[tom @ eas]

A lot of confusion has been presented on Angel Eyes lately on what kit to get, what technology is better, best vendor, etc. we're hoping to better answer some questions informing you the customer 100% before making a purchase.

We have been getting a lot of inquiries on the specific differences between the kits. This is meant for informative proposes only showing a pictorial comparison of the details.

Most Angel eyes on the market are manufactured by MYCARR and RaceDash, 2 manufacturers based in Taiwan. For this FAQ, we'll concentrate on the MYCARR versions which cover most BMWs on the market.

CCFL Angel Eyes:

Here are the MYCARR and Chromium Angel Eyes showing the box contents. MYCARR Angel Eyes do not come with a wiring harness from factory, this is added in before shipping. Both kits offer a "remote feature" which allow the Angel Eyes to fade on/off with a press of the key remote.



For this image, we are using the umnitza ballast, which is the same as the ones included in the MYCARR kits.



Closeup shot of the ring backing, MYCARR on the left, unmitza on the right. The MYCARR units use an opaque design instead to prevent light bleeding on the back of the ring, and direct the lighting forward for maximum visibility.

Notice the casting tabs are in the exact same location on both rings. Ring mounting clips are also identical.



Comparison of MYCARR on the right and chromiums on the left. We choose a black background to show the rear light bleedoff from the rear. There is a tiny bit of difference between the two since the umnitza versions use the chrome sticker on the rear, but very minimal compared to the MYCARR brand. For forward visibility, there is 0 difference.



Comparison shot of MYCARR on left and chromium on right. This is to show rear light bleedoff.



And of course - the finished shot:

[tom @ eas]

LED Angel Eyes

The LED Angel Eye kits are the newest kit from MYCARR. Instead of using inverters and CCFL tubes, the inverters are discarded and light is emitted through an array of 30 LEDs on each Angel Eye ring. This simplifies the kit since there are less parts and eliminates the "cold start" issues that has plagued those in colder climates. The same wiring harness is used for both kits.


MYCARR LED on right, Predator Chromium on left- powered down


MYCARR LED on right, Predator Chromium on left - 100% power


MYCARR LED on right, Predator Chromium on left - 100% power (alternate shot)


MYCARR LED on right, Predator Chromium on left - 100% power (left angled shot)


MYCARR LED on right, Predator Chromium on left - 100% power (right angled shot)


MYCARR LED ring closeup - powered down to show LED array


MYCARR LED ring closeup - powered up to show lit LED array


Chromium/MYCARR LED mounting clip comparison

The clipping mechanism is the most interesting as this was a product that was in the "design process" for over a year - yet was not corrected. Both CCFL and LED kits share the exact ring which has remained unchanged for over 4 years as evidenced by the clips and casting tabs. This means that the inside clip will still need to be clipped halfway on the headlamps as required in prior versions. Also in this photo, you'll notice the power/ground wires on the LED kits both enter on the left hand side of the ring, this is the same with the Orion brand.

Installed photos


MYCARR LED on left, Predator Chromium on right installed on MY02 M3


MYCARR LEDs powered down. Lens cover and corner are removed for pictures and to reduce camera glare.


MYCARR LED on left, Predator Chromium on right - 75% power


MYCARR LED on left, Predator Chromium on right - full power


MYCARR LED on left, Predator Chromium on right - Distant shot to show brightness and uniformity

[tom @ eas]

For the most frequently asked questions, we have provided a FAQ to better inform you before making a purchase.

Angel Eye FAQ (CCFL):

What are the differences between the MYCARR CCFL Angel Eyes and Predator Chromiums?
Price - as both kits are manufactured by MYCARR. There is no difference other than the Chromiums use a chrome backing to reduce light bleedoff while the MYCARR branded boxes use an opaque backing. Both kits offer a lifetime warranty.

Is one Angel Eye brand kit (CCFL) noticeably brighter than the other?
No. both kits are manufactured by MYCARR, they are the same other than packaging and the chrome vs. opaque backing. After installation, it is impossible to spot any differences.

I often hear the MYCARRs referred to as "generic" - is this true?
Absolutely not as seen by the comparison. These are the same product from the original manufacturer. We do not rebox the kit can call it something else.

What about UV coating? The Chromiums state this as a feature?
UV coating is not a "feature" and is part of the polycarbonate material that is used to manufacture the ring - the same material as the MYCARR brand. More information on polycarbonate can be found here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polycarbonate

Are your inverters different then Chromiums?
No - the inverters used are unbranded from MYCARR.

What are the differences between the MYCARR and Predator wiring harnesses?
MYCARR does not manufacture a wiring harness. We include a wiring harness with all kits before shipping that features a heavy duty 30A relay, power/ground leads and terminal connectors - the exact harness found in the Chromiums. Both brand harnesses also have the "remote feature" while allow the Angel Eyes to fade on/off with the key remote.

Do you offer a Lifetime warranty on the MYCARR CCFL kits?
Yes - we match the competition by offering a no-hassle lifetime warranty on all MYCARR Angel Eye kits.


Angel Eye FAQ (LED):

What are the differences between the MYCARR LED Angel Eyes and Predator Orions?
None - as both kits are manufactured by MYCARR. There is no difference other than the Orions feature a chrome backing - which is pointless for 2 reasons:

1 - LEDs are directional and will emit light facing forward
2 - Even if bleeding was possible, the circuit board the LEDs are mounted to would prevent any light bleed. Both kits offer a lifetime warranty.

What are the differences between the mounting clips on the MYCARR LED Angel Eyes and Predator Orions?
None, the rings have remained unchanged since the beginning. If these were indeed "redesigned", this would have been taken care of from the start.

I often hear the MYCARRs referred to as "generic" - is this true?
Absolutely not as seen by the comparison. These are the same product from the original manufacturer. We do not rebox the kit can call it something else.

What about UV coating? The Orions state this as a feature?
As with the Chromiums and MYCARR CCFLs, UV coating is not a "feature" and is part of the polycarbonate material that is used to manufacture the ring - the same material as the MYCARR brand. More information on polycarbonate can be found here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polycarbonate

The Orions state to have a "more finished" look - do yours?
This is more marketing hype. As of this post, we have seen no evidence to support this claim.

Can you state the similarities or differences between Orion and MYCARR?

Differences:

- Packaging: The Orions are reboxed, the MYCARRs will come in their original boxes from MYCARR
- Backing: The Orions have a chrome backing, which serve no purpose in a LED environment. The MYCARRs have a white coating on the rear of the circuit board. No bleeding or "fisheye" effect is seen after installation.

Similarities:

- Both kits are manufactured by MYCARR.
- Both kits have use the same mounting clips.
- Both kits feature a 30 LED array in each ring.
- Both kits use the same Angel Eye ring as the CCFL versions.
- Both kits have power/ground wires entering on the left side of the ring.
- Both kits include a heavy duty wiring harness, with remote feature.
- Both kits offer a lifetime warranty.

[tom @ eas]

MYCARR CCFL Angel Eyes:

Here's a short video of the kit in action showing the remote feature:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2_D8xwuhs4 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mj0VNj1WRCk

MYCARR LED Angel Eyes:

Below will show videos of the MYCARR LED Angel Eye Kit in action along with a comparison of the MYCARR LEDs vs. Predator Chromiums

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VB02B6_XOwhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibBCPJXWeG4

This should put any future comparisons to rest as the products are 99% the same. This now levels the playing field and forces vendors to work on merit & customer service rather than claiming a "niche" product as evidenced in the past.

In the end, we've at least seen better pricing from the competition since our introduction on these products since there is no longer a monopoly in the lighting market, making it a win/win situation for all.

This will continue to change.

[edwin814]

wow very thorough and informative Tom

one question i've been wanting to ask...how do you make the angel eyes light up 100% full power vs 75% power? is that something we can change/check on the car?

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by edwin814

wow very thorough and informative Tom

one question i've been wanting to ask...how do you make the angel eyes light up 100% full power vs 75% power? is that something we can change/check on the car?

75% illumination was powered on our test bench using a variable power supply - this was for photo purposes only in order to reduce camera glare.

[edwin814]

^^^kool

[beung]

Now the real question is which will match my OEM HID color the best?

[rh_wa]

Good stuff Tom! I've been trying to figure out which to get so your post has helped alot!

Possible sticky thread.

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by beung

Now the real question is which will match my OEM HID color the best?

The CCFL and LED kits are considered 6000K, which is the closest match to HID/Xenon.