LED tail-lights and DRL-equipped headlights - or are they?

[jdp1962]

After renewing all my interior lighting (plus the number plate lights) with LEDs I've been thinking for some time about whether to fit LED tail-lights and maybe DRL-equipped headlights as well. I am by nature a cautious person, so wanted to ask a lot of questions about them before taking the plunge. I had a long chat today with someone at this supplier. Having done so, I'm not sure it's worth doing.

Firstly, the tail-lights are not completely LED. The reversing lights and fog lights are still normal incandescant bulbs, and I can't see the point of that. When I asked why this was, the guy just said it was to keep the cost down (these units cost £265!).

Secondly, the DRLs in the headlights are not actually DRLs. Proper DRLs are activated by the ignition, and go off (or are dimmed) when the headlights are switched on. I asked the guy if this is how their lights work; he said no. He told me that they come on when the headlight switch is turned to the sidelight setting. So what they advertise as DRLs are little more than curly LED sidelights.

So I'd be knocking out £265 on new tail-lights that are only part LED, and £300 (plus the cost of having them fitted and aligned - removing the bumper is not within my own capabilities) on what look like DRLs but aren't.

All in all, I can't see the point of that.

 

[TOM.S]

still good enough for me mate I've been looking on the BM Town site too (along with many others).with the tail lights : upgrade the reverse,fog lights/bulbs by getting some led bulb (did this on my old A3) only for a few quid and the job is done. I really like the smoked black/clear black tail lights to contrast with bright color of the car.
for the headlights: It doesn't really matter to me whether come on with the ignition or not.Alternatively you can get them wired up to do so,or get an additional/independent switch somewhere in the cabin to switch em on on their own not as sidelights (with tail ones)
what I don't like about all these DRL headlights is that you can switch em from right hand drive to left hand drive and vice versa like you can do on most of the OEM headlights,which is very handy if you travel/go for a trip anywhere in Europe.
anyways.. in my opinion they're all a nice upgrade/addition for these B7's as I've seen a few and they suit the really well.
So I'll be getting some I guess, when the funds allow it.

 

[Molnboman]

I think there is a fine line between these lights looking cool and oem and looking obviously not. I would also be cautious about the performance of the headlights compared to the originals too. I have seen some ASN fans cars on here and they look great and then there are others that just don't seem right aesthetically.Then lastly, Jaysus, then there is the expense...that's a lot of money for something that the driver doesn't see anyway or makes the car drive or perform better. In fact, that's an APR stage 1 tune up and money left over for a right good bevvy afterwards! hahaha

Good Luck anyway and let us know how you get on.

BR
A

 

[jdp1962]

I'm not going to bother. I like a visual upgrade as much as the next person, but whatever I fit has to do the job functionally first. These just don't

 

[V6 Quatt]

that's a fair point. Funny how we mod cars and most of the time we only see the cosmetic stuff on the outside when we get out or when we are cleaning the car. It's the general public who really see our external mods LOL

 

[TOM.S]

I didn't said it'll be the first thing on my shopping list ,but sooner or later I'll probably go for some aftermarket ones.

 

[jdp1962]

It doesn't really matter to me whether come on with the ignition or not.

It should matter, because the requirement that they come on with the ignition is part of the legal definition of what a DRL is. These light are being advertised as DRLs when they are not. It's misrepresentation. If you're happy paying for something that you know is being wrongly described, go right ahead.

 

[Amason007]

It should matter, because the requirement that they come on with the ignition is part of the legal definition of what a DRL is. These light are being advertised as DRLs when they are not. It's misrepresentation. If you're happy paying for something that you know is being wrongly described, go right ahead.

Jeff,

You really are a "Grumpy Old Man" PMSL

But you are correct, they should be advertised as "DRL Effect Headlights", as they only work as sidelights.

Andy

 

[jdp1962]

Jeff,

You really are a "Grumpy Old Man" PMSL

But you are correct, they should be advertised as "DRL Effect Headlights", as they only work as sidelights.

Andy

I guess it's because I make my living from investigating and ruling on disputes involving misrepresentation and mis-selling.

 

[jdp1962]

Jeff,

You really are a "Grumpy Old Man" PMSL

But you are correct, they should be advertised as "DRL Effect Headlights", as they only work as sidelights.

Andy

Changing the subject, Andy, where in SE London/Kent are you? I'm in Bexleyheath.

 

[Joe Clooney]

that's a fair point. Funny how we mod cars and most of the time we only see the cosmetic stuff on the outside when we get out or when we are cleaning the car. It's the general public who really see our external mods LOL

list

Unless of course your one of them cool dudes who drive down the main street, just so they can stare in the shop windows at the reflection of their cars!!!
No offence meant toward you mate,

 

[Amason007]

Changing the subject, Andy, where in SE London/Kent are you? I'm in Bexleyheath.

Jeff,

I'm in Belvedere, just near Abbey Wood Train Station. Not a million miles away then Jeff.

Andy

 

[jdp1962]

Jeff,

I'm in Belvedere, just near Abbey Wood Train Station. Not a million miles away then Jeff.

Andy

About three miles, I'd say.

 

[Amason007]

About three miles, I'd say.

We will have to meet up for a GRUMPY chat sometime? LOL

 

[jdp1962]

I've come back round to this and have just placed an order with BM Town for a set of LED rear light clusters. I've gone for the "Style 5" set in Red/Clear. They seem to be all LED bar the reversing light.

I'll post again when they've arrived and been fitted.

 

[hades-]

good choice

 

[jdp1962]

good choice

Thanks, Bez.

 

[Amason007]

+1 Can't wait to see them fitted.

Wish they did them for the Cabriolet.

 

[jdp1962]

+1 Can't wait to see them fitted.

Wish they did them for the Cabriolet.

Let's get together one evening soon, Andy, and compare notes.

 

[Amason007]

Let's get together one evening soon, Andy, and compare notes.

Good idea Jeff. Must do. I'll PM you.

 

[hades-]

+1 Can't wait to see them fitted.

Wish they did them for the Cabriolet.

iv got a mate onto tryin to make me some full led for the cabby

 

[Amason007]

iv got a mate onto tryin to make me some full led for the cabby

Let me know how you got on Bez. I would be interested.

Andy

 

[jdp1962]

Pretty unimpressed with customer service and communication so far. I received an email this morning saying the order - which I placed two days ago - had been completed, and the lights would arrive "as soon as possible". I found that a bit vague, plus there was no tracking information or courier link and there's no facility to track an order on the website. So I emailed back for more info. No reply by lunchtime, so I phoned, to be told the lights were coming direct from the factory and were shipped either yesterday or today. Now I've just had an email saying "direct from the factory" means from Germany, and they won't arrive until maybe Wednesday or Thursday of next week, and still no tracking info.

All I can say is, these lights had better be good!

 

[DieselJake]

Love this story's twist, first you hate the headlights, then you purchase them. Hating this company so expecting a positive company review soon haha.

 

[jdp1962]

Love this story's twist, first you hate the headlights, then you purchase them. Hating this company so expecting a positive company review soon haha.

I'm still not a fan of the headlights; it's the tail-lights I've changed my mind about, and I'm still optimistic that when they eventually arrive, I will be satisfied with them. But when you're spending that much money with a business, poor service and sloppy communication is not acceptable.

 

[V6 Quatt]

I do lol or just get out and look at the car. People then begin to think i'm mad. lol

list

Unless of course your one of them cool dudes who drive down the main street, just so they can stare in the shop windows at the reflection of their cars!!!
No offence meant toward you mate,

 

[Amason007]

I'm still not a fan of the headlights; it's the tail-lights I've changed my mind about, and I'm still optimistic that when they eventually arrive, I will be satisfied with them. But when you're spending that much money with a business, poor service and sloppy communication is not acceptable.

"Grumpy Old Man" PMSL

 

[jdp1962]

"Grumpy Old Man" PMSL

And you can shaddup an' all!