LED indicator bulbs/brake lights - advice

[Sharky500]

I want to replace the indicator bulbs on my Chim with LEDs. I think the "instant-on instant-off" look that you see on 3-series Beamers is quite cool , and also because the LEDs are clear, I can get rid of the fried-egg effect in my front indictors (which are also clear).

BUT - and I have searched the forum - I can't find out whether you need the LED bulbs with an inline resistor, or without. Anyone know?

I was also thinking of doing the brake/running lights, as supposedly because they come on sooner, they (aparrently) can give drivers behind you up to 1.5-2 meter reduction in stopping distance at 80mph over conventional bulbs. (OK yeah, I know thats pretty debatable). But are LED brake lights legal?

Finally, if anyone has a recommendation for a good supplier, that would be welcome too. I have thought about www.autobulbsdirect.co.uk, but they seem a tad steep...

Thanks in advance

[Cider Andy]

I don't think there's anything in the Vehicle Lighting Regulations about what type of lamp you can use for a brake light, other than it must emit a steady red light.

As the indicator lamps go, I wondered the same thing. Unless there's a shunt in the lamp to allow it to draw the same current as a standard 21W lamp it will flash too fast. Presumably this has been taken account of in the design?

[GreenV8S]

The only aftermarket LED bulbs I've seen have been marked 'not for road use'. I'm pretty sure it would be illegal to use them on the road as they don't have the required BSI or E marks. I guess it would be legal to use these in addition to the existing bulbs, the aftermarket high level brake lights often use LEDs.

[that daddy]

You will need resistor on circuit if its on the indicators,otherwise they flash to fast.but if its brake or tail lamp circuit then no.hope this helps.

[bigdods]

Discussed in detail (along with web site who supplies them) here

www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?t=223710&f=9&h=0&hw=led

I believe they sell a resistor pack to wire inline so that indicators still flash at the correct rate