LED tail lights
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 5,622
Likes: 1
From: Los Angeles, Ca
Sean's Sister--
Originally Posted by JCaci88
Sorry I am not the vendor or company making these. Your ideas sound good. If i hear of anything I will let you know if any different styles come up.
Member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
From: USA, NJ
CLS 550 AMG pckg
Originally Posted by eLemnt | 0ne
I would be interested in E55 style LED taillights.
portions yourself or get someone who knows how to use the self tinting aerosol spray.
I know someone who did that to his 2000 E Class himself and they came out good.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 439
Likes: 17
From: DC
2002 W210 M112 | 2021 X247 M270 | 2015 Audi SQ5 | 2015 VW Golf R
smoke lights
In fact i just smoke the taillights myself yesterday. Job was quite easy. Get a roll of masking tape and tape all the red portion. Then just use the Smoke spray and spray those light evenly *from distance*. It looks very similar to E55 lights. I will post some pix this weekend.
This project just cost 20bucks
This project just cost 20bucks
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,464
Likes: 9
From: SoCal OC
S, GL, Escalade ESV, my shoes
Saw a C sedan with aftermarket LED tail light on the way to work today. I wasn't impress much by it. The LED used in the light lack the brightness when brake light is on. Also, the viewing angle is narrow, from the next lane, I could hardly detect it when the brake light is turned on. It's sunny morning, tail light driving light wasn't on, so I have no clue how it looks. Just as a lot of aftermarket tailight out there, driving could be put at risk when you slam the brake, and drivers behind can't tell from your brake light.
I think the light manufacture (Depo ??) might have used the 5mm LED instead of the superflux LED to cut cost. But 5mm is far off compared to superflux in term of performance (brightness, reaction time, heat ...).
I don't know how the light for the E will be. I'll take my name off the group buying list for now. If I'm going with LED, I want something like the Infinity FX: good viewing angle, and bright !!! (at least for the brake light).
Guess I'll go back to my LED project again. It's not as nice as I want, but so far, I got it bright
I think the light manufacture (Depo ??) might have used the 5mm LED instead of the superflux LED to cut cost. But 5mm is far off compared to superflux in term of performance (brightness, reaction time, heat ...).
I don't know how the light for the E will be. I'll take my name off the group buying list for now. If I'm going with LED, I want something like the Infinity FX: good viewing angle, and bright !!! (at least for the brake light).
Guess I'll go back to my LED project again. It's not as nice as I want, but so far, I got it bright
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 4,169
Likes: 2
From: HK (but constantly travelling)
98 W210 Advantgarde
Good point zam. Is it possible to get bent or bend the LED cluster so that it goes round the corner I wonder? That might help with the visibility. I will check shops here to see if these things are available and hopefully get to see the aftermarket ones in action and will sure report back if I do.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 5,622
Likes: 1
From: Los Angeles, Ca
Sean's Sister--
Originally Posted by Whitey
Good point zam. Is it possible to get bent or bend the LED cluster so that it goes round the corner I wonder? That might help with the visibility. I will check shops here to see if these things are available and hopefully get to see the aftermarket ones in action and will sure report back if I do.
zam's looks better to me then the ones from ebay
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,464
Likes: 9
From: SoCal OC
S, GL, Escalade ESV, my shoes
Alex, Dave
I'm ordering some superflux LED & board, will try them when they arrive & I could put something up.
I've spent almost $200 on these stuffs so far, not counting my spare tailight set (they're really priceeyyyyy), hopefully, some good thing come out that I could share
not to mention my wife will kill me if I have nothing to show, haha 
From what I've seen in couple aftermarket LED tailight, they use weak LED, so they have to build a deep reflective board to boot up light, but that kill viewing angle. The one like from Infinity and BMW don't need any of these crap: they're bright, and bright, and could be seen from any angle.
I'm ordering some superflux LED & board, will try them when they arrive & I could put something up.
I've spent almost $200 on these stuffs so far, not counting my spare tailight set (they're really priceeyyyyy), hopefully, some good thing come out that I could share
not to mention my wife will kill me if I have nothing to show, haha From what I've seen in couple aftermarket LED tailight, they use weak LED, so they have to build a deep reflective board to boot up light, but that kill viewing angle. The one like from Infinity and BMW don't need any of these crap: they're bright, and bright, and could be seen from any angle.
Originally Posted by alexbenz
i agree........i say someone should buy one of those and install them and take some pics.......
zam's looks better to me then the ones from ebay
zam's looks better to me then the ones from ebay
Last edited by zam2000; Jul 22, 2005 at 07:08 PM.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes Teases Updated EQS With Steer-By-Wire and a Yoke
Verdad Gallardo
8 Mercedes Models With Poor Reliability Records
Verdad Gallardo
Magnificent New Mercedes-Maybach S-Class Revealed: 12 Things to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
From: USA, NJ
CLS 550 AMG pckg
LED Tail light product info.
* Real L.E.D technology (just like the ones used in the new S-Class/E-Class). Ultra long life plus energy efficient
* x40 LED Bulbs on each side of the tail lights
* Bulbs and wires are Included, designed for direct Plug & Play, easy installation
* DOT/SAE & TUV Approved, E-Marked, which means it is Street Legal!!!
Originally Posted by zam2000
Alex, Dave
I'm ordering some superflux LED & board, will try them when they arrive & I could put something up.
I've spent almost $200 on these stuffs so far, not counting my spare tailight set (they're really priceeyyyyy), hopefully, some good thing come out that I could share not to mention my wife will kill me if I have nothing to show, haha
From what I've seen in couple aftermarket LED tailight, they use weak LED, so they have to build a deep reflective board to boot up light, but that kill viewing angle. The one like from Infinity and BMW don't need any of these crap: they're bright, and bright, and could be seen from any angle.
I'm ordering some superflux LED & board, will try them when they arrive & I could put something up.
I've spent almost $200 on these stuffs so far, not counting my spare tailight set (they're really priceeyyyyy), hopefully, some good thing come out that I could share
not to mention my wife will kill me if I have nothing to show, haha From what I've seen in couple aftermarket LED tailight, they use weak LED, so they have to build a deep reflective board to boot up light, but that kill viewing angle. The one like from Infinity and BMW don't need any of these crap: they're bright, and bright, and could be seen from any angle.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 4,169
Likes: 2
From: HK (but constantly travelling)
98 W210 Advantgarde
Originally Posted by michakaveli
Those lights look so cheap, like the Taiwanese aftermarket.
I just dont understand why they don't do a little bit more R&D before they put these things on the market - just like the projectors. Visibility/safety has got to be the key consideration in lights
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 4,169
Likes: 2
From: HK (but constantly travelling)
98 W210 Advantgarde
Originally Posted by zam2000
Alex, Dave
I've spent almost $200 on these stuffs so far, not counting my spare tailight set (they're really priceeyyyyy), hopefully, some good thing come out that I could share not to mention my wife will kill me if I have nothing to show, haha
I've spent almost $200 on these stuffs so far, not counting my spare tailight set (they're really priceeyyyyy), hopefully, some good thing come out that I could share
not to mention my wife will kill me if I have nothing to show, haha Alex, I'll get you a set if you want....I'm sure not gonna waste money on that crap, especially after seeing the back
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 5,622
Likes: 1
From: Los Angeles, Ca
Sean's Sister--
Originally Posted by Whitey
$200 is still less than buying a set. Well, you've gone this far and your spare lights are no longer reversible......if cost is not going to be too much more, no reason why not press ahead?
Alex, I'll get you a set if you want....I'm sure not gonna waste money on that crap, especially after seeing the back
Alex, I'll get you a set if you want....I'm sure not gonna waste money on that crap, especially after seeing the back
by thw way i think by next month my car's going in the shop.......the plans are starting...........
Member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
From: USA, NJ
CLS 550 AMG pckg
LOL Guys your too funny......... Relax, its not like The other companies like APC and Altezza are any better quality........ I mean if ya think about the price its not that bad especially considering what a stock set at the dealer costs. Definitley a good upgrade if ya have the 1996-1999 lights..............
But to each his own.................. No pressure.........
But to each his own.................. No pressure.........
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 5,622
Likes: 1
From: Los Angeles, Ca
Sean's Sister--
Originally Posted by JCaci88
LOL Guys your too funny......... Relax, its not like The other companies like APC and Altezza are any better quality........ I mean if ya think about the price its not that bad especially considering what a stock set at the dealer costs. Definitley a good upgrade if ya have the 1996-1999 lights..............
But to each his own.................. No pressure.........
But to each his own.................. No pressure.........
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 4,169
Likes: 2
From: HK (but constantly travelling)
98 W210 Advantgarde
Originally Posted by alexbenz
yea your right i'm not wasting any money on it now........it looks way to mickey mouse to me.......
by thw way i think by next month my car's going in the shop.......the plans are starting...........
by thw way i think by next month my car's going in the shop.......the plans are starting...........
In a way JCaci88, in all this talk we're also hoping others (including yourself) would reconsider them too. A sure upgrade for the pre-00 E's would be the OEM facelifted tails. At least least you're assured of quality, light output and of course, no leaks. In time, Zam will probably come up with some DIY LED upgrade for those....
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 5,622
Likes: 1
From: Los Angeles, Ca
Sean's Sister--
Originally Posted by Whitey
So will we be "shocked" anytime soon?
In a way JCaci88, in all this talk we're also hoping others (including yourself) would reconsider them too. A sure upgrade for the pre-00 E's would be the OEM facelifted tails. At least least you're assured of quality, light output and of course, no leaks. In time, Zam will probably come up with some DIY LED upgrade for those....
In a way JCaci88, in all this talk we're also hoping others (including yourself) would reconsider them too. A sure upgrade for the pre-00 E's would be the OEM facelifted tails. At least least you're assured of quality, light output and of course, no leaks. In time, Zam will probably come up with some DIY LED upgrade for those....
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,464
Likes: 9
From: SoCal OC
S, GL, Escalade ESV, my shoes
Saw on the net. Kind of relief that I didn't go ahead w/ the purchase. I guess it's all personal choice, some like it, some don't. I just happen to be in the "don't" group.
As you can see in the last two pix. the difference between brake light on and off wasn't enough. Also, they use the thin cover, so that weak LED light can go through (probably use the cheaper 5mm LED). The problem is that on the two inner lights (trunk lid), the light cover is so thin, you could actually see the bulb inside.
As you can see in the last two pix. the difference between brake light on and off wasn't enough. Also, they use the thin cover, so that weak LED light can go through (probably use the cheaper 5mm LED). The problem is that on the two inner lights (trunk lid), the light cover is so thin, you could actually see the bulb inside.
Last edited by zam2000; Jul 26, 2005 at 12:35 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 4,169
Likes: 2
From: HK (but constantly travelling)
98 W210 Advantgarde
....and look at the difference in brightness compared to the third/deck brakelight.
I saw a closeup pic at the shop last night as they did not keep any stock......yep, confirmed the catalogue was from a Taiwanese manufacturer. No one was able confirm whether these lights will trip the light-out warning either (no one was game enough to even stock, let alone install these here )....and they had the nerve to charge USD358 for it
I saw a closeup pic at the shop last night as they did not keep any stock......yep, confirmed the catalogue was from a Taiwanese manufacturer. No one was able confirm whether these lights will trip the light-out warning either (no one was game enough to even stock, let alone install these here
)....and they had the nerve to charge USD358 for it
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 5,622
Likes: 1
From: Los Angeles, Ca
Sean's Sister--
Originally Posted by zam2000
Alex, Dave
I'm ordering some superflux LED & board, will try them when they arrive & I could put something up.
I've spent almost $200 on these stuffs so far, not counting my spare tailight set (they're really priceeyyyyy), hopefully, some good thing come out that I could share not to mention my wife will kill me if I have nothing to show, haha
From what I've seen in couple aftermarket LED tailight, they use weak LED, so they have to build a deep reflective board to boot up light, but that kill viewing angle. The one like from Infinity and BMW don't need any of these crap: they're bright, and bright, and could be seen from any angle.
I'm ordering some superflux LED & board, will try them when they arrive & I could put something up.
I've spent almost $200 on these stuffs so far, not counting my spare tailight set (they're really priceeyyyyy), hopefully, some good thing come out that I could share
not to mention my wife will kill me if I have nothing to show, haha From what I've seen in couple aftermarket LED tailight, they use weak LED, so they have to build a deep reflective board to boot up light, but that kill viewing angle. The one like from Infinity and BMW don't need any of these crap: they're bright, and bright, and could be seen from any angle.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 4,169
Likes: 2
From: HK (but constantly travelling)
98 W210 Advantgarde
Originally Posted by mysticblu999
that looks like some kind of bmw... inm not sure which
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 531
Likes: 17
'08 CL600 with 152k km; '01 E430 4Matic with 433k km; '17 Porsche Cayenne with 130k km
Boo!
Man...they can NEVER get those damn LEDs right...trying to go cheap = UGLY! Just do it right the first time, have them be $400-$500, and let the price go down. I'd much rather have that...at least there would be quality. Here's a thought: get the set and gut the LED's and put the zam2000 touch to it. That aftermarket plastic is a bit thin...JEEZ...the more I look at it, the more I'm pissed 
