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Review - Depo LED Tails
- Thread starter XGC75
- Start date
deaconblue
Passed Driver's Ed
Since installing my Dark Cherry DEPOS (roughly 2 weeks ago), I have been very satisfied with the decision not to go OEM. My concerns before purchasing was fitment, LED quality (consistent brightness) and whether or not they would leak.
I did have to adjust the inboard lamps, but I imagine the OEM were probably hand fitted at the factory too. LED brightness is great. It's seems consistent among all LED and their aim/trajectory seems consistent for the individual LEDs. One thing I noticed is that you cannot see the tail lights from the side of the car in the dark, but the OEM may be the same. Last, I have taken my car to the car wash where you use the high pressure wand, and I have absolutely no leaking or moisture.
Mounted on the car, I think most observers would be hard pressed to differentiate the DEPOS from the OEMs.
The last factor will be longevity. I'll provide a follow up on how well they held up when the 2014/2015 Golf R hits the dealer's lots.
For anyone on the fence, I say give them a try. If you're not satisfied, it's very likely you can sell them for close to what you paid and you can still buy the OEM's. For the difference in price, I was able to purchase upgraded SEAS tweeters and crossovers for my home theater L/C/R channel speakers.
I did have to adjust the inboard lamps, but I imagine the OEM were probably hand fitted at the factory too. LED brightness is great. It's seems consistent among all LED and their aim/trajectory seems consistent for the individual LEDs. One thing I noticed is that you cannot see the tail lights from the side of the car in the dark, but the OEM may be the same. Last, I have taken my car to the car wash where you use the high pressure wand, and I have absolutely no leaking or moisture.
Mounted on the car, I think most observers would be hard pressed to differentiate the DEPOS from the OEMs.
The last factor will be longevity. I'll provide a follow up on how well they held up when the 2014/2015 Golf R hits the dealer's lots.
For anyone on the fence, I say give them a try. If you're not satisfied, it's very likely you can sell them for close to what you paid and you can still buy the OEM's. For the difference in price, I was able to purchase upgraded SEAS tweeters and crossovers for my home theater L/C/R channel speakers.
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XGC75
Go Kart Champion
I've been wondering if it's more worthwhile to have to buy two sets of these at $385 ea in order to get the black smoke and retain OEM-like longevity. Don't know where I'm leaning at this point.
deaconblue
Passed Driver's Ed
I can agree on having a spare pair in the event of damage from a wreck or something unforeseen, but wouldn't you agree that we don't have enough data to evaluate OEM longevity? I can appreciate your point regarding how difficult it may be to replace the black smoke. They look great on your car!
RPS99SHO
Ready to race!
You won't be able to see LEDs from the side, be it OEM, Vacar or Depo. This is why VW doesn't put the LED tails on US-spec cars. US DOT regulations require that the tails be visible from the side.
deaconblue
Passed Driver's Ed
:w00t:
Interesting. I'll have to take a close look at the A4 with LED tails to see if they are visible from the side.
Maryland Shout-Out!
Interesting. I'll have to take a close look at the A4 with LED tails to see if they are visible from the side.
Maryland Shout-Out!
XGC75
Go Kart Champion
I want to mention the difference between state regulations and Dot requirements. State requirements apply when you're driving down the road, DOT requirements are for manufacturers that want to sell cars in the US. Took that not from an industry source, bit positive that it applies to all dot rules, but this makes sense to me.
butchered by autocorrect
butchered by autocorrect
xd-data-ii
Go Kart Champion
Same for all cars. Need to have a side facing light in the light housing or separate.
Euro rear light
US rear light - see the side section cutout for light to shine out to the side. The LED tail lights don't have this as they are designed for Europe. VW would need to redesign them to include them here, or add a light into the bumper. It's another stupid requirement.
Now you know you won't be able to stop looking for it on every car you look at
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