Brightest LED Parking Light - the Definitive Guide
05-23-10, 03:11 AM
#1
Brightest LED Parking Light - the Definitive Guide
So I've been doing a lot of research on LED lighting, and wanted to compile some of my thoughts related to parking light replacements. Please correct me if anything I say is wrong. 
According to the 2IS bulb guide, the stock parking light on is a 168 bulb, which is designed to operate on 3 watts. I read that the bulb actually draws 3.5 watts, so let's say 3-3.5 watts is the "definitely safe" upper limit on wattage for the wiring.
Now, from what I understand, the 168, 194 and 921 bulbs all use the same connector, they only differ in physical size/wattage. So, any of those 3 bulbs types can be used, given that they are rated under 3.5 watts.
Assuming this is all correct, here are the brightest LED parking light replacements from the V-LED lineup by lumen output:
1. 4 M-SMT 2W High Power 194/168 (105 lumens) - See my thoughts below, probably not the best option for a parking light.
2. SMT X5 High Power 194/168 (50 lumens) - I do NOT recommend these, see my thoughts below.
3. 13 SMT 194/168 (output not listed) - My favorite replacement of all tested.
4. Single LED with Diffusing Lens - Doesn't fill the housing as well as #3 and #5.
5. 5 SMT 194/168 (20 lumens) - Looks very similar to #3, at half the cost.
####################################
UPDATE:
I was able to personally test out #1, #2, #3, #4 and #5 from the list above. #4 was tested at a later date and I did not include comparison output pictures, although the image on V-LEDS website portrays how they look quite accurately. Here are my in-depth observations:
#1. 4 M-SMT 2W High Power 194/168 (105 lumens)
This is the brightest LED parking light replacement of the 4 I tested, with one MAJOR caveat: it doesn't "fill" the headlight assembly like the other parking light replacements do because this one lacks radial/side firing LEDs. You basically have this very bright light firing straight ahead, but the rest of the assembly is dim, which IMO looks funny. Also of note, these LEDs run EXTREMELY hot (I had to wait 10 minutes to swap them out because they would burn my fingers), but V-LED does say this is normal and that's why it has a giant heat sink to allow for continuous usage. Also important, this bulb (along with #2, the other "high power" replacement) does NOT match 6000K Garax D4S bulbs very well. There seems to be a slight hint of purple with these, while the 6000K is supposed have a hint of blue.
Edit: There are Philips Ultinon 6000K parking lights that I suspect would behave similar to the parking light above.
#2. SMT X5 High Power 194/168 (50 lumens)
I was very disappointed in this parking light replacement and would not recommend it. I figured since it was "high power" and had radial firing LEDs it would be the best parking light replacement, but I was wrong. If you look at the design, you'll notice that the individual radial firing LEDs are mounted with a circuit board in between each one at a right angle. Despite a relatively high lumen rating, the design doesn't make efficient use of the light and it actually looks dimmer than #3 and maybe even #5 despite their lower lumen outputs. Like with #1 (the other "high power" replacement), this bulb has a purple tint to it and doesn't match 6000K HIDs very well (at least the Garax brand). Another bad thing about this choice, the base of the bulb doesn't lock into place. When you push it into the socket it just slides in with no click, and it takes very little pressure to remove it. I'd actually be worried about a big pothole knocking this thing loose. I actually almost lost one in the headlight housing as I was pulling it out.
#3. 13 SMT 194/168 (output not listed)
This one is my personal favorite. It's brighter than #2 and #5, it features radial firing LEDs which fill the headlight assembly housing very well, and the color is a spot-on match to my 6000K Garax HID bulbs. The only downside is that it's not as bright as #1, but IMO that can also be a plus because it doesn't overpower your low beams, thus blending better. I would go with these.
#4. Single LED with Diffusing Lens (24 lumens)
This is a new style LED that was released in late 2010 by V-LEDS. It uses a single LED with a "diffuser" (i.e. frosted) lens to help break up the light. While the light does scatter from the lens, it doesn't spread the light out as well as radially firing individual LEDs. You end up with a faintly lit housing and a bright dot as you face the car. After showing this particular LED to a number of CL members, we agreed it didn't look as good as #3.
#5. 5 SMT 194/168 (20 lumens)
This would be my second favorite. It's basically the same as #3, but with less LEDs, making it dimmer (slightly). It has the advantage of being cheaper, and some people might like the fact that it's a more simple design.
Below are some comparison pics. #5 is always on the right side to serve as a control of sorts. Of course, pictures never do lighting mods justice, so use my in-depth observations above to make your decision, not the pictures:
From left to right: #5 (5 SMT 194/168), #2 (SMT X5 High Power 194/168), #3 (13 SMT 194/168), #1 (4 M-SMT 2W High Power 194/168)
^#1 (4 M-SMT 2W High Power 194/168) vs. #5 (5 SMT 194/168)
^ #2 (SMT X5 High Power 194/168) vs. #5 (5 SMT 194/168)
^ #3 (13 SMT 194/168) vs. #5 (5 SMT 194/168)
#4 (Single LED with Diffuser Lens) - picture taken from the V-LEDS website.
^ #1 (4 M-SMT 2W High Power 194/168) vs. #5 (5 SMT 194/168)
^ #2 (SMT X5 High Power 194/168) vs. #5 (5 SMT 194/168)
^#3 (13 SMT 194/168) vs. #5 (5 SMT 194/168)
^ #1 (4 M-SMT 2W High Power 194/168) vs. #5 (5 SMT 194/168)
^#2 (SMT X5 High Power 194/168) vs. #5 (5 SMT 194/168)
^ #3 (13 SMT 194/168) vs. #5 (5 SMT 194/168)
^#1 (4 M-SMT 2W High Power 194/168) vs. #5 (5 SMT 194/168)
^ #2 (SMT X5 High Power 194/168) vs. #5 (5 SMT 194/168)
^#3 (13 SMT 194/168) vs. #5 (5 SMT 194/168)
^ #1 (4 M-SMT 2W High Power 194/168) vs. #5 (5 SMT 194/168)
^ #2 (SMT X5 High Power 194/168) vs. #5 (5 SMT 194/168)
^ #3 (13 SMT 194/168) vs. #5 (5 SMT 194/168)
According to the 2IS bulb guide, the stock parking light on is a 168 bulb, which is designed to operate on 3 watts. I read that the bulb actually draws 3.5 watts, so let's say 3-3.5 watts is the "definitely safe" upper limit on wattage for the wiring.
Now, from what I understand, the 168, 194 and 921 bulbs all use the same connector, they only differ in physical size/wattage. So, any of those 3 bulbs types can be used, given that they are rated under 3.5 watts.
Assuming this is all correct, here are the brightest LED parking light replacements from the V-LED lineup by lumen output:
1. 4 M-SMT 2W High Power 194/168 (105 lumens) - See my thoughts below, probably not the best option for a parking light.
2. SMT X5 High Power 194/168 (50 lumens) - I do NOT recommend these, see my thoughts below.
3. 13 SMT 194/168 (output not listed) - My favorite replacement of all tested.
4. Single LED with Diffusing Lens - Doesn't fill the housing as well as #3 and #5.
5. 5 SMT 194/168 (20 lumens) - Looks very similar to #3, at half the cost.
####################################
UPDATE:
I was able to personally test out #1, #2, #3, #4 and #5 from the list above. #4 was tested at a later date and I did not include comparison output pictures, although the image on V-LEDS website portrays how they look quite accurately. Here are my in-depth observations:
#1. 4 M-SMT 2W High Power 194/168 (105 lumens)
This is the brightest LED parking light replacement of the 4 I tested, with one MAJOR caveat: it doesn't "fill" the headlight assembly like the other parking light replacements do because this one lacks radial/side firing LEDs. You basically have this very bright light firing straight ahead, but the rest of the assembly is dim, which IMO looks funny. Also of note, these LEDs run EXTREMELY hot (I had to wait 10 minutes to swap them out because they would burn my fingers), but V-LED does say this is normal and that's why it has a giant heat sink to allow for continuous usage. Also important, this bulb (along with #2, the other "high power" replacement) does NOT match 6000K Garax D4S bulbs very well. There seems to be a slight hint of purple with these, while the 6000K is supposed have a hint of blue.
Edit: There are Philips Ultinon 6000K parking lights that I suspect would behave similar to the parking light above.
#2. SMT X5 High Power 194/168 (50 lumens)
I was very disappointed in this parking light replacement and would not recommend it. I figured since it was "high power" and had radial firing LEDs it would be the best parking light replacement, but I was wrong. If you look at the design, you'll notice that the individual radial firing LEDs are mounted with a circuit board in between each one at a right angle. Despite a relatively high lumen rating, the design doesn't make efficient use of the light and it actually looks dimmer than #3 and maybe even #5 despite their lower lumen outputs. Like with #1 (the other "high power" replacement), this bulb has a purple tint to it and doesn't match 6000K HIDs very well (at least the Garax brand). Another bad thing about this choice, the base of the bulb doesn't lock into place. When you push it into the socket it just slides in with no click, and it takes very little pressure to remove it. I'd actually be worried about a big pothole knocking this thing loose. I actually almost lost one in the headlight housing as I was pulling it out.
#3. 13 SMT 194/168 (output not listed)
This one is my personal favorite. It's brighter than #2 and #5, it features radial firing LEDs which fill the headlight assembly housing very well, and the color is a spot-on match to my 6000K Garax HID bulbs. The only downside is that it's not as bright as #1, but IMO that can also be a plus because it doesn't overpower your low beams, thus blending better. I would go with these.
#4. Single LED with Diffusing Lens (24 lumens)
This is a new style LED that was released in late 2010 by V-LEDS. It uses a single LED with a "diffuser" (i.e. frosted) lens to help break up the light. While the light does scatter from the lens, it doesn't spread the light out as well as radially firing individual LEDs. You end up with a faintly lit housing and a bright dot as you face the car. After showing this particular LED to a number of CL members, we agreed it didn't look as good as #3.
#5. 5 SMT 194/168 (20 lumens)
This would be my second favorite. It's basically the same as #3, but with less LEDs, making it dimmer (slightly). It has the advantage of being cheaper, and some people might like the fact that it's a more simple design.
Below are some comparison pics. #5 is always on the right side to serve as a control of sorts. Of course, pictures never do lighting mods justice, so use my in-depth observations above to make your decision, not the pictures:
From left to right: #5 (5 SMT 194/168), #2 (SMT X5 High Power 194/168), #3 (13 SMT 194/168), #1 (4 M-SMT 2W High Power 194/168)
^#1 (4 M-SMT 2W High Power 194/168) vs. #5 (5 SMT 194/168)
^ #2 (SMT X5 High Power 194/168) vs. #5 (5 SMT 194/168)
^ #3 (13 SMT 194/168) vs. #5 (5 SMT 194/168)
#4 (Single LED with Diffuser Lens) - picture taken from the V-LEDS website.
^ #1 (4 M-SMT 2W High Power 194/168) vs. #5 (5 SMT 194/168)
^ #2 (SMT X5 High Power 194/168) vs. #5 (5 SMT 194/168)
^#3 (13 SMT 194/168) vs. #5 (5 SMT 194/168)
^ #1 (4 M-SMT 2W High Power 194/168) vs. #5 (5 SMT 194/168)
^#2 (SMT X5 High Power 194/168) vs. #5 (5 SMT 194/168)
^ #3 (13 SMT 194/168) vs. #5 (5 SMT 194/168)
^#1 (4 M-SMT 2W High Power 194/168) vs. #5 (5 SMT 194/168)
^ #2 (SMT X5 High Power 194/168) vs. #5 (5 SMT 194/168)
^#3 (13 SMT 194/168) vs. #5 (5 SMT 194/168)
^ #1 (4 M-SMT 2W High Power 194/168) vs. #5 (5 SMT 194/168)
^ #2 (SMT X5 High Power 194/168) vs. #5 (5 SMT 194/168)
^ #3 (13 SMT 194/168) vs. #5 (5 SMT 194/168)
Last edited by brociouz; 08-16-11 at 07:51 AM.
05-23-10, 10:48 AM
#5
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was confused... the most # of LEDs that can fit is probably 5-10.... for the puddle lights by the side mirror. the 14 definitely does not fit.. i have the 14 for my reverse.... then again i might be wrong... i am using a 4 Flank and i have to say those are really bright and the light goes all the way to the floor. as for the parking light near the headlight there fill be 0 problems fitting any kind of LEDs inside that
Andre
Andre
05-23-10, 12:14 PM
#6
Not even the 4 LED 2W High Power flanks from V-LED are bright enough? That's the brightest one I'm aware of.
Like Andre said, I'm pretty sure it'll fit (that's what she said). I have bulbs #3, 4 and 5 from my list. I'll install them and take comparison pictures maybe next weekend. I'm wondering if #1 and #2 will be TOO bright, and not flow well with the HID lowbeams in the adjacent housing. Plus, the brighter the parking light gets, the more obvious any color mismatch would be.
05-23-10, 12:27 PM
#7
Brociouz can't wait to see the pics haa
I have #4 installed on my 2IS and was looking at installing #3 in my mom's 3RX.
The puddle lights, if the 4 led 2W flanks aren't bright enough, I don't know what is. Haha I have those on my 2IS and they're plenty bright for me, and I'm thinking of installing them in my mom's 3RX as well.
Brighter than stock but not eye bogglingly bright. I like the exterior to be a little bright and modded, but keeping my interior conservative and oem with the regular bulbs.
I have #4 installed on my 2IS and was looking at installing #3 in my mom's 3RX.
The puddle lights, if the 4 led 2W flanks aren't bright enough, I don't know what is. Haha I have those on my 2IS and they're plenty bright for me, and I'm thinking of installing them in my mom's 3RX as well.
Brighter than stock but not eye bogglingly bright. I like the exterior to be a little bright and modded, but keeping my interior conservative and oem with the regular bulbs.
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06-10-10, 09:30 PM
#9
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backup light :
http://www.v-leds.com/Exterior-LED/P...-p5682764.html
puddle:
http://www.v-leds.com/Interior-LED/D...-p8198419.html
parking:
http://www.v-leds.com/Exterior-LED/C...57621-1-2.html
for 5k white that's your best bet...
for 6k white..
you can get the 68LED ones from eBay.. those hold up pretty well... and they are very bright
Andre
http://www.v-leds.com/Exterior-LED/P...-p5682764.html
puddle:
http://www.v-leds.com/Interior-LED/D...-p8198419.html
parking:
http://www.v-leds.com/Exterior-LED/C...57621-1-2.html
for 5k white that's your best bet...
for 6k white..
you can get the 68LED ones from eBay.. those hold up pretty well... and they are very bright
Andre
06-10-10, 09:48 PM
#10
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Thanks for the reply!
Would this one work for the parking? http://www.v-leds.com/Interior-LED/D...61053-1-2.html
Would this one work for the parking? http://www.v-leds.com/Interior-LED/D...61053-1-2.html
06-11-10, 09:06 AM
#12
backup light :
http://www.v-leds.com/Exterior-LED/P...-p5682764.html
puddle:
http://www.v-leds.com/Interior-LED/D...-p8198419.html
parking:
http://www.v-leds.com/Exterior-LED/C...57621-1-2.html
for 5k white that's your best bet...
for 6k white..
you can get the 68LED ones from eBay.. those hold up pretty well... and they are very bright
Andre
http://www.v-leds.com/Exterior-LED/P...-p5682764.html
puddle:
http://www.v-leds.com/Interior-LED/D...-p8198419.html
parking:
http://www.v-leds.com/Exterior-LED/C...57621-1-2.html
for 5k white that's your best bet...
for 6k white..
you can get the 68LED ones from eBay.. those hold up pretty well... and they are very bright
Andre
Thanks for the reply!
Would this one work for the parking? http://www.v-leds.com/Interior-LED/D...61053-1-2.html
Would this one work for the parking? http://www.v-leds.com/Interior-LED/D...61053-1-2.html
PS: The one you linked to would be good for your front domes, it's what I use. Effing BRIGHT. I'll make a separate thread about it later.
Mine are VLED but not THAT bright. One is actually dimmer than the other, never got it replaced.
06-11-10, 10:59 AM
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I just installed the 6000k V-LED 4 LED's in my city lights and switched my bulbs to 6000k Garax and they match perfectly!!! they both have a hint of purple and eventually turn into a pure white color !!!! awesome!... oh and I also installed the blue HP flank LED's for my puddle lights as well. I will see how bright they are tonight
http://www.v-leds.com/Interior-LED/D...87987-1-2.html
http://www.v-leds.com/Interior-LED/D...87987-1-2.html