R55 More Reverse Light Solutions?
#1
More Reverse Light Solutions?
Most of you know exactly what I'm talking about. The simple mod seems to be to just buy the Euro LEFT side taillight and be done with it. But to be honest with you even the single light that we already have is pretty damn weak. So adding another makes a big difference?
So I've been looking at different options that would make the reverse light more noticeable. Wiring is the easy part. Finding the right light source and something that matches the overall design seems to be the hard part.
Option 1 = OEM Euro LEFT Taillight for Clubman
Still not an enormous difference but better than having a single, approx $140
Option 2 = White LED Light Bar in License Plate
This seems to be one that can be done in so many different ways with so many different outcomes and price points.
This seems like the best "add-on" with no real fabrication. They sell license plate illuminating LED lights bars that work universally. My thought was to buy one and modify the bolt-on brackets so that its angle flat (or close to it) rather than towards the plate. Approx $20.
Option 2b = License Plate Frames with Integrated LED Lights, approx $50
Option 3 = Bumper Add-Ons
Don't really like this but it is an option. There are several types and different shapes.
Option 4 = Custom Third Brake Light.
The lights have a channel that runs to the end that light up the entire assembly. I was going to buy another clear bar and modify it by adding a few white LEDs on the ends. Then add a clear red lighting wrap in the center to establish the red from the white. It seems like a good amount of work but it "could" look great.
I've also been looking for someone to make me clear lower reflectors. Now that I can modify and add white LEDs, would look really clean, but getting the clear lenses seems like a lot of work.
Please post any thoughts.
So I've been looking at different options that would make the reverse light more noticeable. Wiring is the easy part. Finding the right light source and something that matches the overall design seems to be the hard part.
Option 1 = OEM Euro LEFT Taillight for Clubman
Still not an enormous difference but better than having a single, approx $140
Option 2 = White LED Light Bar in License Plate
This seems to be one that can be done in so many different ways with so many different outcomes and price points.
This seems like the best "add-on" with no real fabrication. They sell license plate illuminating LED lights bars that work universally. My thought was to buy one and modify the bolt-on brackets so that its angle flat (or close to it) rather than towards the plate. Approx $20.
Option 2b = License Plate Frames with Integrated LED Lights, approx $50
Option 3 = Bumper Add-Ons
Don't really like this but it is an option. There are several types and different shapes.
Option 4 = Custom Third Brake Light.
The lights have a channel that runs to the end that light up the entire assembly. I was going to buy another clear bar and modify it by adding a few white LEDs on the ends. Then add a clear red lighting wrap in the center to establish the red from the white. It seems like a good amount of work but it "could" look great.
I've also been looking for someone to make me clear lower reflectors. Now that I can modify and add white LEDs, would look really clean, but getting the clear lenses seems like a lot of work.
Please post any thoughts.
#2
I like the idea of the white LEDS in the third brake light. but if you get a white one the LEDS are red so no need to color the center area. Only thing i see with that is it is very high and may not light the ground area up very well.
I have thought about installing LEDS in the lower grill looking areas just above the exhaust.
my other thoughts have been to use the truck under tailgate lighting just under the barn doors. Not sure that they would fit though, have not looked into how thick they are. and there is not much room between my bumper and door bottoms so the light restriction would be pretty high as well i think, and again there would be no light getting to the ground either.
I have thought about installing LEDS in the lower grill looking areas just above the exhaust.
my other thoughts have been to use the truck under tailgate lighting just under the barn doors. Not sure that they would fit though, have not looked into how thick they are. and there is not much room between my bumper and door bottoms so the light restriction would be pretty high as well i think, and again there would be no light getting to the ground either.
#3
http://autolumination.com/1156_1157.htm
they have a 12 watt LED!!!!!! .... first lamp on page
also a 50 watt halogen .....scroll down
the 50 watt halogen/xenon is very bright, i use them in my motorcycle
scott
they have a 12 watt LED!!!!!! .... first lamp on page
also a 50 watt halogen .....scroll down
the 50 watt halogen/xenon is very bright, i use them in my motorcycle
scott
Last edited by bmwr606; 04-06-2012 at 12:45 PM. Reason: spelling......or was it typing.....lol
#7
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#9
Resurrecting an old thread here. Drove my wife's clubman at night recently and forgot how little you can see while backing up in the dark. I'm used to my Subaru wagon and toyota pickup both of which leave something to be desired but are brighter then the mini. I wonder how hard it would be to mount this guy http://www.rigidindustries.com/produ...esspecter6.htm above the license plate.
#10
Resurrecting an old thread here. Drove my wife's clubman at night recently and forgot how little you can see while backing up in the dark. I'm used to my Subaru wagon and toyota pickup both of which leave something to be desired but are brighter then the mini. I wonder how hard it would be to mount this guy http://www.rigidindustries.com/produ...esspecter6.htm above the license plate.
#13
I wonder how hard it would be to mount this guy http://www.rigidindustries.com/produ...esspecter6.htm above the license plate.
Edit: It would probably block the license plate light. You could mount it below the license plate.
Last edited by rkw; 08-29-2012 at 09:36 AM.
#15
#16
When you're in an area without street lights, a reverse light is really the only way to see behind you. Your running lights aren't illuminating much.
#17
Besides, unless it is pitch black, there is always enough light to see where you are going for the short distance one has to move the car backwards. I don't think I have ever driven my MINI backwards farther than thirty feet and I always look, before I get in the car, to see if anything is in my way.
Dave
#18
No, headlights are bright, reverse lights are not bright at all.
Besides, unless it is pitch black, there is always enough light to see where you are going for the short distance one has to move the car backwards. I don't think I have ever driven my MINI backwards farther than thirty feet and I always look, before I get in the car, to see if anything is in my way.
Dave
Besides, unless it is pitch black, there is always enough light to see where you are going for the short distance one has to move the car backwards. I don't think I have ever driven my MINI backwards farther than thirty feet and I always look, before I get in the car, to see if anything is in my way.
Dave
#19
#20
#21
I have no problem paying for a quality product, I learned that mistake years ago. Most of our friends/family live in poorly lit areas and yes part of it is nobody sees the clubman backing up. The rigid light is definitely over the top, why not make people feel like they are about to be beamed up!
(I love the idea about flashing people behind us who refuse to turn off their brights)
(I love the idea about flashing people behind us who refuse to turn off their brights)
#24
Totally agree with walk0080 - you can look before you get in the car, but it's a dynamic world out there. Things can move quickly, like pets and children. Visibility is everything. This driver was looking, and still wasn't careful enough.
That said, I heard that one can replace the backup light bulb with an LED bulb that throws a better light - is that an option? We are looking at the Clubman, but this issue is a major sticking point and I'm not about to subscribe to major mods on a new car.
That said, I heard that one can replace the backup light bulb with an LED bulb that throws a better light - is that an option? We are looking at the Clubman, but this issue is a major sticking point and I'm not about to subscribe to major mods on a new car.