Third brake light LED flasher mod

whatheheck · 28th June 2009, 02:41

First, my usual disclaimer:

I am posting here for sharing as I am a sharing kind of guy.

I am not posting here asking for your approval or whether you like this mod or not.

Remember that to each is his own so as long as we are happy with our own property - that is the only thing that matters.

In life, we cannot please everybody and in my case, I please no one but myself. I am happy with the mods that I do.

Why do I do these mod? Because I want to and because I can.

So if you want to do this mod too, here's your step by step DIY instructions. Let me know if you need help and I will try my best to help.

Now that we got that out of the way, attached below is the video and step by step instructions on how to do this mod in case you are interested.

Again, kindly keep crticisms to yourself. Thanks.

Video click here:

snowball · 28th June 2009, 04:08

I was unable to get the video link in the pdf file to work. Is there a secret code?

BuzzedHornet · 28th June 2009, 04:50

Even though you have moved on from the e39, and your mods don't apply to me anymore, I love reading your how too's.

Can't wait to see it, thanks dan.

whatheheck · 28th June 2009, 08:06

No secret code required snowball.

Let me know if you still cant access the video and I will try and fix it.

So far it works for me and others?

Quote:

Originally Posted by snowball

I was unable to get the video link in the pdf file to work. Is there a secret code?

snowball · 28th June 2009, 16:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by whatheheck

No secret code required snowball.

Let me know if you still cant access the video and I will try and fix it.

So far it works for me and others?

Running it from the post no problem, it is only when trying to run it from within the pdf. On the last page where it says here:....

whatheheck · 28th June 2009, 16:45

Link to video fixed.

Pdf file size reduced for faster uploading.

Hope that helps.

Hdhntr23 · 28th June 2009, 17:35

Damn Dan thats hot. Any idea if this would work in an E39?

whatheheck · 28th June 2009, 20:26

The flasher unit only works with LED bulbs.

So the only way it will work on E39 is for you to upgrade the E39 third brake light bulb to super bright LED bulb.

I already did this mod on my E39 M5 but the light output is not as bright because the E39 bulb is facing upwards insted of towards the rear.

So, in summary, yes, this will work on an E39.

Steps:

1) Find the brightest 1156 red LED bulb you can find that will fit inside the socket of the 3rd brake light. If it wont fit, you can use a Dremmel Tool and grind down the bulb socket. (use Red bulb for brightest output.)

2) Install red 1156 LED bulb inside socket.
3) Install LED flasher.
4) Have someone step on the brakes for you so you can see the results.

Hope that helps.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hdhntr23

Damn Dan thats hot. Any idea if this would work in an E39?

T Bone · 30th June 2009, 02:33

Whattheheck.....thanks alot for your DIYs!!!

If you are inclined, I would love to see how you would make the 08 headlights + turn signal work on our cars....

whatheheck · 30th June 2009, 02:42

Thanks for the kind words T Bone!

Re: 2008 headlights and turn signals upgrade to LED - I am only aware of three methods to make it work.

1) Install load resistors to simulate incandescent bulb present.
I hate those load resistors. They consume a lot of power and get really hot.

2) Install an incandescent bulb in parallel to the LED.

3) Reprogam the LCM to disable fault reporting.

I think it's only a matter of time, BMW dealerships should be able recode LCM modules soon. Or for someone after market to create a software so we can recode our own LCM.

I will experiment when I have time.

Quote:

Originally Posted by T Bone

Whattheheck.....thanks alot for your DIYs!!!

If you are inclined, I would love to see how you would make the 08 headlights + turn signal work on our cars....