FrankCsapo
My 244's reverse lights are incredibly dim. There's nothing wrong with voltage or any issues with the bulbs or electrics, it's just that a combination of incandescent bulbs and the older lenses causes them to be dim. I would like at least a little bit of illumination from them when reversing in the dark so I can see where I'm going, as currently it's completely dark. I have a 5-panel tail light cluster.
Has anyone been able to brighten these significantly? Through what methods? I am thinking to switch to LED bulbs (as well as all the other tail lights), but wanted to see what others have done as well.
paul0075
My incandescent bulbs are fine, they need to the correct wattage, which is 21 watts per side. They will be the larger globe. If that isn't enough, you could look at LED, if you want to maintain the incandescent colour, look for warm white. Also look at ones that have a spread design, so the light disperses around the reflector and fills the lens.
jamesinc
Odd, Nina's 244 has 5-panel rears and is pretty bright out the back. How are the reflectors?
FrankCsapo
Bulbs are all the correct wattage but it's still dim. I know it's chalk and cheese but my brother's BMW 235i lights everything up with his reverse lights. Obviously I'm not going to get the same but an improvement is needed in some form or fashion.
It's been some time since I've checked the reflectors so I'd say that's due to be done as well. Are there any reputable brand-name LEDs that people recommend?
Anthony
Unreal, Ive had the opposite issue - Had a neighbour across the road who complained to me my 1980 244 reverse lights were too bright.
I painted the lens inside with that darkening resin paint which helped.
So Frank clean the earth point at the rear lights, one each side.
FrankCsapo
Haha Anthony I'm impressed you actually did something about it!
I'll check the earths and reflectors next opportunity I get, but I'm still keen on the LEDs for that extra brightness.
CamZH
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/BA15S-1156-Car-White-Yellow-Red-7-5W-5-COB-LED-Turn-Signal-Light-Lamp-Bulb-12V-/141761290437?
I put a pair of these into the parker slot on my 850, impressive brightness, and budget enough you can buy a few types and experiment.
paul0075
If you've got the correct wattage bulbs and they're dim, check your voltages at the lights, there could be an electrical issue.