Easy LED Tail light mod
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 18,414
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From: West Michigan
2007 E63
Looks awesome bro! It fills up the area nicely. Now about those regualr tail lights...
Too old, and cheap looking. Ever think abuot doing those too?
Although using the rear rogs would pretty much blind the people behind you. 
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Joined: Jul 2004
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gl450
I know the equalizers can get as hot as the bulbs. I just ordered this set up. Do you think it would be wiser to attach them to the metal side of the vehicle versus the plastic housing (it might melt it after time?)
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From: OC
a quarter mile at a time
Originally Posted by knepster
I know the equalizers can get as hot as the bulbs. I just ordered this set up. Do you think it would be wiser to attach them to the metal side of the vehicle versus the plastic housing (it might melt it after time?)
Thread Starter
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From: OC
a quarter mile at a time
Originally Posted by benzmodz
The thing is that they dont look LED. They look like long lasting globe replacements.
The E55 tail lamps look like LED lamps.
The E55 tail lamps look like LED lamps.
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Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Sydney, Australia
W203 slightly modified
Originally Posted by e1000
True, they don't look LED when off but there is a notable difference with the amber blinkers and when the brakes lights come on and go off. Also, the SL LED tail lights don't look LED either.
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gl450
Double sided tape good to 500 degrees F
http://www.kaptononline.com/double_s...mide_tape.html
I would say just build a few squares of this to about 1/2 inch thick and stick the equalizer on the back of the housing.
I would say just build a few squares of this to about 1/2 inch thick and stick the equalizer on the back of the housing.
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Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 18,414
Likes: 6
From: West Michigan
2007 E63
Originally Posted by benzmodz
The thing is that they dont look LED. They look like long lasting globe replacements.
The E55 tail lamps look like LED lamps.
The E55 tail lamps look like LED lamps.
Thread Starter
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: OC
a quarter mile at a time
Ok. New update. It rained today. No outside pics yet. I do have a better way to mount the load resistors however.
Here is a shot of the tail light housing after the large plastic piece that holds all the bulbs are removed. Notice that there is a metal piece going alongside the bottom (circled in blue). This is a perfect place for the load reisitors.
This picture is how I have it all done in my car. Yes, the wiring is hideous. I don't care. The load resistor for the brake lights get warm to the touch but not nearly as hot as before. The load resistor for the blinker feels ice cold. I attached them using double sided scotch tape (clear not padded) and since it's attached to metal, dosen't heat up enough to cause a problem.
Ok, I PROMISE I'll get some daytime shots tomorrow!!!!!
Here is a shot of the tail light housing after the large plastic piece that holds all the bulbs are removed. Notice that there is a metal piece going alongside the bottom (circled in blue). This is a perfect place for the load reisitors.
This picture is how I have it all done in my car. Yes, the wiring is hideous. I don't care. The load resistor for the brake lights get warm to the touch but not nearly as hot as before. The load resistor for the blinker feels ice cold. I attached them using double sided scotch tape (clear not padded) and since it's attached to metal, dosen't heat up enough to cause a problem.
Ok, I PROMISE I'll get some daytime shots tomorrow!!!!!
Thread Starter
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From: OC
a quarter mile at a time
Originally Posted by knepster
what size crimp-ons are those? And what guage wire did you use to extend the equaizer? I guess all avaialble at radio shack.
22-18 awg fully insulated crimp-ons
They were a tight fit but it's all I could find at home depot.
The only reason I used them is because now I can unhook the whole thing without removing the load resistors ever again.
Thread Starter
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From: OC
a quarter mile at a time
Originally Posted by rlee02135
help!
how does this work?
do you connect bulbs to resistors or what
the resistor has 2 wires, so do you just need a ground and positive?
thanks
how does this work?
do you connect bulbs to resistors or what
the resistor has 2 wires, so do you just need a ground and positive?
thanks
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 538
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From: White Lake, MI
04 C320 Coupe MT
From an earlier thread, I have seen these bulbs. My concern (since I have a coupe!) is that the bulb for the brake light in the coupes are mounted vertically, not horizontally as in the sedans. My concern was that there may not be enough room for the led bulb to fit.
Based on the good experiences, though it probably would be worth ordering a set and seeing firsthand.
I want leds so badly......
Based on the good experiences, though it probably would be worth ordering a set and seeing firsthand.
I want leds so badly......
Super Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 911
Likes: 1
From: Rhode Island
Debadged 6-Speed '05 C320 Sports Coupe
The U-Haul Load Resistor Module may be useful for the LED tail lamp modification.
It is likely that two would be required for the vehicle, one for each side. Each module has three load resistors. The easiest way to integrate these to the vehicle would be with the insulation-displacement crimp connectors, to attach these directly to the vehicle wiring harness.
It appears that the mounting tab, (and perhaps the entire back surface), are designed to remove heat, so bolting these to a flat metal surface would be good.
It is likely that two would be required for the vehicle, one for each side. Each module has three load resistors. The easiest way to integrate these to the vehicle would be with the insulation-displacement crimp connectors, to attach these directly to the vehicle wiring harness.
It appears that the mounting tab, (and perhaps the entire back surface), are designed to remove heat, so bolting these to a flat metal surface would be good.
Thread Starter
Out Of Control!!
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From: OC
a quarter mile at a time
Originally Posted by dac086
i tried the festoons for the license plate from autolumination and i get the check light warning for the them. any ideas.
where did you get your lights for your license plates?
where did you get your lights for your license plates?
Super Moderator Alumni
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7,684
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From: West Los Angeles
Midnight Blue 2004.5 C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan. 2002 w210 E320, 2009 w211 E350 Sport
Originally Posted by mbbodytech
From an earlier thread, I have seen these bulbs. My concern (since I have a coupe!) is that the bulb for the brake light in the coupes are mounted vertically, not horizontally as in the sedans. My concern was that there may not be enough room for the led bulb to fit.
Based on the good experiences, though it probably would be worth ordering a set and seeing firsthand.
I want leds so badly......
Based on the good experiences, though it probably would be worth ordering a set and seeing firsthand.
I want leds so badly......
Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 205
Likes: 0
From: SoCal
cl203 Sports Coupe
Alright, so i have festoons lights for the license plate, they aRE SUPER BRIGHT WHITE, like OMG white its beautiful BUT!, mercedes had to put in METABLE plastic in there so i had to take them out....Basically i had them in for like 2 nights and after drivng around, i'd smell like a burning smell...so i start to think, what it could be...and guess what....the festoons white lights has melted the plastic holding surrounding the blubs.....so now im wondering, what can i do to NOT make the plastic melt?? maybe souround it with a plate of metal or something that can take the overwhelming heat? HELP ME OUT GUYS. THANX
