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LED Angel Eyes vs Tail Lights?

Discuss the problems with your X5 (E53).
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JF1980
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LED Angel Eyes vs Tail Lights?

Post by JF1980 » Thu May 12, 2011 9:37 pm

I just fitted some LED Angel Eye bulbs - they look great but I have problem. The OBC flashed up a 'check brake light' warning last night - checked them and they were 'ok' but one of the rear lower tail lights seemed to be out. Checked the bulb today and it's fine. Upon closer inspection neither of the lower tail lights are on but there's a dim glow which actually comes and goes every few seconds. Seems like more than a coincidence that this happens a few days after fitting the LED bulb replacements in the front (potentially on the same circuit as the rear lower tails and pulling too much current?).

Anyone else had a problem with these? Shame because they look dam sexy compared to that dim yellow glow.
Current: 2012 E70 x40D Sport
Previous: 2004 E53 3.0D Sport

dazarooney
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Re: LED Angel Eyes vs Tail Lights?

Post by dazarooney » Fri May 13, 2011 12:56 pm

I had a similar issue when I fitted some new lights to mine. I actually had to get a friend who deals with all this to resolve it. I'm not sure what they did but I think there was some conflict, I was just happy they had sorted it out.

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pvr
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Re: LED Angel Eyes vs Tail Lights?

Post by pvr » Fri May 13, 2011 2:25 pm

I think it might be coincidence though, the tail lights are prone to rust. Can you clean the contacts first?

Also, where did you get your bulbs from? I upgraded mine and had no issues at all.

At the poster above me, I think you might be a spammer with your signature regarding LEDs on a LED question so if you can PM me, otherwise I may remove your account.
X5M F85,  Golf Clipper, Abarth 595 Competizioni, Jeep

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JF1980
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Re: LED Angel Eyes vs Tail Lights?

Post by JF1980 » Fri May 13, 2011 6:54 pm

Flea bay:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... K:MEWNX:IT

Will send them back and get some from HIDS4U. I'm pretty sure it's the LED's causing it - seems like they're drawing too much power from the circuit which is shared with the tail lights (I guess).

Good call on the spammer...
Current: 2012 E70 x40D Sport
Previous: 2004 E53 3.0D Sport

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Jalf
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Re: LED Angel Eyes vs Tail Lights?

Post by Jalf » Fri May 13, 2011 10:17 pm

A quick google of "dazarooney" shows plenty of places with his LED signature....

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Re: LED Angel Eyes vs Tail Lights?

Post by pvr » Sat May 14, 2011 4:51 pm

I banned him / her now.
X5M F85,  Golf Clipper, Abarth 595 Competizioni, Jeep

911 50th anniversary -
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JF1980
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Re: LED Angel Eyes vs Tail Lights?

Post by JF1980 » Sun May 15, 2011 12:08 am

Well looks like a coincidence. I had a fiddle with the tail light bulbs, re-seated and they seem ok now. It does seem very hit/miss so you may be right about corrosion on the contacts. Do I need to take the cluster out to clean them? Seem a bit difficult to get to properly if I don't.
Current: 2012 E70 x40D Sport
Previous: 2004 E53 3.0D Sport

Sundayjumper
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Re: LED Angel Eyes vs Tail Lights?

Post by Sundayjumper » Tue May 17, 2011 1:22 pm

The tracks on the light housing have a tendancy to burn right through at the point the bulb holder touches. Take the lights right out (three or four nuts, you need a deep 10mm socket IIRC), clean the tracks, flow some solder over the affected parts and should be good as new.

This was one of the first problems I ever fixed on my X5 :D

JF1980
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Re: LED Angel Eyes vs Tail Lights?

Post by JF1980 » Tue May 17, 2011 4:36 pm

Cool - I need to replace my N/S cluster anyway (towing incident) so will do this on the O/S at the same time.
Current: 2012 E70 x40D Sport
Previous: 2004 E53 3.0D Sport

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