Back up lights not bright enough?

[X5Beemaah]

Does anyone else have problem with their backup lights on their E70? They are working just fine but they don't emit much light. Has anyone swapped their bulbs to LED? If so, what is the brightest no-error bulb you've found and did it mkae a big difference?

[SV Concepts III]

I've noticed the X5s have a small cut out for the reverse bulb so that could be part of it. They are not designed to illuminate the rear but they can serve that purpose depending on the bulb and cut out. A high output SMD LED based bulb will increase output however it will not be a good source for rearward visibility.

[X5Beemaah]

What is the highest error-free LED bulb you can offer?

[P1]

Sorry for bringing this thread back 3 years later, but I have this same problem. I need to reverse my X5 into a dark path next to my house and have to use my hazard lights to illuminate my immediate surroundings. Not ideal. If I could have a way to have brighter reverse bulbs, it would make my life a lot easier.

[smyles]

Out of boredom I bought a pair of these. They haven't arrived yet, but I'll post a review once I get them. From all prior experiences, LEDs are for the looks, not better illumination.

[BE X]

Have same issue - have tried several different LED versions - currently running 912 CREE XP-E Q5 LED from iJDMTOY (purchased thru amazon) - no errors but do flicker when the vehicle is first started. Work fine, just insufficient for actual back-up lights. Consider them a small improvement to stock bulbs simply because the color of the light output. Have thought about modifying the taillight itself to accommodate a series LEDs but don't that as a realistic option given the small lenses. Don't like the look of the License Plate based back-up lights. Anyone tried Rigid Industries SRM or SRQ Surface Mounts under the bumper?

[x5mad]

Originally Posted by P1et

Sorry for bringing this thread back 3 years later, but I have this same problem. I need to reverse my X5 into a dark path next to my house and have to use my hazard lights to illuminate my immediate surroundings. Not ideal. If I could have a way to have brighter reverse bulbs, it would make my life a lot easier.

Have you tried reversing with the rear fog lights on?

If you don't use the rear fogs then you could switch these bulbs out for something even brighter and use it only for reversing.

[NormanWatson]

Originally Posted by BE90

Have same issue - have tried several different led light versions - currently running 912 CREE XP-E Q5 LED from iJDMTOY (purchased thru amazon) - no errors but do flicker when the vehicle is first started. Work fine, just insufficient for actual back-up lights. Consider them a small improvement to stock bulbs simply because the color of the light output. Have thought about modifying the taillight itself to accommodate a series LEDs but don't that as a realistic option given the small lenses. Don't like the look of the License Plate based back-up lights. Anyone tried Rigid Industries SRM or SRQ Surface Mounts under the bumper?

I never faced these problems with my lights.. I will ask my mechanic friend he might be able to help you out..

[smyles]

Originally Posted by smyles

Out of boredom I bought a pair of these. They haven't arrived yet, but I'll post a review once I get them. From all prior experiences, LEDs are for the looks, not better illumination.

Well, I wasn't expecting miracles. but the reality was even more disappointing.
Left part is illuminated with original bulb, right - LED.

[Thumbs]

Thanks for the update on the lights.
Has anyone found a good solution to this? The bulbs seem pretty bright but the lens is so small that it may be the real limiter. Even with the brake lights activated it is not enough light...

[P1]

The only way would to be to install very small LED strips under the car, but upgrading the OEM bulbs won't do shizzle.