I would h*** anyone to think that progress on my 1.9 Ratty had stalled just because of the winter. (One can never be too careful about the use of the h-word on social media - moderators can be quick to pull offensive posts.)
Anyway, although I generally lean towards OEM originality for Ratty, I thought that making use of the latest technology might be a good idea when there are major benefits to be had. So I've taken the plunge into the bright new world of LEDs.
I've spent time reading the subject up on here, and watched many YouTube videos on the subject, trawled through comparison sites, and swatted up on the fast developing technology.
Finally I sourced appropriate LEDs and ordered them. They came fairly quickly. So today, after this morning's brief blizzard, I unlocked the security tool cabinet, set the garage climate control system, and consulted the BMW owners manual download for guidance on the replacement task ahead. After several cups of tea and a fortifying bacon roll mid morning, I finally took the plunge and donned heavy rubber boots and neoprene gloves. I left my mobile set up for emergency services speed dial. Then, with total disregard for safety recommendations and flouting warnings, I did not disconnect the battery.
Then, I opened the boot, with this to hand:
Yes it's a 12v Led Festoon Xenon White Light Bulb 41 mm, one of a pair that cost £1.97 each (free p&p). As the supplier states: "Up to 5 times more brighter (sic) than standard bulbs. 50,000+ hours, long life. Plug & play, simply remove your existing bulb & put this one in it's place. All our bulbs are sourced from quality suppliers." So I feel fairly confident that this has been money sensibly invested.
And with the old dead bulb safely removed, and the new LED installed, I heaved a sigh of relief, poured myself a large Scotch and sat down, basking in a glow of satisfaction in the knowledge of a job well done. Once again the straightforward clarity of the BMW owners manual was greatly appreciated. All that was left to do was to shut the boot and dispose of the old bulb safely in accordance with Local Authority guidelines: Glass? Electrical Items? Metal? Vehicle Parts? Had it been produced in a factory where nuts were handled?
Ooh, it's dark now, I'm just nipping out to admire the new lightscape of Ratty's boot interior; better take my dark glasses.
Wow! I think I might go and park outside the village Post Office with the boot open, leaning nonchalantly against the car (hiding the rusty bit at the bottom of the front wing), with a can of Irn Bru in my hand....
Cheers
Paul
Anyway, although I generally lean towards OEM originality for Ratty, I thought that making use of the latest technology might be a good idea when there are major benefits to be had. So I've taken the plunge into the bright new world of LEDs.
I've spent time reading the subject up on here, and watched many YouTube videos on the subject, trawled through comparison sites, and swatted up on the fast developing technology.
Finally I sourced appropriate LEDs and ordered them. They came fairly quickly. So today, after this morning's brief blizzard, I unlocked the security tool cabinet, set the garage climate control system, and consulted the BMW owners manual download for guidance on the replacement task ahead. After several cups of tea and a fortifying bacon roll mid morning, I finally took the plunge and donned heavy rubber boots and neoprene gloves. I left my mobile set up for emergency services speed dial. Then, with total disregard for safety recommendations and flouting warnings, I did not disconnect the battery.
Then, I opened the boot, with this to hand:
Yes it's a 12v Led Festoon Xenon White Light Bulb 41 mm, one of a pair that cost £1.97 each (free p&p). As the supplier states: "Up to 5 times more brighter (sic) than standard bulbs. 50,000+ hours, long life. Plug & play, simply remove your existing bulb & put this one in it's place. All our bulbs are sourced from quality suppliers." So I feel fairly confident that this has been money sensibly invested.
And with the old dead bulb safely removed, and the new LED installed, I heaved a sigh of relief, poured myself a large Scotch and sat down, basking in a glow of satisfaction in the knowledge of a job well done. Once again the straightforward clarity of the BMW owners manual was greatly appreciated. All that was left to do was to shut the boot and dispose of the old bulb safely in accordance with Local Authority guidelines: Glass? Electrical Items? Metal? Vehicle Parts? Had it been produced in a factory where nuts were handled?
Ooh, it's dark now, I'm just nipping out to admire the new lightscape of Ratty's boot interior; better take my dark glasses.
Wow! I think I might go and park outside the village Post Office with the boot open, leaning nonchalantly against the car (hiding the rusty bit at the bottom of the front wing), with a can of Irn Bru in my hand....
Cheers
Paul
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