Replacing interior bulbs with factory LEDs?

[windtendo]

Has anyone replaced their stock interior bulbs with BMW-made LEDs? If so, did you order them online somewhere or go to a dealership? Curious to the costs and how to obtain them.

[KeithOwen]

Originally Posted by windtendo

Has anyone replaced their stock interior bulbs with BMW-made LEDs? If so, did you order them online somewhere or go to a dealership? Curious to the costs and how to obtain them.

Yes. I ordered them online (actually via Ebay but from a BMW dealer)

[windtendo]

Originally Posted by KeithOwen

Yes. I ordered them online (actually via Ebay but from a BMW dealer)

Do you have a quantity and part #'s to go by?

[KeithOwen]

Originally Posted by windtendo

Do you have a quantity and part #'s to go by?

I think it was a kit of 10 bulbs, some round and some square/flat. I'm in Madrid right now but I'll be home at the weekend and can check parts numbers then - I think I still have the box

[windtendo]

So the OEM package comes with 10 LED modules:
-6pcs for interior/reading light
-4pcs for footwell and door lights

Should 2 packages do the trick?

Also, what the heck are those 4 chips for the footwell and door lights? When I did the group buy, they definitely didn't look like that,
so I'm wondering how they're supposed to fit.

This website has them for $116/package...
http://www.schmiedmann.com/63-12-2-2...uctnumber.aspx

[m5 guy]

You will actually end up needing three kits. I only purchased two kits and I am two chips short. Have more than enough of the interior lights. I keep hoping BMW will release a small kit of chips soon. They only have a small kit for the interior lights at the moment.

The 'chips' are for the 4 doors, the two lights under the dash, the two lights under the rear seat bench, and two on the tailgate.

[windtendo]

Originally Posted by THESONofSAM

There is a group buy going on right now in the classified section for a full LED 20 piece set for $45

I've mentioned this before but just so you're aware, I was on the first group buy for these bulbs and many of mine are flickering. Could be just a bad batch, but I'd rather not go thru the hassle of replacing again with the uncertainty of flickering bulbs.

[windtendo]

Originally Posted by m3 guy

You will actually end up needing three kits. I only purchased two kits and I am two chips short. Have more than enough of the interior lights. I keep hoping BMW will release a small kit of chips soon. They only have a small kit for the interior lights at the moment.

The 'chips' are for the 4 doors, the two lights under the dash, the two lights under the rear seat bench, and two on the tailgate.

How do you like these lights? Any issues other than the pain in the ass rear map lights? So if I understand this correctly, you'll need 10 of those flat chips (only 4 per package)? I can live with the rear trunk lights flickering since they're not the visible ones during daily in and out use.

[m5 guy]

Originally Posted by windtendo

How do you like these lights? Any issues other than the pain in the ass rear map lights? So if I understand this correctly, you'll need 10 of those flat chips (only 4 per package)? I can live with the rear trunk lights flickering since they're not the visible ones during daily in and out use.

Other than the fact you have to buy three packs, they are great. Nothing beats oem in terms of fit, finish, and operation. No flickering, no buzzing, just a nice white led light every time. Plus like any oem part purchased there is a two year warranty from date of purchase, which is always nice.

The only thing worth mentioning is that there are no oem LEDs for for the vanity lights or glovebox. My wife prefers yellow light for the vanities and I don't want to deal with the fuse issues of the glovebox so I'm good. Hope this helps and good luck with everything!

[F06msportmia]

So if I read this correctly $348 for interior OEM LEDs? That just doesn't make any sense.

I appreciate OEM and all but this is just a ripoff.

I'm looking to get a set but at the price??? There is no way, I rather invest the money on steering wheel swap.

[choicez]

Originally Posted by e70sportmia

So if I read this correctly $348 for interior OEM LEDs? That just doesn't make any sense.

I appreciate OEM and all but this is just a ripoff.

I'm looking to get a set but at the price??? There is no way, I rather invest the money on steering wheel swap.

And the two vanity lights and glovebox still can't be replaced with OEM LEDs.

[F06msportmia]

Originally Posted by choicez

And the two vanity lights and glovebox still can't be replaced with OEM LEDs.

Thats what I call a "BAD DEAL"... I am actually working with iJDM for a group buy on a interior LED kit with the vanity. I will post up if it works out.

[windtendo]

Just put in an order for 2 sets, so we'll see how the quality compares to the group buy ones. If anyone is looking for a full set of flickering LED bulbs you know where to find me.

[choicez]

Originally Posted by e70sportmia

I am actually working with iJDM for a group buy on a interior LED kit with the vanity. I will post up if it works out.

Originally Posted by windtendo

Just put in an order for 2 sets, so we'll see how the quality compares to the group buy ones. If anyone is looking for a full set of flickering LED bulbs you know where to find me.

Please keep us posted!

[NORCAL BMW]

I also recently purchased a couple of sets. I will post some pictures as soon as I have them installed. m3 guy thanks for all the info!

[windtendo]

Alright so I received the boxes of OEM bulbs and I've got to say, the bulb quality is quite different. There are only 1 and 2 SMD bulbs instead of the 3, 5, and however many found on the other versions. I was nervous that they wouldn't be nearly as bright because of this, but I found them to be just as bright or even brighter. The color is a true white versus a blue-ish white too. It really doesn't get whiter than these. I would compare them to a fluorescent bulb found in an office building.

The first pic is an example of the group buy bulbs. Second is the OEM. The third is both versions in a side by side (the best I could do!).

No more flickering too!

[m5 guy]

Nice comparison pics.



You happy with the switch to the oems?

[deepred_natz]

Just bought some oem interior lights too. I know that theyre expensive but theres no comparison i think compared to aftermarket ones. I was one that bought through the group buy and a couple of the leds are flickering and it makes my M cheap bec of that.

[NORCAL BMW]

I also received and installed my OEM bulbs and I agree, no comparison to the aftermarket selection. The fit and finish is perfect and you can tell the quality is better. I know some people have mentioned the price is crazy, but in fact many aftermarket solutions are more expensive.

I purchased two sets and was able to replace all bulbs with the exception of the vanity. I put the "non chip" bulbs in the truck and glovebox and they work perfectly. I'm sure they would be even better with the directional chips, but they are much brighter than stock.

(iphone pics, in the dark, no flash, no additional lighting)

[windtendo]

Originally Posted by m3 guy

Nice comparison pics.



You happy with the switch to the oems?

VERY happy with the switch. It may sound bad, but it felt wrong to have flickering LED bulbs in a BMW. The color is what I was after to begin with, and I feel like they are even brighter with the lower color temp.

[choicez]

Wow! They look great. I might make the switch too.

[3X3=5]

Wow those OEM ones look great, nice bright pure white. Damn, I just ordered the eBay set that Choicez got, if it looks too blue I guess I know what my option is. Thanks for the pics.