When I first got my Z4 I didn't think that the boot light was working it was pitiful. I put an LED bulb in it which did improve it to the point that you could see where the light was coming from but that was about it. It is located right in the corner of the boot on the O/S next to the rear light cluster. Useless! The Z3 light is in a much better position so that's where I decided to fit the new one(s).
I brought home some LED strips from Walmart and finally got round to fitting and wiring them in today.
There is a metal strip across the boot where I stuck them onto, fed the wires through the same piece of steel and wired into the original boot light. Eh, Voila!
The original, not much use.
The new ones SMD LED strips, much better.
Now, if there was a body in there I would be able to see it. Very pleased with that job.
Next on the list was LED bulbs for my rear indicators, which also required resistors connected across the bulb to keep the flasher can and Canbus from going nuts.
First job was a slight mod to the bulb holders with my Dremmel type tool to remove a bit from the bulb holders to allow the Cree bulbs to go in far enough to turn and lock. Original bulbs are pear shaped but the Cree bulbs are square at the bottom and wouldn't push in far enough to turn and lock.
Fitting the resistors was easy, just find the power wire for the indicator and solder on the resistor wire and then earth the other end.
I've mounted the resistor to the body to act as a heat sink but to be honest it's not really necessary on indicators as they don't remain constantly lit. All of that is enclosed behind the light cluster cover and is hidden from view. The indicator lights are much brighter and crisper to look at, a more modern look.
Next job will be sourcing a right rear light from a LHD car to have 2 reversing lights, which will require the rear fog light to be re-located.
Tony.
I brought home some LED strips from Walmart and finally got round to fitting and wiring them in today.
There is a metal strip across the boot where I stuck them onto, fed the wires through the same piece of steel and wired into the original boot light. Eh, Voila!
The original, not much use.
The new ones SMD LED strips, much better.
Now, if there was a body in there I would be able to see it. Very pleased with that job.
Next on the list was LED bulbs for my rear indicators, which also required resistors connected across the bulb to keep the flasher can and Canbus from going nuts.
First job was a slight mod to the bulb holders with my Dremmel type tool to remove a bit from the bulb holders to allow the Cree bulbs to go in far enough to turn and lock. Original bulbs are pear shaped but the Cree bulbs are square at the bottom and wouldn't push in far enough to turn and lock.
Fitting the resistors was easy, just find the power wire for the indicator and solder on the resistor wire and then earth the other end.
I've mounted the resistor to the body to act as a heat sink but to be honest it's not really necessary on indicators as they don't remain constantly lit. All of that is enclosed behind the light cluster cover and is hidden from view. The indicator lights are much brighter and crisper to look at, a more modern look.
Next job will be sourcing a right rear light from a LHD car to have 2 reversing lights, which will require the rear fog light to be re-located.
Tony.
