'71 E3/2800 rear tail light bulb specs (Series I tail lights)

[rblongboarder]

I was replacing my rear tail light lenses and noticed that all 4 bulbs are the same size; something didn't seem right, and then I noticed that one of the openings on the lenses had been modified with a dremel.. leading me to believe that a larger wattage bulb was installed.

My '72 Bavaria manual (12-fuse manual) quotes the following bulbs, and I'd like to compare this to the bulb specs in older 10-fuse manual:

• Rear / parking light. Spherical bulb (G). 5W
• Turn indicator. Spherical bulb (RL). 21W
• Stop light. Spherical bulb (RL). 21W
• Backup light. Spherical bulb (F). 15W

 

[HB Chris]

If using standard Phillips bulbs all are 21W other than running light which is 5W. LED bulbs are much better and safer. No heat and brilliant red.

 

[rblongboarder]

Good point ! Do you have a preferred brand for LED replacement bulbs in your 2800 ?

 

[RichenFamous]

I used iBrightstar bulbs ordered from Amazon.
Very happy with the results.

 

[RichenFamous]

@rblongboarder , post a pic of the dremel’d modification. That may be a euro lens that uses one festoon bulb. The bulb socket portion of the assembly looks like it may not be euro (sans festoon bulb prongs).

 

[HB Chris]

Don’t use LED turn bulbs unless you use the newer style digital flasher.

 

[rblongboarder]

Based on the 12V 21W bulbs.. my tail light panel has Qty 4 of the BA15s single contact sockets..

All four tail light bulbs look like image #1.

I believe the 5W taillight bulb should look like image #2.

The Dremel cuts were made so a 21W bulb could replace the 5W bulb..

(I also assume the running lights on the front & rear quarterpanels would also be 5W bulbs..)

 

[RichenFamous]

Don’t use LED turn bulbs unless you use the newer style digital flasher.

Sage advice.

I left the front turn signals incandescent bulbs, bright enough. No fast flash and the dash indicator still functions fine. I wanted brighter intentions in the rear.

 

[bavbob]

I think in Ma, we use "dummy bulbs". They look normal but don't function...........or maybe just nobody uses turn signals? I am always amazed that people here sit at a light and then when it turns green, they throw on their signal. I think they may believe the signal unlocks the steering to allow the turn, certainly not used to communicate what you are doing to other drivers.

I seem to be in a cranky mood this am!

 

[RichenFamous]

Haha! Dummy bulbs are sold here throughout CA as well.
The steering lock theory is a good one!

 

[E3_UK]

I also like the feature on most cars whereby the indicator is connected to the brake pedal so that indicator and brake light come on simultaneously........ ingenious labor saving invention !