Upgrading side lights and front indicators? LED or Bulb?

So recently had my side lights and indicators and headlights stolen, all replaced, even managed to source the original bulb holders and lenses, LEP ENGLAND style as the bearmach OEM replacements have a slightly smaller and naff bulb holder. Whilst I was at it I thought I'd replace these with LEDs to match the trucklite headlights. So I got the attached. Osram LEDs to match the bulbs 382 12V 21W. These are just too long to get the lens housing back on with the bearmach products, so glad I sourced the originals, plus had 2 indicators spare. Anyway, long story short, when applying the indicator or hazards stationary and even whilst driving, sometimes get erratic flow to the lights, so you get a long beep and set of clicks before you get a steady flash. Been like this since day one, got my guy to fix it before, but he told me all Landys suffer this, just wirings I guess. Anyway, these LEDs don't work on Canbus systems, I'm sure this is fine for an old school 200tdi J plate defender 90? Anyway, did have some issues after installing with the usual flickering, this time more like Morse code and very fast. Since firing her up and leaving her running, seems to have remedied itself. For the price of the lights the amber LEDs in the amber indicator lens are poor quality, in comparison to the osram bulbs. Surprising really. The white LEDs on the side lights are much brighter than the bulbs, though you do lose the old school yellow bulb lit feel. Beginning to think I've wasted another £38 and 10 minutes I could have instead taken enjoying having a sh!t or stubbing my toe! Anyway, thoughts anyone. Worthwhile upgrade or waste of time? Ta very much.

Aftermarket LEDs aren't really as good as a proper incandescent light bulb, unless the vehicle is built with LEDs. Unless the LEDs used are designed to work over the large voltage swings that a type old vehicle electric system has and produce light in the same way as a filament.
Also LED emmiters in non LED housings will also now fail the UK MOT.
Use proper bulbs, and save all the hassle with LEDs.

The only reason I favour LEDs is the fact they don’t need changing as often. Everything else about them is a pain.

the led sidelights on my series are brighter and whiter than the headlights, being mot exempt helps too

Nodge68 said:

Aftermarket LEDs aren't really as good as a proper incandescent light bulb, unless the vehicle is built with LEDs. Unless the LEDs used are designed to work over the large voltage swings that a type old vehicle electric system has and produce light in the same way as a filament.
Also LED emmiters in non LED housings will also now fail the UK MOT.
Use proper bulbs, and save all the hassle with LEDs.

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Thanks for the advice.

Nodge68 said:

Aftermarket LEDs aren't really as good as a proper incandescent light bulb, unless the vehicle is built with LEDs. Unless the LEDs used are designed to work over the large voltage swings that a type old vehicle electric system has and produce light in the same way as a filament.
Also LED emmiters in non LED housings will also now fail the UK MOT.
Use proper bulbs, and save all the hassle with LEDs.

Click to expand...

What hassle? 6 years later still perfect but mine are Wipac led whole units

bankz5152 said:

What hassle? 6 years later still perfect but mine are Wipac led whole units

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Those should be fine, as they're proper approved, E marked units. The OP was asking about replacement LED bulbs, that aren't approved for highway use and are often more trouble than they're worth.

Nodge68 said:

Those should be fine, as they're proper approved, E marked units. The OP was asking about replacement LED bulbs, that aren't approved for highway use and are often more trouble than they're worth.

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Quite hungover today and misread. Oops sorry lol

Quite right. When i fitted LED bulbs to my 90 pushing the brake pedal would turn ALL the lights on!

Have you changed the flasher relay to one that is led friendly?

bluedog333 said:

Have you changed the flasher relay to one that is led friendly?

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+1 the new LED bulbs don't draw enough power through the the flasher unit to trigger it, a special led flasher unit is needed. I don't know about your 90 but my s3 has two units, one for the indicators and a separate one for the hazards.

Col

LEDs are cool but can be bit of a pain sometimes.
I installed them in my Disco 2. I had to solder resistors in parallel to the LED bulbs so the turn indicators wouldn't go all disco strobe light effect when signaling or putting on the hazard lights.
Also, LED bulbs for brake lights tend to interfere with the cruise control due to the low resistance of the LED bulbs in the brake circuit.

Don't buy the cheap LED bulbs on eBay, they don't fit the socket very well.

Col