LED Lighting

[tkd_M119]

Does anyone have any experience with using LEDs for turn signals or interior lighting? Someone on the mercedesshop forum mentioned that they didn't work well/would look dim because of the nature of the design and how MBZ housings weren't designed for such elements. Anyone have any input here? I'd love to use them in my turn signals and tail lights if they will give me better visibility to others. I'd also like to use them for my interior lights if they do give off more lumens (my w124 has a black interior that turns into a "black hole" at night!).

TIA

Link to an LED vendor-

http://www.led.net/datasheets/auto_index/a.../auto_index.htm (http://www.led.net/datasheets/auto_index/auto_index.htm)

[Dr. ///AMG]

LED's use less current than regular bulbs, thus triggering the dash "bulb out" light. To remedy to the problem, you can use a power capacitor, or whatever it's called, and it'll regulate the power in the eyes of the computers, thus NOT triggering the dash "bulb out" light.

Now for regular taillights, I probably wouldn't do it, as they may light up and create a "hot spot" of light, rather than illuminating the entire housing.

For turn signals, I'd give it a go. Alon (aka Ashman) has done it.

[Hank]

Originally posted by Dr. ///AMG
power capacitor

LOL clown.. capacitors store energy, thus causing an open circuit when it's fully charged. Resistor is what you mean.

[ZorroAMG]

We tried LED's in a friends E320 and the pattern of light was such that you could not tell if he was signaling from an angle very well at all. Not safe for lane changes, plus they flickered fast like a burt out bulb....not a good idea. the lights also are not that bright/noticable unless they come from the factory designed with a housing specific for LEDS.

My $0.02...

[krk230]

Originally posted by Hank
LOL clown.. capacitors store energy, thus causing an open circuit when it's fully charged. Resistor is what you mean.

Ownage...Electrical engineering style...:D :P

[C280 JR]

rofl!!

:P

I was reading what he was saying and it was not making sense

Elvir

[Renn 208]

Originally posted by C280 JR
rofl!!

:P

I was reading what he was saying and it was not making sense

Elvir

Oh the irony:p

[Hank]

isaclown

[Dr. ///AMG]

CLOWNS!

It's actually power regulator I believe. I wrote this hella early in the mo'ning befo' cookin' brefah.

[shanta]

Originally posted by Dr. ///AMG
CLOWNS!

It's actually power regulator I believe. I wrote this hella early in the mo'ning befo' cookin' brefah.

So you can't type/write/think on an empty stomach ???:D

[Hank]

Originally posted by shanta
So you can't type/write/think on an empty stomach ???:D

OMG that's some total clownage. :D

[Dr. ///AMG]

Originally posted by shanta
So you can't type/write/think on an empty stomach ???:D

hahaha

[krk230]

Originally posted by shanta
So you can't type/write/think on an empty stomach ???:D

judging from his size...i didn't think his stomach was ever empty...shiet...

...

j/p...i'm a big boi too :D :P ;)

[oggle]

This is quite a bunch of clown monkeys here at bnzsport. :confused: Just my type of crowd. :D

[Hank]

Originally posted by oggle
This is quite a bunch of clown monkeys here at bnzsport. :confused: Just my type of crowd. :D

but you must need to have squirrel monkey agility to hang.

[Turbo][]

I am using White LEDs for the FRONT turn signal on my W210. However you are right, if you use them for the rear you will get the message.

[So.Cal_Benzo]

Originally posted by krk230
judging from his size...i didn't think his stomach was ever empty...shiet...

Its never empty. When cars have reserved fuel before it reaches (E)mpty... Mike has Reserved food in his stomach!:P

[awolsniper]

Hi,

I have alot of experience with LEDs, in fact I make different LED based products as part of a business I run. I can help you out at least with the interior part. Maybe the exterior part. Contact me personally if you want and I can possibly help you further. :)


-TJ

[slk320]

I know that Jerry from www.myroadster.net (http://www.myroadster.net) works with LED and I have them on my SLK for the turn signals and brake lights. both work fine, no bulb out light for me :P

Call him and ask him about resistors too (he has them in stock and sells them together with the LED bulbs)

[Ozzie Bob]

I had LED's in my 'Puddle Lights' :D The light is BRIGHT & WHITE but illuminates a smaller area ;)

[tkd_M119]

SLK320 - you don't have any problems with lack of visibility from the side? Someone had mentioned that from front on visiblity is fine but not that good when viewed from the side. Do you see them as an improvement as far as light output?

[slk320]

My housing for the SLK is different than most other models so I have no problems with visibility and certainly the tail lights are much quicker to turn on (safety feature) and are much brighter as they are supposed to be seen only from one direction. If you go to the website I gave you can see before and after pictures and video.

[Vodka G]

Originally posted by Hank
LOL clown.. capacitors store energy, thus causing an open circuit when it's fully charged. Resistor is what you mean.

OWNED


but back to the topic i have LEDs installed inside both of my cars
(an orange in the MRS since it goes along with the gauges color and a blue one in the w202)

the are nice but if you overdo it then is 'ricey' i think putting 1 or 2 LED would be cool but nothing tricky (i.e. blinking LED etc.)

[tkd_M119]

SLK320 - maybe I'm just a spaz but I couldn't find the "before and after" pics/videos you mentioned.

[ryhi]

if u have the money and are serious about having LED's.. go to http://www.clearcorners.com they do custom fabricating with LED's