06-29-2010, 06:16 PM | #45 |
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unfortunately LED AE replacements just never seem to be as bright as desired, the only thing I've seen come close to and exceed expectations are HID kits, a bit more complicated to install, but not too far off from LED prices. Although, white halogen H8 bulbs offer a cheap and "okay" improvement over stock IMO...
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07-01-2010, 05:12 AM | #46 |
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In an effort to put an end to this. I wanted to give my 2 cents on the matter.
Get the PIAA H8 bulbs. The lights you have are an H8 bulb anyway and it's not worth running the risk of using LED's. I ordered a pair of bulbs from the PIAA shopatron website and with shipping they cost about $85 bucks. I called PIAA in Oregon and talked to a sales rep, didn't catch his name though. Phone: 800-525-7422 The guy was knowledgable and said he knew people who used the H8 bulbs in their BMW's and they were bright & white. This is a newer bulb and is the preferred choice because you can have factory fitment with an H8 bulb without the hassle and worry of an LED. You run a lot less risk using an H8 bulb versus an LED that could potentially damage your electrical system. The PIAA H8 bulbs are US Department of Transportation (DOT) approved. They dont sell the PIAA H499E LED kit in the States because the US DOT won't allow their import from Japan due to safety concerns. It would be wise to go with a DOT approved bulb if your in the States. By the way, a lot of people are replacing the license plate light bulbs by replacing the housing with LED ones by WeissLicht or other brands. The guy at PIAA told me over the phone that in the Fall (August timeframe) they are coming out with a new tubular type 12v 5 watt bulb (the power flows through it). This will be a factory fit type bulb so you dont have to take the BMW engineered housing's out you only replace with a PIAA bulb and get the super white effect. This way, like the Angel Eyes, you aren't using LED's, you are using super white bulbs with the same look as an LED with a lot less risk. I recommend the H8 from PIAA for Angel Eyes and I'll get the new tubular bulbs for the license plate when they come out this Fall. Im out of the country right now so I wont have pics soon. Click on the pic to go to the PIAA website where they sell the item. Last edited by artrosis; 07-01-2010 at 06:00 AM.. |
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07-01-2010, 11:14 AM | #48 |
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07-23-2010, 02:32 PM | #50 | |
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those are the same one's as linked in post #30 of this thread...also, both are still H8 bulbs...I highly doubt BMW changed the Halogen bulb size, unless they in fact did replace the bulbs with OEM LED's as in the 5GT
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07-23-2010, 03:58 PM | #51 |
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The stock bulbs say H8 on them, but they appear to be as bright as my old 535XI LCI. The plug does not fit at all. The inside of the plug is slotted and will not fit on the PIAA's. A complete nightmare to install too because of my sausage fingers. And of course I didn't discover the plugs were different until I installed one. Even worse now that I put the stock bulb back in, that side is now dimmer then the other one. wtf..
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07-24-2010, 11:13 AM | #53 |
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I went back and looked at the ebay listing and it states that the bulbs are H499E's. The ones he sent me were H499's without the E. I'm thinking this might be the issue. I sent a note off to the guy...
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07-24-2010, 02:40 PM | #54 | |
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p.s your were right about your fingers! |
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07-24-2010, 04:06 PM | #55 |
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I have also ordered a set from the same company on ebay PIAA H499E.
Should be with me on Monday, i will update when they arrive , One thing though on the PIAA web site , there are no H499 just H499E so i suspect they are the same as on the ebay add it says in header H499E , But in the text below it says... 'This brand new H499 LED Ring Marker kit" Guess they are one of the same, either way if mine come on Monday and don't fit ill be angry! |
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07-24-2010, 06:52 PM | #56 |
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If you have a 2011, they're not going to fit. The pics don't lie. Unless of course he sent me the wrong model and there actually is a difference between the 499 and the 499E
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07-25-2010, 05:01 PM | #58 |
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07-26-2010, 04:16 PM | #59 |
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Got them fitted today , Yes quite a bit fiddly to fit , i have tried many ways to get them lined up correctly and i am sure they are now at there brightest, see for yourself.
Personally a think they are poor for the money and will be returning them. Going to go for the standard H8 piaa and see how they are. http://www.shopatron.com/products/pr...PIA18235/353.0 |
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07-26-2010, 08:13 PM | #60 |
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I'm getting a full xenon HID conversion for the fogs and angel eyes installed tomorrow.
I'll post some pics right after. I'll start another thread I think. |
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