Adding an extra brake light on an early model, need some help

[Mo Brighta]

Converting another set of early style lights from a 1990 325ic 'vert (c for Convertible or Cabriolet), including upgrades to dual tail light, dual brake light, and high output bulbs everywhere. YES, it makes a huge difference, and NO, the two tail lights are not exactly the same. If you look at the pictures (taken from about 6 feet away) you will see a difference. If you are in a car or truck 60 or more feet away, you might not notice this, but WILL notice the car's larger and brighter lights, especially the brake lights. Isn't this the desired result?

Also have found some high output bulbs for the center brake light on the trunk lid, 21 candlepower versus the wimpy stock lamp. I advised Steve to remove and clean the center brake light inside and out, for maximum output... perhaps he's report his impression of the outcome?

Stay sharp out there!

[Mo Brighta]

^What he said. Seeing these on lots of cars these days, or maybe I just NOTICE them ... some bikes, too. Anything to draw attention to a cycle, they have (I had) a tough enough time out there as it is. I'll have a look at the amazon one, maybe something I would offer in conjunction with the rear light upgrades?
http://www.amazon.com/FLASHER-MODULE.../dp/B0036RFLR6
(DER E30's link repaired)

UPDATE- I looked at the Amazon offer - Krator 'Dyna-Flash' PW-13001 is the model number. Made in China, naturally. Selling around $11 each + shipping, handles one lamp only.
WARNING - it is rated for 0.8 to 1.2 Amps which is 14.4 Watts. BMW calls for the P25-1, 21 Watts. My HO lamps draw 27 Watts.
My guess, with a 30 day warrantee, you'll not be getting your money back when it fails. Good idea, bad execution. Let's keep looking for something with a better set of components.

First find, 'S1' Brake Flasher Module, rated at 5 Amps on device, 8 Amps in manual. Recommended for third / center brake only, cost $20. delivered. MADE IN USA

Second find, Stop-Alert 'Fast-Flash' 60 Watts / 5 Amps, same operation as above, $20 + shipping. Not stated, but I think made in China.

There are more out there, I am certain. Be sure to check the capacity - look for at least 30 Watts, 2.5 amps. for a margin of safety.

Legality - I believe it is legal ONLY for the center brake, not all brakes.


Good luck out there, and don't forget the advantages of MORE lights, BRIGHTER lights, available in my Plus Four upgrade, around $80.
(I have a lot of those terminals, be glad to use them for your lights)

Andy

[Mo Brighta]

I'm interested... Do you get an error code with the LED's? I would consider using regular incandescents, or maybe a combo incandescent in the original brake light, LED in the additional brake light, but I don't want to overload my wiring

MJ- I have not tried it with full LED bulbs, so no comment. I expect the lower amps will throw a false negative (warning light) unless you keep one tungsten lamp in place on each side.

You have a good instinct, I normally suggest a relay tapping a separate fuse / circuit for the secondary brake lights. In my E24/E23/E28 kits, this is simple due to the power antenna connector being right there with 12V from another 8 Amp fuse. It drives the antenna occasionally, plus a few other things, but since new lamps only draw around 5 amps, it works well for this.

Trouble with the E30 is the different style connector to the antenna. If you run a second fused lead to the trunk along the stock harness, you got it solved... or use LED lamps for the added lights.

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My only qualm with this is the tail lights aren't uniform. I know that's stupid. I did the dual brake light thing a few years ago w/ LEDs and love it. Definitely much more light.

Yes, the housing and optics are quite different - the Brake light uses a parabolic dish and standard bubble diffuser in the lens; the Tail light also has a retro-reflector and a Fresnel lens, but no reflector.

I'd like to see your current brake lights in use- original and LED, side by side- to see how they compare for appearance and brightness. Pictures?


Since I do 99% of my driving without my foot on the brakes, I consider the tails to be critical - just as important as the brakes. That is why 99% of my kits go out with a dual tail lights upgrade. My E28 has triple tail lights, and relays for tail and brake light 'excess lighting'.


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Bottom line- replace tail light and headlight bulbs every 5-6 years, as they do dim over time- very gradually, so you wouldn't notice it...like oil and rubber tires, everything has a best by date.

[iansane]

I have heard folks say that "this thread is worthless without pictures" ... but you do have pictures - earlier on.

How about a picture of the appearance from behind (say 25 feet back) with the brake lights ON - I am very curious to see the effect of the LED brake light side by side with the incandescent or standard brake.

Reason is, some LEDs point the light sideways at the reflector, some of them shoot it straight up, through the lens without utilizing the parabolic reflector dish, so the 'bright spot' is smaller, and the beam is narrower.

Thanks!

Now if you think an extra brake is good (which it is), then think what an extra brake AND an extra tail light will do for visibility and safety. Ask me how I know... and have a look.

First picture- early style rear lights with an extra 'tail light' outboard; original tail is inboard.






And yes, I am still doing these upgrades.

Andy

My only qualm with this is the tail lights aren't uniform. I know that's stupid. I did the dual brake light thing a few years ago w/ LEDs and love it. Definitely much more light.

[15Michaeljoseph]

I'm interested... Do you get an error code with the LED's? I would consider using regular incandescents, or maybe a combo incandescent in the original brake light, LED in the additional brake light, but I don't want to overload my wiring

Sent from my moto g(6) using Tapatalk

[Mo Brighta]

LED second brake lights

I have heard folks say that "this thread is worthless without pictures" ... but you do have pictures - earlier on.

How about a picture of the appearance from behind (say 25 feet back) with the brake lights ON - I am very curious to see the effect of the LED brake light side by side with the incandescent or standard brake.

Reason is, some LEDs point the light sideways at the reflector, some of them shoot it straight up, through the lens without utilizing the parabolic reflector dish, so the 'bright spot' is smaller, and the beam is narrower.

Thanks!

Now if you think an extra brake is good (which it is), then think what an extra brake AND an extra tail light will do for visibility and safety. Ask me how I know... and have a look.

First picture- early style rear lights with an extra 'tail light' outboard; original tail is inboard.




Second picture- same car, extra 'brake light' inboard, original brake light is outboard.




Last picture- same car, tails and brakes both on, and ain't that bright?



And yes, I am still doing these upgrades.

Andy

[Panici]

If I might ask, which LED Light bulbs are you employing?

Using some cheap "KATUR" LED bulbs from Amazon at the moment.
Specs from the description: 0.30A, 3.6W, 900Lums.


They are working well so far, and are brighter then the original brake lights.


Still using traditional incandescent bulbs for the second set (in rear fog spot), so if the LEDs die I still have functional brake lights.
If I find these LEDs prone to failure I'll explore higher quality LED bulbs.

[Mo Brighta]

Back on the front burner... a good idea

Bumping an old thread at the request of 2mAn.

See the attached picture showing how I wired my rear fog lights as additional brake lights. Wire and terminal were sourced from a spare bulb holder.

Best way to do it - use factory parts to take advantage of the idiotic DOT regulation that forbids a rear fog light.

Too bad we can't get the terminals in bulk from Startec! Every busted-up E30 light I come across in any parts yard gets a terminal-ectomy, which I then put to good use in another E30's tails. each pair of broken back covers will allow 4 other cars to get this upgrade. 99% of the time folks need the lens anyway, so when the lens is busted, the back side goes begging.

Note that I am using LED brake light bulbs, which reduces current draw. Using all traditional bulbs would double the load on factory wiring with this modification, so attempt at your own risk.

Bravo, and again this is the right way to do it, as long as the results are highly visible - If I might ask, which LED Light bulbs are you employing?


Andy

[Panici]

Bumping an old thread at the request of 2mAn.


See the attached picture showing how I wired my rear fog lights as additional brake lights.
Wire and terminal were sourced from a spare bulb holder.

Note that I am using LED brake light bulbs, which reduces current draw.
Using all traditional bulbs would double the load on factory wiring with this modification, so attempt at your own risk.

[Mo Brighta]

^What he said. Seeing these on lots of cars these days, or maybe I just NOTICE them ... some bikes, too. Anything to draw attention to a cycle, they have (I had) a tough enough time out there as it is.

I'll have a look at the amazon one, maybe something I would offer in conjunction with the rear light upgrades?

http://http://www.amazon...FLASHER-MODULE...

http://www.amazon.com/FLASHER-MODULE.../dp/B0036RFLR6
(DER E30's link repaired)

[DER E30]

Always thought and considered adding a flashing brake light module in the 3rd brake light. Mo brighta or anyone else have any insight on how i can go about that?

http://http://www.amazon.com/FLASHER.../dp/B0036RFLR6amazon, two wires in, two out. Pretty cheap too, under 30 bucks

[yungmike]

Always thought and considered adding a flashing brake light module in the 3rd brake light. Mo brighta or anyone else have any insight on how i can go about that?

[15Michaeljoseph]

Amen to that!

Maybe they were thinking of you when they made a three-pack, most cars now have three brake lights.

I would love to see the pattern of the LED from Autozone, specifically where they shine - how many, which directions? With a reflector and old style bulb that shines in 'all directions' you get what we have, an evenly lighted lens. There are so many variations of LED lamp out there, with different numbers, brightness, and configurations... if you come up with a good answer, maybe others will want to upgrade to these as well?

The best rear end collision is the one you avoid!

Well, when i finish it up, I'll be sure to post everything right here. and include the part number on the bulbs. I'm excited to do this actually, for saftey's sake. plus I know this mod will look great in that tail light you sent me ;) Thanks Andrew!!!


--Mike

[Mo Brighta]

Attaboy.

I'm planning on doing this soon myself. Too many ignorant stupid people on phones or not paying attention...

Amen to that!

Maybe they were thinking of you when they made a three-pack, most cars now have three brake lights.

I would love to see the pattern of the LED from Autozone, specifically where they shine - how many, which directions? With a reflector and old style bulb that shines in 'all directions' you get what we have, an evenly lighted lens. There are so many variations of LED lamp out there, with different numbers, brightness, and configurations... if you come up with a good answer, maybe others will want to upgrade to these as well?

The best rear end collision is the one you avoid!

[Mo Brighta]

I (cough) soldered wires directly to the bulbs (cough)

Hey, no need to be embarrased, it's your car! If you can solder, certainly you can un-solder when the time comes to replace one. And with LED lamps, that may be never. Just hope you can find a suitable replacement.

Hell, BMW solders for reliability. What's wrong with that? NOTHING.

Last request - pics! I am always eager to see what the driver following me will see when a new style lamp is installed... I believe it should be brighter than the lamp it replaces. We've all seen the approach with a small round dot of light in a large, dark rectangle of lens. I prefer the large bright rectangle, and if the newer LEDs throw light at the entire reflector instead of just straight back, then there's hope.

Please take pics when it's all done, thanks!