LED Lights - The down side...

[mk7gti]

My friend was telling me today having LED tail light is a big downer when a bulb fails. Apparently the whole lighting unit needs replaced as he found out last week (he drives a 3 series). Is the same issue applicable on a Golf?

PS he paid £275 for a new unit

[Chief1337]

Also - would they be covered by warranty? I guess not? Wear and tear?

They must have an expected number of 'running hours' before failure?

[mk7gti]

I was just speaking to a friend who works in BMW and he was saying its a nightmare for customers. So much so that apparently the newer 3 series don't have LED rear lights. Id hope they will be covered by warranty.

[CraigW]

If they failed within the first three years I would certainly be expecting it to be covered under warranty

[Gryzor]

If they failed within the first three years I would certainly be expecting it to be covered under warranty

Same here.  LEDs are solid state and have a life expectancy in excess of 50,000 hours.  Any other electrical component that failed within the first 3 years would be covered under warranty, so I'd strongly argue my case if it came to it!

[Snoopy]

I expect like every audi vw and seat ive seen so far the unit will need replacement.
Maybe you should post this on a bmw forum it maybe teach them to use the handbrake rather than sit with their foot on the brake pedal when in traffic or at lights.

[matchboy]

I expect like every audi vw and seat ive seen so far the unit will need replacement.
Maybe you should post this on a bmw forum it maybe teach them to use the handbrake rather than sit with their foot on the brake pedal when in traffic or at lights.

You're such a cheerful soul Snoopy! 

[monkeyhanger]

I expect like every audi vw and seat ive seen so far the unit will need replacement.
Maybe you should post this on a bmw forum it maybe teach them to use the handbrake rather than sit with their foot on the brake pedal when in traffic or at lights.

BMW don't have any warranty issues with the indicator LEDs, the owners would never know that they aren't working seeing as they never use them.

As Gryzor says - 30000-50000 hours life is typical for an LED bulb. If you average just 30mph, you're talking 900k miles life - think the engine and body will last that long?

[JoeGTI]

I expect like every audi vw and seat ive seen so far the unit will need replacement.
Maybe you should post this on a bmw forum it maybe teach them to use the handbrake rather than sit with their foot on the brake pedal when in traffic or at lights.

The brake lights stay lit in the mk7 at the traffic lights even if you take your foot off the brake. Auto hold.

[p3asa]

^^^ Really?  Surely there is no need for that. The main reason brake lights come on is to warn users behind that you are slowing or stopped but once stopped there is no need.

You sure you haven't got a faulty sensor?