If you spend time on social media platforms such as Instagram or TikTok, you have surely seen some vehicles with different-colored headlights. “The art” of changing the color of your headlights can only be accomplished with RGB headlights.
There aren’t many benefits of RGB headlights besides their looks. But are they worth it? I mean, heck yeah! I went through the pains of getting them installed on the Driver Sould BMW M4 and am here to share my experience. Before we dive into dos and don’ts, let me quickly cover what RGB headlights are so there is no confusion.
What are RGB Headlights
RGB headlights are LED lighting systems that combine red, green, and blue diodes to create customizable colors. They usually come with an app that can be downloaded to control the lights fully. By adjusting the intensity of each color inside the app, these headlights can produce a wide spectrum of hues, allowing for personalized lighting effects on vehicles.
When you hear people talk about RGB headlights or RGB DLRLs, they usually mean the same thing. RGB Headlights are headlights with RGB DLRL halos built into them. The only true difference that you need to pay attention to when shopping for them is that the RGB Headlights would come as a full assembly, and RGB DLRLs (often referred to as DRLs) will come in the form of a headlight module that will swap out your stock headlight modules.
Many RGB headlight systems include modes like fading, strobing, or color cycling to enhance their visual impact. However, due to their legality, certain patterns or colors must not be shown in public areas or roadways.
While RGB headlights add a unique flair, it’s important to note that non-white or non-amber lighting may not be legal for road use in certain areas. Most systems provide a standard white light mode to ensure compliance with traffic laws when driving on public streets.
Benefits of RGB Headlights
The only true benefit of RGB Headlights is that they look very cool. It has become extremely common to see cars with different color RGB headlights at car shows. Since I have the RGB headlights in the Driver Soul F82 BMW M4, I play a lot with different colors.
My favorite color on the headlight DLRLs so far is red. But that is because the car is black, so red headlights make it look angry. If I had a different color car, I would switch it up. Also, when driving, I always keep the lights white or yellow.
That being said, the only benefit of RGB headlights is that they look super cool. And honestly, that’s the only benefit that all of us car guys and girls care about.
Risks of Having RGB Headlight DLRLs
There are several risks, especially if you are installing the RGB DLRL modules. Only the second set of modules worked for me, and they were the more expensive option. A saying goes something like this: “Cheap pays twice,” and I lived through it on multiple modding occasions.
So here is a list of what could go wrong if you installed RGB headlights (will cover risks of RGB DLRLs below):
- Bad fitment: believe it or not, some headlights will not fit perfectly into your vehicle.
- Dim RGB colors: Some of the RGB headlight brightness might be limited to lower the modules’ heat. In other cases, it could be poor product quality.
- Burned-out modules: Depending on where you get your RGB headlights, they might not last long. Don’t cheap out when getting a set since labor to install them might increase the cost significantly.
- RGB headlight error codes: since they are not a factory, you might have headlight malfunction codes, depending on the vehicle that you are driving.
- Weird colors: The RGBs in the M4 display weird colors. Yellow is more green than yellow, and orange is yellow but greenish-yellow. So, make sure you don’t get very disappointed if the colors aren’t exactly what you wanted.
- Bluetooth receiver issues: your Bluetooth connection is almost certain to drop constantly.
- Error codes and reduced functionality: if you have adaptive headlights, chances are that the aftermarket headlights will not have that functionality available. Therefore you will need to be ok with driving around with an error code displayed for adaptive headlight malnfunction.
Risks of installing RGB DLRLs (all of the above, plus the following):
- Damage during installation: When installing RGB DLRL boards, you could damage the connections or your headlight assembly. You need to peel off the stock module and glue the aftermarket module.
- Wiring issues: The wiring runs across the front of the car, and if it is not insulated properly, it can get water damage during rain, car wash, or running over a puddle. How well the wires are covered will determine this. Also, wire connections can vibrate out of their place, and you’ll need to reconnect them.
That being said, yes, installing your RGB headlights is risky, but they can change the whole look of your car, so it’s obviously a good decision to get them installed. Make sure whoever is installing your RGB headlights or RGB headlight modules knows what they are doing.
Are RGB Headlights Legal?
A better question is, “What colors are legal in headlights?” The answer depends on the state you are in. All I can tell you is that you cannot run red RGB headlights in the whole United States since it is against federal law. Some states even have bans on red and/or blue headlights or even underglow vehicle lights.
To play it safe, I always run mine yellow when driving on public roads. Whenever I pull into a private parking lot or auto show, I set my RGB headlights to red. This way, I’m legal the whole time.
How Much Do RGB Headlights Cost?
The cost range of RGB headlights is huge. You can get what’s considered to be super cheap RGB headlights for $300 or so. However, their quality will almost certainly be poor. A good quality RGB headlight set costs between $1000 and $2000.
Yes, it is not cheap. I tried to save money by purchasing the cheap kit myself but ended up having to pay double the labor cost to remove the cheap junk module, place the stock ones back in, and then repeat the job of swapping the new set that I purchased later. Take a look at what cheap RGB modules or headlights can bring you in the picture below:
What you saw was the brightest setting that the AliExpress RGB DLRL modules were on. The work was done at BMW dealership at $225/hour. Needless to say, I was extremely disappointed when I found out that buying cheap will once again be a bad decision. It turned out that altogether I had to pay more for labor alone than I paid for the expensive RGB DRL modules. Painful but a good lesson. Below is a screenshot of what I actually ended up paying for the RGB headlight modules that are working fine:
If you are swapping out just RGB Headlight DLRL modules, the cost will decrease exponentially. Good-quality RGB DLRL modules can range between $150 and $500. However, I have seen my friends succeed with RGB DLRL modules from sites like AliExpress, where they didn’t even spend $100 for them, although that’s almost as risky as playing the lottery. As you read above, I wasn’t one of the lucky folks who bought the right modules from AliExpress.
How do you choose the right RGB headlight or headlight kit?
First, you must know what you want and then see what is available. If you want an RGB headlight assembly but none are available, then you must settle for an RGB headlight module kit. That is what I had to do. The good news is that this route becomes a much cheaper route to take. The bad news is that installing the modules alone is riskier than swapping out the whole headlight assembly.
Once you understand what you need, you will have to do some research if you are trying to save money. There are quite a few RGB headlight and RGB headlight module sellers on AliExpress or AliBaba, but the problem with them is that there is a high chance of the quality of those products not being good. I had to return my modules because the the heatshields that were included with the RGB headlight modules were overheating to the point where they melted plastic. That was on top of the fact that they were extremely dim.
Going the more expensive route and buying from a company such as BayOptics takes away a lot of headaches. It is more expensive, however, you will save yourself headaches of things not working, as well as labor costs if you are not doing the installation yourself. On some vehicles, front wheels and front bumped need to come off to just install the RGB modules in. If you go to a decent shop, they will be charging you $100+ per hour. So trying to cheap out on the module itself, will quickly not make sense.
Are RGB Headlights the Same as RGB Halo Kits?
No. RGB headlights are not the same as RGB halo kits. RGB headlights are headlight assemblies that have already been preinstalled with RGB halo kits inside. They are usually plug-and-play and would be the easiest route to take if you want to mod your car with RGBs. However, they are the more expensive route.
When buying RGB halo kits, you have to do extra work installing them on your stock headlights. There will be some unglueing and gluing back involved, during which you must be careful not to break fragile parts. The manufacturers didn’t make those parts sturdy simply because they probably didn’t expect automotive enthusiasts to buy their cars and swap out the modules.
How Many Colors Are Available for RGB Headlights?
Some RGB headlights offer only a few colors, such as Red, Blue, Yellow, and Green. Others offer any color you desire. The RGB headlight modules I installed on our BMW M4 have the second option. I can pick any color besides black.
There are some issues with these apps; for instance, for your headlights to remember the color, you must store it in the “Custom” section. Otherwise, the color will randomly change every so often.
What Apps Are Used To Control RGB Headlight Colors?
To my understanding, whoever sells you their RGB headlights will ask you to download their “white-label” RGB headlight color control app. Why do I think that it’s a white-label app solution? Well, they all look the same when you enter the user interface. Also, other people around you who have RGB headlights can often connect to your vehicle’s headlights and change their color. This stands true even if both of you have different brand RBG headlight control apps and the apps are different.
I have used the Apple App Store’s Iilumo and RGB Lights apps. Although they have different names, they are identical.
What Brands Are The Best For RGB Headlight Halo Kits?
The answer to this question will depend on the vehicle brand for which you are looking for RGB headlights. For instance, for BMWs, the best two brands are BayOptics and K2 Industries. BayOptics is a better-known name with a great reputation, but K2 Industries is not too far behind.
There is good and bad news if you shop for a brand other than BMW. You have more options; however, there isn’t an established leader in the space who is everyone’s go-to.
How Durable Are The RGB Headlights?
RGB headlights are generally durable, thanks to their LED technology, which is known for its longevity and resistance to wear compared to traditional halogen or HID lights. However, their durability depends on several factors, including the quality of the components, installation, and usage conditions.
Factors Influencing Durability:
- LED Lifespan: High-quality RGB LEDs typically last between 30,000 to 50,000 hours, significantly outlasting halogen or HID bulbs. Their solid-state construction makes them resistant to vibrations and shocks, which benefits automotive applications.
- Build Quality: Premium RGB headlights are designed with durable housing materials, effective heat dissipation systems, and waterproofing (e.g., IP67 or IP68 ratings). This protects them from environmental factors like moisture, dirt, and extreme temperatures, which can otherwise shorten their lifespan.
- Installation and Usage: Proper installation, including adequate power supply and heat management, ensures optimal performance. Overloading circuits, poor wiring, or exposure to excessive heat can lead to premature failure. Additionally, frequent high-intensity or strobe modes may accelerate wear in lower-quality systems.
Well-made RGB headlights are generally highly durable and can withstand typical road conditions. However, investing in reputable brands and ensuring proper installation are key to maximizing their lifespan and performance.
What Are The Warranties on RGB Headlights?
The warranties on RGB headlights vary depending on the manufacturer, brand, and product quality. Generally, reputable brands offer warranties ranging from 1 year to 5 years, while lower-cost or off-brand options may have shorter warranties or none at all. Here’s an overview of typical warranty terms:
- Length of Warranty: Most quality RGB headlights come with a 1- to 3-year warranty, covering defects in materials or artistry. High-end brands may extend this to 5 years, especially for premium models with advanced features and durable construction.
- Coverage: Warranties typically cover issues like malfunctioning LEDs, control unit failures, or problems with connectivity (e.g., Bluetooth or app functionality). However, they usually exclude damages caused by improper installation, accidents, water intrusion (unless explicitly waterproof-rated), or modifications.
- Process: Warranty claims often require proof of purchase and adherence to the manufacturer’s installation guidelines. Some companies may offer a replacement unit, while others provide repairs or refunds.
When purchasing RGB headlights, it’s essential to check the warranty terms and conditions. Opt for products from established brands with strong customer support, as they are more likely to honor warranty claims and provide reliable post-purchase assistance.
How to Install RGB Headlights?
Installing RGB headlights is straightforward, but attention to detail is crucial to ensure proper functionality and safety. First, prepare your vehicle by parking it on a flat surface, turning off the engine, and disconnecting the battery to avoid electrical mishaps. Open the hood, locate the headlight housing, and remove the screws or bolts securing the assembly. Carefully unplug the wiring harness connected to the old headlights and set the assembly aside.
Next, install the new RGB headlights by fitting them securely into the housing and connecting their wiring to the vehicle’s harness. Many kits are plug-and-play, but some may require splicing wires. Once the headlights are in place, mount the RGB controller box near the headlight housing, ensuring it is protected from heat and moisture. Connect the controller to the headlights and a 12V power source, typically the car battery, following the manufacturer\u2019s instructions for wiring polarity.
After reconnecting the battery, test the headlights using the provided remote or smartphone app to verify that all colors, brightness levels, and modes function as intended. Secure any loose wires with zip ties, keeping them away from heat sources or moving parts. Reassemble the headlight housing, ensuring everything is aligned and securely fastened.
Finally, a thorough check is performed to confirm proper installation and operation. If adjustments to beam alignment are necessary, make them according to local regulations. Be aware of any laws regarding using colored lights while driving to avoid fines. Regular maintenance and inspections will help ensure your RGB headlights remain in excellent condition. If you\u2019re unsure about any part of the process, consulting a professional installer is a wise option.
Are RGB Headlights as Bright as Stock Headlight DLRLs?
RGB headlights are typically not as bright as stock Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) when operating in their colored modes. Stock DRLs are designed specifically for visibility and safety during daytime driving and are optimized to emit bright, focused white or amber light that meets regulatory standards. In contrast, RGB headlights prioritize color versatility and aesthetics, which can reduce their overall brightness in non-white modes.
Below is an example of red RGB DLRL lights being on during the daytime. As you can see, they are not bright at all. However, let’s not forget that white color light is the brightest light that there is, so its not a very fair comparison. That being said, the brightness will definitely depend on what color you want to run, how bright it is outside, and how good is the quality of your RGB modules or RGB headlights that you have purchased.
Here’s why RGB headlights may appear less bright:
- Energy Distribution: In RGB LEDs, the light output is spread across red, green, and blue diodes to produce various colors. This reduces the overall intensity compared to white light, which combines all diodes at full brightness.
- Color Perception: Human eyes perceive certain colors, like red or blue, as dimmer than white light, even if the energy output is similar. This makes colored RGB lighting seem less intense than stock DRLs.
- Regulations and Safety: Stock DRLs are engineered to meet strict brightness and visibility standards for safety. RGB systems are often designed for aesthetic use, where high brightness isn’t always necessary or legal.
When set to white mode, high-quality RGB headlights can sometimes match or closely approach the brightness of stock DRLs. However, in colored modes, they are generally less bright and not intended for use as primary daytime visibility lights.
Bottom Line: Are RGB Headlights Worth It?
Simply put, yes, they are. If you have read this article, there is a great chance that you are a car enthusiast. And if so, RGB headlights will give your vehicle an even more unique look and make it more personalized. We have had ours installed for 6 months now and love them. The only thing we are looking for now is maybe another set that is a bit brighter in daylight than the set that we have.
