16- Z3 Replacing the Seatbelt Clip Pt2

CLASSIC BMW (RHD-UK)

Replacing and Fitting LED Light Strip

Useful Information

To Engine Compartment

Lever Mechanism- Interior

Wiring and Older LED short strips

After fitting the horn today: 25.05.24 (see Diary), my next job was to sort out the front bumper, mainly so I could fit the new lighting or LED strip

As one can see the wiring was a total mess and knowing where to begin was a problem. The first thing was to disconnect all the previous added wiring, with no labels this was a little difficult as memory plays a large part in this.

During this onslaught, I did notice the tabs on the front bumper

The old indicator LED strips worked reasonably well, however some of the LED's had failed.

Looking at the bumper, it was understandable why the bumper was dropping forward, especially noticed when travelling over road bumps. I drilled some new holes into the plastic and Aluminium Cross member
and placed some new plastic retainers and they seem to be solid enough, there were a few screws strategically placed also; for added security. I was hoping that this would make a big difference with the bodyline mainly bumper meeting bonnet/hood. However; this was not so in my opinion.

Now it was back to getting the lighting sorted.

See Other Related Information relating to this project: Purchase, Diary

Note: One recommends reading the diary first and then linking to workshop notes to maintain the continuity of the theme...

Fitting the Light Strip

This should be easy enough with the setup guide, Right! The problem usually comes into splicing into the factory wiring or loom.

The best this to do here is to think' 'What do I need the LEDs to do?

1. Show indicators left and right
2. Have the Running Lights on or off

The indicator lights can be connected to the live of the indicators, at or near source, spliced in and without tearing up the factory wiring, leaving factory connectors in tact. This should be done on both sides for the front indicators (Yellow driver and Blue passenger RHD UK cars - 'semantics').

It just leaves the wiring of the Live Pos (RED)and the Negative or Ground wire (BLACK).

At this point, the black (negative or Ground wire), is straight forward as it can be connect to Ground on the Battery or easier still any clean metal part of the chassis.

If one does the same with connecting the LIVE (RED) to the battery the Running light will remain on, even when the key is off. So, one needs to find the ignition live, as to only operate when the ignition key has been turned on or when side lights are activated.

One can also use an independent switch if one also chooses.
I will most likely follow this option once I have sorted out the internal fuse panels. Basics first.

New double-sided self-adhesive LED Strip taped down

Running Lights Operating with e.g. Headights and Sidelights

Indicator lights (Right Turn - Amber (UK))

I did find a problem after wiring this strip, and this was the indicator light on the Passenger side (UK) was flashing faster as if one of the bulbs was not working. I checked all the lights, front and rear and they were all working - they can still be used and they still provide warning to other drivers, however further investigation is required. It may require a relay or one of the connectors on the units may have a bad earth. The strip worked OK on the test bed and the normal car indicators also worked ok, before the LED addition. Update: 30.05.24 - Changed rear Passenger bulb - works OK now.

I have also decided to place the Running Light onto a separate switch, this will be something I will do when the 'Racing Push Start Panel' is wired up to the internal new fuse boxes - The switch will just be independent. So, this job has been done, update: 02.06.24 (see diary)

Update: From what I can see the Blue wire/Passenger indicator light is not working now, not sure what has caused this problem, I can only suspect that something has blown, either on the internal fuse panel that I had to divert a connection in mid diagnosing, I may have to replace the strip, however the white LEDs are working now as running lights and the OEM left/right indicators are running normally, so I am not in any hurry to replace it. It just means I am unable to use the strip for indicating left or right. On a positive note, It looks better than what it use to look like and the unsightly gap on the sides of bumper to bonnet/hood are more pleasing to the eye, so a small consolation... (watch this space for any future developments).

This job is done started around 12:30 and finished 5:30pm in terms of aesthetics compared with the previous short LED light installation, the wiring has also been tidied up. The Dash is still currently exposed, so one can continue maintenance.

No Liability - Use a test bed first, to test electrical circuits

These headlight bulbs still look a little dim and are not as white light, as I would have expected with my previous purchased bulbs. I have ordered 'Two' more LEDs, to see if this poor display can be improved upon. They were cheap and with two spade type connectors.

Note: The Length or duration of the gap of 'white' light Strip can be calibrated using this controller, comes within the kit, (this controller is only supplied with a small lengths of wire and will be situated close to the headlight cluster, (driver's side UK), when fitted.

The 'Emergency Flashing light extends the amber across the complete strip. Cool!

* There is still a slight gap where the bumper lines up with the bonnet/hood, my previous running lights may be able to fill these gaps once repaired, (they can be cut down to size and splice in).

The Blue wire is longer for the RHD Passenger indicator, extended to be able to reach the original indicator wiring.

Upgrade Your Car with a 1.5M/1.8M LED Light Strip - Get a Dynamic Scan Start Hood L
Temu: DEAL £4.04
Ord: 26.01.24
Del: 02.02.24
Out of Stock

Upgrade Your Car with a 1.5M/1.8M LED Light Strip - Get a Dynamic Scan Start Hood L
Temu: DEAL £12.39 RRP: 26.97
Supplier: Sibomna
Ord: 25.06.24
Rcvd:01.07.24