11 replies to this topic

[mini-man14]

Hi guys...

 

I was just asking myself where could I get LED head lamps with angel eyes, and where can I get LED tail lights?

Any links and pictures would be great.

 

thanks for everything, Jure

Edited by mini-man14, 07 December 2014 - 11:17 PM.

[gazza82]

I'd start here ... http://www.carbuildersolutions.com/uk/

I don't think led headlamps are legal in UK though ... H4 bulbs with halos if you must.

[Mini Manannán]

You'll need deep pockets for LED headlights.  if they're legal yet.

[b_sdaddy]

and think twice about LEDs to the rear.

 

some recent threads on here basically saying that they're not as good as the originals. Also numerous editorials on the web saying the same - you tube has a nice video explanation.

[Mini 360]

I'd start here ... http://www.carbuildersolutions.com/uk/

I don't think led headlamps are legal in UK though ... H4 bulbs with halos if you must.

Someone better tell Audi then, a few of their cars have 100% LED lights front to back.  Its cars fitted with bulbs getting refitted with LED equivalents that can cause the legal issues.

[gazza82]

and think twice about LEDs to the rear.
 
some recent threads on here basically saying that they're not as good as the originals. Also numerous editorials on the web saying the same - you tube has a nice video explanation.

They have to be better than the 5w rear light fitted originally but a lot will depend on the lens and how many leds used in each 'bulb' unit. I think LEDs esp coloured ones are designed for clear lamp covers.

[Curley]

I looked into this a while ago. To be road legal they need to be E marked.

[b_sdaddy]

I think aftermarket LEDs purchased for a couple of quid off ebay and those now being fitted more and more as standard to cars are miles apart.

 

The aftermarket LEDs are invariably to 'replace' previously fitted filament bulbs, whereas Audi (for example), have invested millions in clear-lens technology in the last 15 or so years and are now utilizing the economies of scale of mass production

 

LEDs making them pretty much the standard for the automotive sector going forward. The complete re-think of light cluster design and how best to utilise LEDs is both a style and safety feature that is an expensive R&D exercise for manufacturers.

 

If Mr. 'Boy Racer' thinks it's just a case of going on-line and swapping his filament bulbs for LEDs then he is wrong. We all see cars that are plastered with daylight running lights obviously aftermarket, and for the front, they are a useful 'addition'.

 

The main issue with using LEDs to replace the dual-filament REAR/brake light is to do with the 'difference' between tail light and brake light luminosity - standard dual filament bulbs have a greater difference between the two separate functions: tail light & brake light.

 

Don't get me wrong, LEDs can work but as an aftermarket replacement for a dual filament tail light/brake light combo, do your homework first to check the difference in luminosity between the two.

 

I have fitted a high-level third brake light to my mini, and it's with LEDs - far 'brighter' and as a supplement to the existing lights a simple, cheap addition well worth doing.

[gazza82]

I tried some led sidelights in my Alfa and Pug. In the Alfa they had to be the resistor type or the blown bulb warning was on. They lasted less than a year before one started to blink ... which meant the warning light did too. The Pug didn't fair much better they lasted just over a year. Both are back to standard filament bulbs.

MOT tests are also getting tighter and leds can be too white compared with the headlamps and fail.

If fitting to a classic I'd pay for some special ones as they have on carbuilders etc. I'd want them to be much more visible than the filament bulbs. I've seen some that are a ring of leds for the side and a centre cluster for the brake for the dual filament type. It will be a while before electrics are on the menu so technology may yet improve.

Edited by gazza82, 12 December 2014 - 07:58 PM.

[Tahiti Joe]

Full LED headlights are available, and they are amazing, the light output from them is truly something else compared to halogens. And im running CIBIE headlights with Osram bulbs. When switched on next too me the LED headlamps made it almost look like mine weren't even on, the light colour made it much easier too pick out details in the scenery as well. Plus they emit virtually no heat, have a polycarbonate lens and draw less power. The ones i've been looking at are also E-marked and fully road legal. The only reason i'm not running a set at the moment is the cost, expect too pay around £200 a lamp. 

 

More info here: http://www.autoelect...ite_27291C.html

Edited by Tahiti Joe, 12 December 2014 - 08:05 PM.

[Burnard]

The rules are the same as they have always been, if they are E marked for the application then they are legal, if they do not carry this mark then they are not legal. End of. 

 

All legal headlight bulbs sold online should list the E mark and its associative number in the advert, if it does not and it is not a reuptable seller, or it says 'for off road use only' then it is not legal. 

[CanCoopster]

Full LED headlights are available, and they are amazing, the light output from them is truly something else compared to halogens. And im running CIBIE headlights with Osram bulbs. When switched on next too me the LED headlamps made it almost look like mine weren't even on, the light colour made it much easier too pick out details in the scenery as well. Plus they emit virtually no heat, have a polycarbonate lens and draw less power. The ones i've been looking at are also E-marked and fully road legal. The only reason i'm not running a set at the moment is the cost, expect too pay around £200 a lamp. 

 

More info here: http://www.autoelect...ite_27291C.html

so I'm assuming when they say "The only other connection required is the optional side lamp" that this is where you would hook up the front position park lights?