htm
The first "5 LED bulb" on the page may intrigue you.. forget it! the dimension of the bulb wont fit into the hole. Then you scroll down a little bit you will find an "inverted LED bulb" that supposingly emit light from the side.. forget it too! the light is ridiciously dim.
The superwhite xenon bulb actually are really close to WHITE color, but it is not advisable on the festoon dome bulb spots. You can see a hint of blue when the lights are off, a process defined as RICING. Fortunately the square plastic spot infront is really opaque and thick.
The lights auto dim whenever you come in and out. No resistor is required for interior LED.
I had spent so much money on my interior for trial and error, the amount of useless bulbs laying around is ridiculous!
I am going to take pictures tomorrow to let you guys see my full setup. I never thought people are interested in these mods. ;)
I am going to post pic too on my new front signal setup. http://autolumination.com/switchback.html
Ashkan's C280
03-23-2006, 09:18 PM
so which ones do we buy?
omeyhomey
03-24-2006, 01:39 PM
yes they do fade to about 60-70% then go black where as regular fade all the way to 0%. my W140 doesnt have a fade feature , but my BMW did and I had them in those too.
the 39mm will work in all locations, u can just slightly bend the tabs a few mm inward or outward. otherwise you have to get a bunch of different sizes and it gets confusing. I use 9LED for all my locations works perfect.
IamJanuar
03-24-2006, 05:40 PM
Front Light
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y200/iamjanuar/Lights/IMG_1953.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y200/iamjanuar/Lights/IMG_1915.jpg
Back Light
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y200/iamjanuar/Lights/IMG_1947.jpg
Brightness 10inch above shift knob
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y200/iamjanuar/Lights/IMG_1990.jpg
jstrat85
03-24-2006, 06:59 PM
so wich ones do we buy? white 44mm 9 LED?
K_Sport Driver
03-24-2006, 07:16 PM
i think it's 39mm
omeyhomey
03-25-2006, 12:21 AM
I am Januar, excellent pics. I should have the rest of my bulbs in soon, once I do I will take a picture of all of them. W140 does have alot more lights than the W202 but it seems yours turned out great. I got all 39mm in mine but its up to you, its easier to get a smaller bulb and bend tabs then to get a longer one and try and force it in a smaller hole (just a thought to keep in mind). I am also contemplating doing my instrument cluster b/c one of my bulbs burned out anyways, I think it will look much nicer (much more similar to the new style S-class white light instrument lighting. I'll keep yall updated. I'm glad I could help yall out. If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask.
IamJanuar
03-25-2006, 08:33 AM
I am kinda hesitating on giving suggestion... Does all the w202 have the same front and back skylight? I own a C43 and I realise some non-AMG W202 accesories dont fit in into my car.
BUT, if someone can confirm that they are the same... Go for 44mm all around.
In my experience, it was easier to actually force the bigger bulb into the spot than bending the tabs to fit in the smaller bulb.
omeyhomey, What kind of bulb goes into the instrument cluster? the white cluster definitely makes the dash lit up.. post some pics if you did do it
omeyhomey
03-25-2006, 11:25 AM
I am guessing its a BA9S bulb but not 100% sure until i open it up, it may be a 194 style bulb. If i get one it will be one with teh most LEDs as possible. never get those single big LEDs, they aren't any good. I will post results once done.
jstrat85
03-25-2006, 08:14 PM
whats up guys, i just order my light bulbs. ill take pics when they come in:D ;)
solodough
03-26-2006, 09:59 AM
Originally posted by jstrat85
whats up guys, i just order my light bulbs. ill take pics when they come in:D ;)
jstrat: so what size bulbs fit the 220?
rear license plate bulbs ARE NOT the same as the interior domes.
IamJanuar
03-26-2006, 10:34 AM
Originally posted by ryhi
rear license plate bulbs ARE NOT the same as the interior domes.
the rear ones are 36mm
jstrat85
03-26-2006, 05:05 PM
i got the 44mms. i also want to change my license plate bulbs.
omeyhomey
03-26-2006, 11:17 PM
thats why i chose 39mm b/c they fit 36-44mm, all u have to do is just push the tabs in or out alittle, thats it. its pretty simple. but whatever flotas your boat. I got the rest of my bulbs coming in real soon. It should look real nice.
After driving the car a few days I reallly like the lighting and lot of people have commented on the lights and light them alot. the flood lights are especially nice at night and definitely light up the ground better at night (i know 202's dont have them but just thought i'd make a comparison). anyways i'll let you know what style bulbs they are.
jstrat85
03-29-2006, 08:00 PM
whats up guys got the lights in today and i put them in and they look sick! i like it alot! 44mm fit nice but if you guys want you can also go with the 39mm. will post pics asap.
john
unHookt
03-29-2006, 10:17 PM
Please do - sounds like a quick, easy & cheap mod that could save headaches since led's last sooooo long.
omeyhomey
03-29-2006, 11:00 PM
Originally posted by unHookt
Please do - sounds like a quick, easy & cheap mod that could save headaches since led's last sooooo long.
ya, they will honestly last longer than your car so its really a one time mod. never again will one burn out
omeyhomey
03-29-2006, 11:55 PM
Hey guys, I ordered the wrong BAS9s (i got uni-directional instead of all directional). So i ordered a set of all directional BAS9 LEDs (which has 5LED's instead of 4 anyways). I also am changing my Front dome lights to the "LED SUPERSTARS", they are the brightest LED dome bulbs availible on the market period. They are not convetional 9LED bulbs, instead they use two super high flux LEDs and they are 44mm wide (which is what many of you may prefer anyways). They are rediculous but are a bit $$ ($7.99 ea). I will use those in the domes and put the domes in the license plate holder bulbs. I will get them in soon and hopefully have finalized pics of the interior. here are sample pics of the Superstars...
http://autolumination.com/images/auto_bulbs/44_2ww_mark.jpg
http://autolumination.com/images/auto_bulbs/44_2w_mark.jpg
jstrat85
03-30-2006, 06:24 PM
does anybody know what size for the licens plate? i think 39mm is going to fit, but 49mm does not fit! i just tryed it out!
IamJanuar
03-30-2006, 06:43 PM
Originally posted by jstrat85
does anybody know what size for the licens plate? i think 39mm is going to fit, but 49mm does not fit! i just tryed it out!
36mm
jstrat85
03-30-2006, 07:16 PM
IamJanuar thank you so much i just order them!
omeyhomey
03-31-2006, 12:28 PM
39mm will work perfect on them. I will move my 39mm from my domelights to my liscence plate and they should fit perfect.
omeyhomey
04-03-2006, 08:52 PM
well guys my bulbs (The special LEDs i reordered, 5-led BAS9s and the twin Flux LED 44mm Domes) came in today but My car is in the shop so i won't be able to install them for a few days. but the results should be good. i'll keep yall posted....
jstrat85
04-04-2006, 06:14 AM
What's up guys I got my light in yesterday installed them and they look crazy! I did my license plate and my trunk light inside. the trunk light I did red LEDs and it looks crazy! Will post PICS tonight!
omeyhomey
04-04-2006, 02:04 PM
can't wait to see them :)
iwhocorrupts
04-04-2006, 07:34 PM
jstrat, my whole interior lighting is red LED haha, its so sweet, too bad it doesnt do any good when i actually need to read something
rollinrealbig
04-04-2006, 07:55 PM
Originally posted by iwhocorrupts
jstrat, my whole interior lighting is red LED haha, its so sweet, too bad it doesnt do any good when i actually need to read something
HaHa mine too! I got red neon under my dash and red gauges.
jstrat85
04-06-2006, 06:32 AM
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y250/jstrat85/w202/johnpics038.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y250/jstrat85/w202/johnpics037.jpg
omeyhomey
04-08-2006, 01:42 AM
I did the liscence plate lights, the rest of the map lights and also the new twin high flux LED for the front dome lights. Pictures are coming soon....
omeyhomey
04-08-2006, 02:48 AM
UPDATE: LED lighting conversion complete, PICS!
Well guys, here are the pics. The two licence plate LEDs turned out great (39mm,9LED. You HAVE to use 39mm, cannot use 44mm b/c they just won't fit, OEM one is a 36mm so 39mm is already a stretch as is). I had to modify the pictures for obvious reasons but just imagine the a fade to the center with the center of the plate being slightly darker than the edges. The LED's are perfectly designed for liscence plate lighting b/c it directs all 100% of the light faces downward (you have to aim them downwards obviously). There are no reflectors on the liscence plate . The interior lighting turned out great. The Map lights turned out pretty good but you have to aim those as well (one of the 5 LED's has to aim outward). On the Dome lights I took pictures of the TWO DIFFERENT dome LEDs. The passgenger side (right dome) has the same 39mm 9 LED bulb. The drivers side (left dome) has the new design twin high-flux led lights which are 44mm. You can tell in the pictures the twin-flux design are the best, but what you can't really tell from the pictures is how much brighter they are. If i had to guess i would say they are roughly almost 50% brighter than the conventional 9LED deslign and they also disperse the light better as well (wider range than coventional LEDs). They are definitely worth the extra $1 price difference (from festoon bulbs). I will be ordering one more for the passenger side. The map lights don't really light that much honestly but I just wanted to have EVERYTHING matching.
The overall conversion was a huge sucess and I am VERY happy with the results. Here is the final tally (for W140 of course, W202 is alittle different and has fewer bulbs)....
(7) 39mm ,9LED bulbs = $49 ($7 each)
(2) High flux 44MM LED Dome bulbs = $16 ($8 each)
(4) BA9S 5-LED Map lights = $28 ($7 each)
Grand Total = $93 (before shipping)
Thanks guys, and I hope this information prove useful to all of you who want to upgrade your interior lighting. Enjoy!
http://forums.mbworld.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=78268&stc=1&d=1144492986
http://forums.mbworld.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=78269&stc=1&d=1144492986
http://forums.mbworld.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=78270&stc=1&d=1144492986
http://forums.mbworld.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=78271&stc=1&d=1144492986
http://forums.mbworld.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=78272&stc=1&d=1144492986
http://forums.mbworld.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=78273&stc=1&d=1144493062
http://forums.mbworld.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=78274&stc=1&d=1144493062
http://forums.mbworld.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=78275&stc=1&d=1144493150
http://forums.mbworld.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=78276&stc=1&d=1144493150
omeyhomey
04-08-2006, 03:10 AM
Hey guys,
Just a sneek peak of whats to come, next project is Instrument Cluster LED conversion :)
unHookt
04-08-2006, 11:58 AM
where is your basslink installed? in the cabin??
omeyhomey
04-08-2006, 12:45 PM
Originally posted by unHookt
where is your basslink installed? in the cabin??
naw I disconnected it b/c i was cleaning the trunk. its normally mounted like it is on my website pictures (passenger front corner of the trunk.
redc36
04-10-2006, 10:11 AM
so can someone make a clear list for W202 as far as which lights and how many.
as far as other colors for LEDs like red or blue. anyone has pics with them installed ? u think its too tacky?
omeyhomey
04-10-2006, 02:32 PM
Originally posted by redc36
so can someone make a clear list for W202 as far as which lights and how many.
as far as other colors for LEDs like red or blue. anyone has pics with them installed ? u think its too tacky?
i would go with white personally, anything else would look ricey IMO.
tpliquid
04-10-2006, 02:57 PM
wats the size for 202 plates again? 39mm?
iwhocorrupts
04-10-2006, 07:52 PM
omeyhomey, did you ever do the cluster LED conversion?
omeyhomey
04-13-2006, 03:28 PM
Originally posted by iwhocorrupts
omeyhomey, did you ever do the cluster LED conversion?
got the LEDs a few day ago. i've been sick with food poisoning all week so i won't be able to do it for another few days possibly a week until i recover fully.
omeyhomey
04-14-2006, 10:43 PM
hey guys, for anyone interested i have (3) 39mm 9-LED Bulbs for sale, one is brand new two are used for only a few days. They are normaly $7 a peice plus $8 shipping (from festoon). I will sell all 3 for $15 plus $5 shipping. Email/PM if interested. Thx
Ashkan's C280
05-07-2007, 02:43 PM
Can someone please update this for the 202 I have been meaning to do this but am not sure which ones to exactly buy... are the High flux 44MM LED Dome bulbs better than the 9-led bulbs for the two front dome lights?
Ashkan's C280
06-11-2007, 05:35 PM
what size is the vanity mirror blubs?
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