[Captain Buumer]

Well the ones that have large metal piece for dissipating heat and don't run the diodes on thermal limitation will last for years. The most important factor is a resistor value (simpler designs) there that limit current. But this is something you only find out once you buy the thing and know how to measure/calculate it. The simpler design the better, the less diodes it has the better.

I'm using some cheapish ones for 5th year now (it has two small leds and huge metal chunk, not many reviews on ali) and since they are not too bright both halos look almost identically lit.

The light tube design is just bad for getting it bright. You need too bright source for this to be possible but the leds are generally so small and over time just burn up if used in our bmw sealed housing conditions where they cook themselves. Unless you put on the heatsink a micro ventilator and create bigger vent hole.

Open up headlights and put a "cotton dissipation" led halos to get them properly bright that will last. However this is much bigger modification than swapping source of light and while you at it - upgrade HID projectors. The OEM ones are meh.
The newer aftermarket laser led projectors have bypassed HID in terms of output.

[GnomeChild]

I've got LUX H8 180s and they look very nice. Very similar to modern BMWs. They are (were) the best on the market (at the time). I was browsing LUX's website and saw that they released yet another revision to their flagship angel eye design, the 189s

From what I could gather, the 180s emit 3200 lumens while the 189s emit 3600; representing about a 12% increase in output. How much that translates to through the angel eyes when they're installed is left to be determined.

My question is, is it worth shelling out for the upgrade? I recon I could probably resell the 180s to recoupe some of the cost, but is it even worth doing so?

[GnomeChild]

Since all you bastards were ignoring me I just went ahead and ponied up for the upgrades anyway



I'll try to get around to installing them on Saturday but the storms rolled in and it's my Mother's 50th so it's kinda a tight weekend... not even mentioning being on call with work for the weekend as well

Old 180s will probably get tossed onto eBay/classified if anyone wants em (5k miles)

[lnxguy]

I hope those are the new ones with the plastic covers over the LEDs. I've got a set of LUX and half the LEDs actually melted off the bulb. It did last a good 3 years but for the price I'd expect something a wee bit better.

[GnomeChild]

Originally Posted by lnxguy

I hope those are the new ones with the plastic covers over the LEDs. I've got a set of LUX and half the LEDs actually melted off the bulb. It did last a good 3 years but for the price I'd expect something a wee bit better.

Both my 180s and 189s had glass covers on the LEDs. I haven't had any issues with my LUX lights since buying my first set in 2018 but it's highly likely there has been a lot of testing and development to get there

That being said I just finished swapping out my 180s with 189s. Honestly I didn't notice much difference, like at all; maybe just a hair brighter. Honestly a little disappointed but the 180s were already almost perfect so there was little room for expectation. I'm still keeping the 189s and throwing the 180s up for sale, but if you already have 180s; honestly don't bother

[bmw335ie90]

Originally Posted by lnxguy

I hope those are the new ones with the plastic covers over the LEDs. I've got a set of LUX and half the LEDs actually melted off the bulb. It did last a good 3 years but for the price I'd expect something a wee bit better.

The plastic cover won't help. LUX bulbs will not last more than 3-4 years if you use them as a DRL, the LEDs put out far too much heat than the heat sink is sized for.

The LED gets so hot the anodization turns from black to brown over time, that only happens at temps above 200F which FAR exceeds the max temp specification of any LED.

[lnxguy]

Originally Posted by bmw335ie90

The plastic cover won't help. LUX bulbs will not last more than 3-4 years if you use them as a DRL, the LEDs put out far too much heat than the heat sink is sized for.

The LED gets so hot the anodization turns from black to brown over time, that only happens at temps above 200F which FAR exceeds the max temp specification of any LED.

Yeah not surprised. I'll just use cheap 6 sided LEDs off Amazon for now lol.

[johnray2547]

I had the pleasure of acquiring my purchase from xenonplanet.com, and I must say, it truly surpassed all of my expectations. Not only have I not encountered a single issue or error, but the overall experience has been nothing short of exceptional. It's truly a delight to come across such a dependable source for products of such high quality.

[willg]

Just installed these Sylvania bulbs from Advance Auto in my 135i (h8 bulb). Paid $45 for a pair on sale + rebate. No modifications/coding required. So far this has been the best bulb I've tried for a BMW angel eye.

Part # H8LEDBX2
https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...bx2/12068852-P