LED numberplate lights

[Dewarcraig]

Has anyone replaced their numberplate lights with LEDs yet?

I was planning on doing mine, but wasn't sure of the best way of removing them from the clam without damage. I've read that they are a little difficult to remove/replace... 

Also, any idea what length of C5w festoon LEDs I need? I've got a pair of 38mm festoons in the garage and was hoping they would do the trick!

Any pointers/tricks would be great? 

Thanks!

[Dewarcraig]

Well I gave it a try tonight and bingo. All done! Don't know where I read that it was difficult... it was easy and the results in my opinion are great. I now have crisp white LED rear plate lights and interior lights. 

Great little mod in my opinion. I don't understand why all modern cars lamps aren't LEDS these days! 

If anyone is interested, I used 38mm C5W 3 SMD festoon canbus LEDS from Fizzmodo on eBay for £3.50. Slightly shorter ones would be better, but these still work a treat. 

To remove the lamp holders from the rear clam I used a microfiber cloth and a small flat blade screwdriver. Firstly layng the microfiber next to the outer edge of the lamp holder and then wedging the screwdriver under the cover and levering against the microfiber, enough to allow me to pull it up and out with my fingers. Very self explanatory from there really. To replace simply fit new LED lamp, line plastic lens holes up with cover prongs and push down until ithe metal spring clips click into place - easy!

Happy upgrading!

[Xisthos]

I'm gonna try this out. Thanks!

[sieger]

I've just done this too!

I found that the LHS holder can be pushed out from under the rear bar. I got the RHS out by getting screwdriver (with cloth) between lens cover and surround, and then prising upwards.

I only could get some 6 smd ones, so they're kinda bright

[Dewarcraig]

Great that you guys have upgraded now too. Thought I was talking to myself... ?. The 6 SMD must be super bright, my 3 SMD are plenty bright enough! 

Such an improvement though I reckon!! 

[Kalli]

Just got myself some too! Albeit being a thick ass who can't read, I also bought two sets...Will fit them tomorrow. 

[sieger]

I've decided the 6smd ones were too bright, and "downgraded" to 3smd - looks better, and not so glarey!

[Dewarcraig]

Glad to h3ar that you're happy with the results now! 

All we'recommend waiting on is @ArthouseCompany sussing out the HID headlight upgrade and we have the full suite of 'fancy' bulbs!

[geartox]

I want to try that but as soon as I have to work near the car paint, I am quite worried  

[Dewarcraig]

Go for it. You'll be fine, it's easier than it sounds and the results are great - Just take your time!

Edited December 13, 2016 by Dewarcraig

[geartox]

based on this diagram : https://www.deroure.com/diagrams.asp?MAK=1&MDL=40&TBL=6224&SMA=0&SMO=0&ST=&SC=0

just to be sure, you start by removing the piece "9 ?

[Dewarcraig]

That's correct mate. Clever of you to look up the parts diagram!! ?

[geartox]

thanks

[Rancid]

Ordered some of these and the wrong ones have been delivered.

Anyway, could also do with LED bulbs for the rear indicators - possible?

[Dewarcraig]

How did you get on @geartox, @Rancid, looking all crisp and LED like now? 

Andy - I wondered about the rear indicators too. Did you do any research? 

[Rancid]

Waiting for the correct bulbs to show up.

Haven't actually got my car back from having the roof painted yet, so unsure as to which bulbs would be needed for the indicators.

Pretty sure there must be some compatible by now.

[Dewarcraig]

The rear light units are just the same as the S2's, so nothing too new/fancy. Think they're just quarter turn bayonet type, but not sure if they're straight or offset pins. 

[geartox]

I have removed the lights but always waiting for the LED.

If you use a screwdriver or something like that be careful. the piece 9 is in plastic and you could easily "damage" it.

 

[MartynB]

Nicolas, I've been looking at mine and I'm concerned about exactly this. What do you reckon is the best way to remove part 9?

[geartox]

maybe using something in plastic instead of metal.

[ramjet]

Aren't LED's an issue if used in brake lights or indicators as their resistance is different to normal bulbs and the flasher on the indicators and the computery bits attached to the brake lights and ABS etc react differently if the resistances are messed about with?

I think I read that somewhere?

[Rancid]

@ramjet Need to be Can-bus compatible bulbs

1 hour ago, geartox said:

maybe using something in plastic instead of metal.

Was thinking of using plastic bicycle tyre levers - may be too thick though.

[ramjet]

Ahh...

[Rancid]

Just done mine.

Dead simple - the lens actually presses in a bit to enable a finger to lift the plastic cover slightly.

I then slid in a flat screwdriver wrapped in a cloth and popped the surround off.

The indicator bulb is just a push in blade fitting, so will look into those.

[MartynB]

Indicator and reverse are W16W.

so are the tabs that hold the bezel on release by pressing them outwards or inwards? Still having trouble visualising it