Daytime Running Lights

[les richards]

I wondered if anyone has fitted daytime running lights that all the new cars have these days?

I've seen the kits on eBay but I'm not sure about the wiring and how it works.

Any ideas, anyone?

 

[colt]

Avoid them Les , I don't think it will fool people into thinking that you have upgraded to a 991!! and some people would consider that a downgrade ,Me included.

Seriously where would you site the lights?? I just don't see them fitting in with the appearance of the car?
Christian

 

[Mark Elder]

ORIGINAL: colt

.... I just don't see them fitting in with the appearance of the car?...

Agree, just like they don't fit the 991 or 997.2, can't believe Porsche could not come up with a better way to make them suit the shape of the car.

If you really want to do it - what about replacing the side lights with DTRs? - not sure if that's legal? Do you still need side lights if you have DTRs?

 

[pse_SC]

Why not run all the time with your sidelights on? But make sure your "˜lights off' buzzer is working, so you don't leave them on[].
You'd be surprised how much further away your car can be seen along a stretch of road even with just it's sidelights on.
Obviously not as bright as "˜daytime running' lights, but better to be seen, that's what I say.

There are too many absolute morons driving around with NO lights on in bad weather - they ought to be nicked (end of rant[]).

 

[gm997_1]

Steer well away from them, Les, +1

Just upgrade your sidelights to pure white LEDs instead and bingo, you have the equivalent! Keeps all the original lines and look. I did that years ago, just for better illumination and to match the HIDs, before the current fad for daytime running lamps came in and it's been fine ever since.

But if yo udo go down the daytime running lights route, what about putting them inside the headlights, a little strip of 3 or so like Audis? Or circumferential stylee à la Range Rover ?
Would at least keep the car's lines clean and look somewhat less 'bolt-on' than even the 997. []

 

[les richards]

All points duly noted! Think I'll leave well alone.

Graeme - do you have a suggestion for a source of white LEDs as suggested, please?

 

[shorthouse]

ORIGINAL: graeme

Would at least keep the car's lines clean and look somewhat less 'bolt-on' than even the 997. []

Do they look bolt-on on the 997? When switched off you can't really distinguish them from the side lights
Quote from 997 GTS brochure
"Lighting concept.
The front light units incorporate the direction indicators, the
LED daytime running lights and position lights, which provide outstanding visibility and create an imposing look that is unmis­ takable even in the dark. LEDs are also used for the direction indicators, the taillights and brake lights, the additional brake light in the rear spoiler, and the rear fog light. LEDs offer several advantages. Importantly, they provide effective illumination and respond more quickly to driver input."

 

[Mark Elder]

ORIGINAL: shorthouse

Do they look bolt-on on the 997? When switched off you can't really distinguish them from the side lights
Quote from 997 GTS brochure
"Lighting concept.
The front light units incorporate the direction indicators, the
LED daytime running lights and position lights, which provide outstanding visibility and create an imposing look that is unmis­ takable even in the dark. LEDs are also used for the direction indicators, the taillights and brake lights, the additional brake light in the rear spoiler, and the rear fog light. LEDs offer several advantages. Importantly, they provide effective illumination and respond more quickly to driver input."

Hi Mike,

Exactly - agree with all of that - they look fine when they are off[] - and when they on they are "imposing" as it says. However they are not meant to be imposing! - they are meant to make the car obvious to other road users without detracting from the sleek lines of an otherwise great looking car. (I'm only objecting to their use as DTR lights - all other purposes work well IMHO)

I fear the period 2010-2015 is going to be looked back on as the period when manufacturers stuck LEDs in as day-time-runners because it was fashionable but thank goodness something better came along. (This is the first time I've ever commented on a design issue so beware I've no idea what I'm talking about[])

 

[gm997_1]

Les. Yes, more than likely they still do them - Aceparts, www.aceparts.com (run by Alan who has a 993).

Mike. Definitely bolt-on. See pic. [Hopefully 'embed pic in post' works here...[&:]]

Mark. Agreed! Very much a fad, I fear. Will most likely go the way of the 'fried egg' headlights and get integrated better into the car's lines, not make new ones, distracting the eye with the add-on. 997 getting better with the 'slash look' up front!

 

[les richards]

Thanks Graeme, appreciate that.

 

[hanhams81]

Maybe I am wrong, but is there not a fuse slot in the fuse box for 1980/90's equivalent of running lights? They were needed for the Swedish market and maybe functional for ours. Some car makes have the named fuse slot and no wiring! Can't think Porsche of our era would be that penny pinching. I will now consult the wiring diagram just to make sure I am not talking tosh again.
Hanhams81

 

[les richards]

Hi Graeme, I took your advice and purchased LEDs from Aceparts and have to say I'm very pleased with the effect. Certainly much quicker and simpler than DRLs.

Also treated myself to some tail/brake light LEDs.

 

[gm997_1]

No problem, Les, glad to be of service []. And Alan's a fine chap so good to give him some biz too.

And before you know it, you'll be back on to him to have a set of interior pure white LEDs! Particuallry noticeable at this time of year how weak, dull and yellow the originals are...

I need to do that too at some point down the line.

 

[JB 3.2]

LED's in the brake lights caused a problem with my C4.

Warning light on the brake/traction system, probably due to a different resistance compared with a conventional bulb.

 

[Mark Elder]

ORIGINAL: les richards

Hi Graeme, I took your advice and purchased LEDs from Aceparts and have to say I'm very pleased with the effect. Certainly much quicker and simpler than DRLs.

Also treated myself to some tail/brake light LEDs.

Les, can you let us know what part number your ordered for the front side lights or give us a link. The last time I tried LED sides they were dimmer than the old tungsent bulbs and I swapped them back, but that was a few years ago and they must have improved by now.

Thanks

 

[les richards]

Hi Mark, here is the information taken from the Aceparts Invoice (via eBay, of course).

2 x Red Stop/Tail LEDS (BAY15D, P21) High Power Upgrade Car Bulbs
Stock: ACE_24_BAY15d_RED_2#FITST3
Notes: LED 24_BAY15D_RED (2)
£12.54 + £0.99 p&p

Porsche T4W [233, BA9S] Superlux 1w White LED Side Light Parking Beam Bulbs
Stock: ACE1_LED_BA9S_SLUX_WHITE_2#FITS21
Notes: LED T4W_SLUX_WHITE (2x)
£6.02 + £0.99 p&p

HTH

 

[Mark Elder]

Thanks Les - have ordered some of the front ones.