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I'm not sure where they originate from but they are called euro lights. Googling will get plenty of hits. Didn't find too many specifics with japanese lights :P
I've done some pretty extensive searching back in 2007 when I got my R56, and since, and came up completely empty-handed every time.
Which is interesting because Mini actually made not-so-bad-looking clear tail lights a several years ago (around 2004, give or take). But today - nothing anywhere, from anyone.
I did however come across a few companies that advertised they have tail lights for 2006-2009, or 2004-2009, or something like that. BUT it HAS to be 2007 or later.
To answer one of your other questions, pre-2007 and 2007+ tail lights are not interchangeable. Next time you have the opportunity to park beside an older Mini, take a look, they're noticeably different. The 2007+ tail lights are more curved, while the older ones are rather flat.
In summary, I have yet to find anything and have looked pretty hard. However it's been a while since I've last looked so something may have surfaced since. If anyone has any leads, I'd be interested to know as well...
Haven't seen any Altezza-style lamps for the R56 yet.
I'm not sure how difficult it is to disassemble the rear light clusters. If it's similar to the front headlamps, you could mold your own clear reflectors and use those (the outer shell is clear anyways).
That said, although you're welcome to your own tastes, they've sort of become a car fashion faux pas now, thanks to the thousands of Honda Civics, Plymouth/Dodge Neons, trucks, and a myriad of other vehicles that adopted them. Personally, I find them a bit gaudy... unless on an actual Altezza. They were more of a early-2000's fad. Which is probably why MINI made them for the R53 but not the R56. But if you like 'em, by all means, go for it!
Have you considered smoking them as an alternative?
I've heard rumor about being able to open the lights up and painting the inside black. But the steps i've heard included putting the whole head light into a oven and heating it up some so that you can pry it apart. Im not really to huge on the idea of putting mine in the over but has anyone else done this? I've seen a lot of head lights with the black on the inside of it but just wanting to know exactly how good this works before trying it.
__________________ LoLa09MC P/S & Black, V-Maxx coilovers, 17" Tenzo DC-6's wrapped in 215/45x17 Dunlop Direzza DZ101 tires, custom CAI, Custom MagnaFlow Catback exhaust, rear seat delete kit, JCW grill, black out kit and joey mod heads.
I've heard rumor about being able to open the lights up and painting the inside black. But the steps i've heard included putting the whole head light into a oven and heating it up some so that you can pry it apart. Im not really to huge on the idea of putting mine in the over but has anyone else done this? I've seen a lot of head lights with the black on the inside of it but just wanting to know exactly how good this works before trying it.
Yep, it's called the "Joey Mod," and lots of us on here have done it, including me. It's a really easy process actually, but it does involve some time, and it is quite scary the first time you do it. Definitely worth it though (even though this thread is about tail lights , here's a pic).
Yep, it's called the "Joey Mod," and lots of us on here have done it, including me. It's a really easy process actually, but it does involve some time, and it is quite scary the first time you do it. Definitely worth it though (even though this thread is about tail lights , here's a pic).
yeah i know kinda out of the thread but i was going with the painting lol. but thanks bro i'll have to look it up and see exactly how its done.
__________________ LoLa09MC P/S & Black, V-Maxx coilovers, 17" Tenzo DC-6's wrapped in 215/45x17 Dunlop Direzza DZ101 tires, custom CAI, Custom MagnaFlow Catback exhaust, rear seat delete kit, JCW grill, black out kit and joey mod heads.
09MC P/S & Black, V-Maxx coilovers, 17" Tenzo DC-6's wrapped in 215/45x17 Dunlop Direzza DZ101 tires, custom CAI, Custom MagnaFlow Catback exhaust, rear seat delete kit, JCW grill, black out kit and joey mod heads.
, here's a pic).
