Best LED's on the Market! Who Needs HID's?!
#1
Best LED's on the Market! Who Needs HID's?!
My search for LEDs started after I became sick of the Nokya Hyper Yellow halogens that I had in both my upper (factory) fogs, and my lower (Inspire) fogs. I was just tired of the yellow, JDM-look in general. So I originally planned on getting white LEDs for the upper fogs, and white HIDs for the lower fogs. I knew the upper LEDs would never be as bright as the lower HIDs, but putting HIDs in the upper fog housings really isn't a viable option.
There are quite a few LEDs that will fit in the upper fog housing of the 04-06 TL, and the DRL housing of the 07-08 TL, but I would dare to say that I've found the absolute best one out there, both in terms of color, and brightness. I stumbled across it while searching on a popular lighting site among this forum, and they were listed for nearly $100. They caught my attention because they were new, and the specs looked quite impressive. I was able to find the same LEDs elsewhere for a much better price, and decided to give them a shot.
The install was a piece of cake- a simple plug-and-play design.
When I turned them on for the first time, I literally thought I had turned the HIDs on by mistake- that's how insanely bright these things are! (4800 lumens)
Upper fogs / DRLs ONLY
I was so impressed with these LEDs, that I ditched the idea of getting HIDs for the Inspires, and bought another set of these instead.
Lower Fogs ONLY
Two days ago, one of my factory HIDs burned out, so while I wait for my CBIs to arrive, I've had to use only my upper and lower LEDs to light the path. I've had no problems whatsoever. I forget the HIDs are even off.
Upper Fogs / DRLs and Lower Fogs ONLY
These LEDs matched my factory (color-shifted) HIDs quite well, but they are a PERFECT match for the CBIs. I convinced my brother to get a pair for the fogs on his 2011 335i (which also has CBIs), and they couldn't be a closer match. My mom is also going to get a set for her 2011 SRX fogs.
These lights are so sick, I just couldn't keep them to myself. After purchasing 3 sets of these LEDs (soon to be 4), I was able obtain a discount code from the seller and he said I'm free to share it with others. So you guys can get them for an even better price than I did! The code gives you 20% off AND free shipping.
You can order a set (or two) through this link:
And make sure to use this coupon code:
P.S. These LEDs are available in every size needed for '04-'08 fogs and DRLs (plus Inspires, which are H11). If you don't know what bulb size you need, check out THIS POST.
There are quite a few LEDs that will fit in the upper fog housing of the 04-06 TL, and the DRL housing of the 07-08 TL, but I would dare to say that I've found the absolute best one out there, both in terms of color, and brightness. I stumbled across it while searching on a popular lighting site among this forum, and they were listed for nearly $100. They caught my attention because they were new, and the specs looked quite impressive. I was able to find the same LEDs elsewhere for a much better price, and decided to give them a shot.
The install was a piece of cake- a simple plug-and-play design.
When I turned them on for the first time, I literally thought I had turned the HIDs on by mistake- that's how insanely bright these things are! (4800 lumens)
Upper fogs / DRLs ONLY
I was so impressed with these LEDs, that I ditched the idea of getting HIDs for the Inspires, and bought another set of these instead.
Lower Fogs ONLY
Two days ago, one of my factory HIDs burned out, so while I wait for my CBIs to arrive, I've had to use only my upper and lower LEDs to light the path. I've had no problems whatsoever. I forget the HIDs are even off.
Upper Fogs / DRLs and Lower Fogs ONLY
These LEDs matched my factory (color-shifted) HIDs quite well, but they are a PERFECT match for the CBIs. I convinced my brother to get a pair for the fogs on his 2011 335i (which also has CBIs), and they couldn't be a closer match. My mom is also going to get a set for her 2011 SRX fogs.
These lights are so sick, I just couldn't keep them to myself. After purchasing 3 sets of these LEDs (soon to be 4), I was able obtain a discount code from the seller and he said I'm free to share it with others. So you guys can get them for an even better price than I did! The code gives you 20% off AND free shipping.
You can order a set (or two) through this link:
And make sure to use this coupon code:
GTXM2
P.S. These LEDs are available in every size needed for '04-'08 fogs and DRLs (plus Inspires, which are H11). If you don't know what bulb size you need, check out THIS POST.
Last edited by Frosty; 08-07-2014 at 11:54 PM.
The following 26 users liked this post by Frosty:
.TODD (08-21-2014),
96SC4 (08-08-2014),
abrieluno (08-11-2014),
acurazine619 (12-23-2014),
BlueAc (08-29-2014),
and 21 others liked this post.
#9
My brother and I have been running these on our cars for about 3 weeks straight now, and they've been flawless. I can remember my Nokya Yellows actually making the headlight lens too hot to touch. With these LEDs, the headlight housing doesn't even get remotely warm.
The following users liked this post:
CubanLynx84 (08-08-2014)
#11
Photovideographer
Thanks for sharing, will definitely be looking into these. Was always iffy about the output of led bulbs, but now I see! I had the nokya yellows in mine before, and now the PIAA Extreme's which I don't really like.. These seem perfect. Always have been on the search for something to really compliment the primary lights!
#13
Photovideographer
The following users liked this post:
CubanLynx84 (08-08-2014)
#19
My first ricer
iTrader: (4)
No clearance issues with the large heat sink? I remember Paperboy tried a set that he had to make clearance for. They definitely look awesome, thanks for posting, I may get a set soon.
The following users liked this post:
sockr1 (08-08-2014)
#23
Burning Brakes
In for 07-08 fog pics
My piaa white extremes are Ok(better than stock), but nothing to write home about.
So, being these are LED's I won't be blinding oncoming?
My piaa white extremes are Ok(better than stock), but nothing to write home about.
So, being these are LED's I won't be blinding oncoming?
#27
Safety Car
iTrader: (5)
thanks! by any chance do you have a CAI? my biggest concern with these LEDs for the fogs is that they will be a lot longer and my air filter is already "resting" against my fog lights haha
#28
Safety Car
Sorry I don't have a CAI but I'll take pics of the new bulb next to my Nokya bulbs so you'll have an idea of the difference in size. That heat sink looks heavy duty so I'd imagine you'll have to get creative with your CAI
#30
Safety Car
iTrader: (7)
Very nice alternative to HIDS.
I still prefer hids because they are rated 3000-3200 lumens per bulb whereas these LED bulbs are only 2400 lumens per bulb.
These leds are definitely brighter than any halogens that's for sure. Halogens are like 1200-1800 lumens
Thanks for reaching out to the seller and getting us the 20% off + free shipping code! Any idea if there is a expiration date? I'm sure many will take advantage of these.
The good thing about leds is that there is no warm up time needed like aftermarket hids that take about 30 seconds after turning them on to reach their true color
I still prefer hids because they are rated 3000-3200 lumens per bulb whereas these LED bulbs are only 2400 lumens per bulb.
These leds are definitely brighter than any halogens that's for sure. Halogens are like 1200-1800 lumens
Thanks for reaching out to the seller and getting us the 20% off + free shipping code! Any idea if there is a expiration date? I'm sure many will take advantage of these.
The good thing about leds is that there is no warm up time needed like aftermarket hids that take about 30 seconds after turning them on to reach their true color
Last edited by vietxquangstah; 08-08-2014 at 03:21 PM.
#31
Very nice alternative to HIDS.
I still prefer hids because they are rated 3000-3200 lumens per bulb whereas these LED bulbs are only 2400 lumens per bulb.
These leds are definitely brighter than any halogens that's for sure. Halogens are like 1200-1800 lumens
Thanks for reaching out to the seller and getting us the 20% off + free shipping code! Any idea if there is a expiration date? I'm sure many will take advantage of these.
The good thing about leds is that there is no warm up time needed like aftermarket hids that take about 30 seconds after turning them on to reach their true color
I still prefer hids because they are rated 3000-3200 lumens per bulb whereas these LED bulbs are only 2400 lumens per bulb.
These leds are definitely brighter than any halogens that's for sure. Halogens are like 1200-1800 lumens
Thanks for reaching out to the seller and getting us the 20% off + free shipping code! Any idea if there is a expiration date? I'm sure many will take advantage of these.
The good thing about leds is that there is no warm up time needed like aftermarket hids that take about 30 seconds after turning them on to reach their true color
I'm assuming you're referring to HIDs in the LOWER fog housings, which is OK, but you also have to think about mounting the ballasts somewhere. And, like you said, the warm-up time. I love how these LEDs are instantly full brightness and color when you flip the switch. I think most people know this, but putting HIDs in the DRL / upper fog housing is a really bad idea (due to heat and glaring issues).
I've been in frequent contact with the seller. No mention of an expiration date has been made, but I wouldn't wait around and miss an opportunity.
#32
Safety Car
I placed an order after seeing how crappy my fogs looked
I'll wait before I order to replace my DRL set-up. I want to do a little more research first as I don't know how these will operate in the 07-08 DRL spot (will we get that DRL error on the dash or will these light up half power?). I'll think about it over the weekend as I'd rather spend $65 on an experiment than $80
Edit: Sent them an email. My current LED DRLs do not require any type of harness but they aren't as bright as I'd want them to be. Probably a safe bet that using a harness will get me the results I want but I'll see what these guys have to say first.
I'll wait before I order to replace my DRL set-up. I want to do a little more research first as I don't know how these will operate in the 07-08 DRL spot (will we get that DRL error on the dash or will these light up half power?). I'll think about it over the weekend as I'd rather spend $65 on an experiment than $80
Edit: Sent them an email. My current LED DRLs do not require any type of harness but they aren't as bright as I'd want them to be. Probably a safe bet that using a harness will get me the results I want but I'll see what these guys have to say first.
Last edited by Franchise1124; 08-08-2014 at 07:37 PM.
The following users liked this post:
96SC4 (08-08-2014)
#33
I placed an order after seeing how crappy my fogs looked I'll wait before I order to replace my DRL set-up. I want to do a little more research first as I don't know how these will operate in the 07-08 DRL spot (will we get that DRL error on the dash or will these light up half power?). I'll think about it over the weekend as I'd rather spend $65 on an experiment than $80 Edit: Sent them an email. My current LED DRLs do not require any type of harness but they aren't as bright as I'd want them to be. Probably a safe bet that using a harness will get me the results I want but I'll see what these guys have to say first.
I placed another order for my mom's SRX fogs tonight. Caddy will be lookin freshhh
#34
Safety Car
iTrader: (7)
I placed an order after seeing how crappy my fogs looked
I'll wait before I order to replace my DRL set-up. I want to do a little more research first as I don't know how these will operate in the 07-08 DRL spot (will we get that DRL error on the dash or will these light up half power?). I'll think about it over the weekend as I'd rather spend $65 on an experiment than $80
Edit: Sent them an email. My current LED DRLs do not require any type of harness but they aren't as bright as I'd want them to be. Probably a safe bet that using a harness will get me the results I want but I'll see what these guys have to say first.
I'll wait before I order to replace my DRL set-up. I want to do a little more research first as I don't know how these will operate in the 07-08 DRL spot (will we get that DRL error on the dash or will these light up half power?). I'll think about it over the weekend as I'd rather spend $65 on an experiment than $80
Edit: Sent them an email. My current LED DRLs do not require any type of harness but they aren't as bright as I'd want them to be. Probably a safe bet that using a harness will get me the results I want but I'll see what these guys have to say first.
The factory DRLs on 07-08s only receive 6v each.
I'm pretty sure a relay harness will solve your problems.
The following users liked this post:
Franchise1124 (08-08-2014)
#35
Safety Car
iTrader: (5)
are those the hyper yellow nokyas you have right now? any pics? if they are i might buy them off you if you switch haha...been contemplating going to yellow
#36
Safety Car
can you put in one of the new ones and take a pic? i'd like to see nokya in one fog light and the new one in the other to compare brightness.
are those the hyper yellow nokyas you have right now? any pics? if they are i might buy them off you if you switch haha...been contemplating going to yellow
are those the hyper yellow nokyas you have right now? any pics? if they are i might buy them off you if you switch haha...been contemplating going to yellow
The following users liked this post:
sockr1 (08-08-2014)
#37
Burning Brakes
In for the comparison pics Franchise!
#40
These look awesome! I am tired of the HIDs i have in my fogs. I see that they are 6000k color temp, but they look pretty white. I have stock hid headlight bulbs and curious if they are going to match up okay to my headlights.