Ways to brighten rear lights?

[Grover]

With the recent time change, I'm finding myself driving at night far more. Today, I was driving behind another '02 and it became apparent how weak the rear running lights are. What are some ways of brightening them up for better visibility? I've seen the lining of the inner reflector piece with something like foil or Mylar, but I'm curious what else can be done. Brighter bulbs? Ways of cleaning the lens to make them clearer? Other options? And yes, I already have a third brake light.

[c.d.iesel]

clean and paint the bulb reflector section WHITE,

new bulbs (correct wattage ),

new lens =

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[beammmer]

I used an aluminium foil tape and really cleaned the lens. It was amazing the difference. Brighter bulbs are generally not a good way to go, too hot. The left one has correct new bulbs, alum tape and a gooood cleaning. Don

[yeewiz]

this is what Daniel Stern says, "Can also make your 2002's existing brake and turn signal lights 40% brighter with higher-efficiency bulbs, $7.10/ea. These are not the halogen lens-melter specials often seen on parts store shelves."

See DanielSternLighting.com and call him at 416-766-2327.

Just passing on information, but I have not seen these bulbs in action.

[ColinK]

I read this post but have not ordered any of the LEDs.

Can someone report back on their usage??

[visionaut]

I swear by top-quality LED lights - they are extremely brighter, and offer truer color, cooler temps, less power req'd, and last almost forever. I've replaced almost every incandescent bulb on my 02 with LEDs. Nice thing is that besides the brighter truer color light, they're a discrete yet easy modern upgrade.

Another reason for the purists to cringe too. ;-)

[Scott Sislane]

someone mentioned painting the reflectors white? I painted one of mine with CHROME paint, and it looks identical to the NOS reflector on the other side. You can't tell the difference. New lenses are key.

[Guest Anonymous]

I cleaned up my round tail lites last Winter by re-spraying the insides with chrome paint and cleaned and polished the lenses with plastic cleaner.The results were a dramatic improvement in visibility. (I also replaced all the bulbs, but after reading the above post, I may also try LED's) Before buying new lenses, try cleaning and polishing them. Good luck

_____________________

Roger

'72 Malaga

[Scott Sislane]

hey roger- Scott from the Bavarian show & shine, dk blue '76.

[nesky45]

I just put in the lights from Daniel Stern this weekend (number 3497 ), and they are definatly brighter. They are for brake light and turn signal. I also added the Hella 3rd brake light (model 38). I feel alot "brighter".

[yeewiz]

nesky45, are those Daniel Stern #3497 LEDs? how did those Model 38's work out, is the kit complete, problems? I just put in my order and looking for a fellow user. TIA!

[tron]

I have led bulbs in for brake, turn, and reverse lights.

I removed the running light deflector on the top of the squarie lens and switched the running light wires with the brake lights.

Now the bottom lights are always on and when the brake is pressed its very bright because it shines with no deflector.

I notice people don't come so close now.

I also have a 3rd brake light mounted at the top of the window.

[nesky45]

The brake lights and turn signal lights are not LED. The 3rd brake light is LED, and comes complete. It was so easy, even I could install. I installed it on the lower back window, but you could probably do it on the top. My car is a roundie, so I was concerned about LED's damaging the plastic lenses.

CD's upload of the brake light wiring helped me alot.

Tron, people are probably seeing stars after your lights come on. Good work, keeps people back.

[Guest Anonymous]

Hi Scott, It's good to connect another face with a user name. Getting my '02 Winter projects lined up. Send me your e-mail so I can invite you over to the Patroon Chapter Concours next June. We had five '02's last year and would like to double that next year. I've already got Jan of Medford MA in the loop.

RBenson685@aol.com

[shipm_8]

Grover,

San Francisco traffic and the end of daylight savings time last year prompted me to explore lighting also. I got bulbs from Candlepower Inc at http://store.candlepower.com/. Some of the bulbs have increased wattage than stock, but I haven't had any problems with melted lenses on my 72:

Brake, rear turn signal and reverse lights

3497 Stanley

12V 27W

BA15s

Single filament

Tail light

5008

12V 10W

BA15s

Single filament

Turn signal, front

3497 Stanley

12V 27W

BA15s

Single filament (Euro turn signal lenses). If you have a dual filament 1157 on a US-spec lens, you might try P3496, a 21/5W.

Parking light, front

17097 Narva

12V 3W

W2.1x9.5d

Single filament, for 90 degree socket I rigged on my Euro lenses

After running the above bulbs for awhile, I went ahead and tackled the refurbishment of the reflectors with krylon chrome paint, which helped.

http://www.bmw2002faq.com/component/option,com_forum/Itemid,50/page,viewtopic/t,303904/

Silver tape may accomplish the same thing as the paint.

William