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I know NOTHING about the Mini Coopers and the only reason I am here asking for help is because my GF has a MC and I would like to replace her licence plate bulbs with the LEDs.
So after doing some reseach, I found out that the 2005 MC uses type 6418, and here is the resonse I received from the LED vendor:
"The 6418 is a 39 mm festoon. That said, you should probably pull and measure the one(s) in there to be sure what length it is before ordering. Festoons PNs are not 100% accurate
31 mm = 1 1/4"
36 mm = 1 3/8"
39 mm = 1 1/2"
44 mm = 1 3/4"
I would go with the 9 led SMT version. We carry that in 36 mm , 39 mm and 44 mm lengths in super white."
So I was wondering if anybody here could advise which length and SMT do I need, 36, 39, or 44?
Since the LED's are directional unlike incandescent, I removed my boot handle, disassembled it, and soldered the LED's so they point in the plate's direction. If they were to move around a bit the orientation would be off and might not light up the plate.
Heres mine...
__________________ -Rick
'03 EB/B MCS
Crap, gotta change my name to Not-so-rednwhite-or-darksilvernwhite-but-electricbluenblackcooper.
Since the LED's are directional unlike incandescent, I removed my boot handle, disassembled it, and soldered the LED's so they point in the plate's direction. If they were to move around a bit the orientation would be off and might not light up the plate.
Heres mine...
PERFECT. Thanks a lot man for the help! I have installed LEDs into my 350Z before, and assume the process is euqally simple on a MC.
Do you think I will need load resistors to prent flickering?
Its fairly simple. Take the boot handle off first before you try and pop the lenses out, its alot easier when working on it that way.
Two or three torx screws for the handle itself, and some screws inside to remove the hatch interior trim panel. (you kinda need to pull the panel to unclip the harness connector)
Note the orientation of the lenses before you take them out. if you try and pop them back in the wrong way they well break pretty easily.
__________________ -Rick
'03 EB/B MCS
Crap, gotta change my name to Not-so-rednwhite-or-darksilvernwhite-but-electricbluenblackcooper.
Do you think I will need load resistors to prent flickering?
It will depend on the sensitivity of the LED bulb you put in. Some have experienced flickering with LED's, others have not. The issue is that LED's may flicker when they are supposed to be off. Even when off, the circuit may have a small amount of current that won't light a standard bulb, but may be enough to trigger an LED bulb. Install the LED, and add a resistor in parallel if you experience flickering. If needed, start with a 1k ohm resistor and go to a lower value if it still continues to flicker.
Its fairly simple. Take the boot handle off first before you try and pop the lenses out, its alot easier when working on it that way.
Two or three torx screws for the handle itself, and some screws inside to remove the hatch interior trim panel. (you kinda need to pull the panel to unclip the harness connector)
Note the orientation of the lenses before you take them out. if you try and pop them back in the wrong way they well break pretty easily.
Hey man, thanks again for the detailed instructions. As said before, I am not at all that familiar with MC, and I am not entire surely what a "boot handle" is, but I suppose you are talking about that plastic / chrom handle thing right above the licence plate.
I am going to order the LEDs, and will upload pics when installed!
It will depend on the sensitivity of the LED bulb you put in. Some have experienced flickering with LED's, others have not. The issue is that LED's may flicker when they are supposed to be off. Even when off, the circuit may have a small amount of current that won't light a standard bulb, but may be enough to trigger an LED bulb. Install the LED, and add a resistor in parallel if you experience flickering. If needed, start with a 1k ohm resistor and go to a lower value if it still continues to flicker.
True. I have installed LEDs on lience plate lights for many cars, and so far I haven't experienced flickering. But then again, every car is built differently, so we'll see how this one goes. Thanks man for your input!
I just did this mod myself on our convertible. I have to say I'm a bit underwhelmed with the brightness of the LED's although mine are all green (to match the car). I installed them in the boot, glovebox, puddle lights and the rear licence plate.
I'm really thinking of at least putting one of the original bulbs back as although it looks cool, I'm concerned about the legality due to the poor visibility.
Has anyone tried the extra bright colored LED's?
(Apologies for the dirt, it's way overdue a wash!)
I just did this mod myself on our convertible. I have to say I'm a bit underwhelmed with the brightness of the LED's although mine are all green (to match the car). I installed them in the boot, glovebox, puddle lights and the rear licence plate.
I'm really thinking of at least putting one of the original bulbs back as although it looks cool, I'm concerned about the legality due to the poor visibility.
Has anyone tried the extra bright colored LED's?
(Apologies for the dirt, it's way overdue a wash!)
IIRC, the factory bulbs don't do a much better job of lighting the plate. Just make sure the LEDs are facing the proper direction. Since they are directional, they need to be properly aimed.
__________________
MINIless for the immediate future. :(
Previously owned:
06 Justa Cooper Astro Black
03 MCS BRG and lotsa mods
06 MCSA HB and even more mods
I have always bought my LEDs from www.v-leds.com. They have high quality LEDs and great service as well. I have had to return return two sets of them before and had no issues with returning them and getting a refund or exchange.
Also they have coupons several times a year.
autoillumination.com is another good source for LED replacements.
__________________
MINIless for the immediate future. :(
Previously owned:
06 Justa Cooper Astro Black
03 MCS BRG and lotsa mods
06 MCSA HB and even more mods
I got mine at http://www.superbrightleds.com/ They are on a lot of other posts, they have a lot of diversity on their products (led strings if you want to "Audi" your lights) and their prices aren't bad either.
I'm just not that impressed by the colored ones.......
Here are some pics of my rear license plate LEDs. Please do not mind the dirt on my car. It was raining over the weekend and I haven't a chance to wash her yet.
