North American Motoring

Mini Cooper 2007-Present: How to Replace Parking Lights with LEDs

Replacing your standard Mini parking lights with LED bulbs not only looks great, but also vastly improves the brightness of the lights.

By Brett Foote - June 21, 2016

This article applies to the 2nd/3rd Gen Mini Cooper (2007-present).

LED lighting is brighter, more efficient, and much better looking than old halogen lighting, but it didn't become a standard option on most cars until very recently. And even if you've upgraded your headlights to LED technology, most don't think about converting over their parking lights as well. But replacing your old halogen parking lights with LEDs is such an easy (and relatively affordable) job that there's really no reason not to do it. Keep reading and we'll walk you through the process.

Materials Needed

  • LED parking light bulbs - H8 (or compatible with 194 halogens)
  • Vice grips (optional but helpful)
  • Jack, jack stands, and lug nut wrench (if removing front wheels)
  • Rubbing alcohol and rag

Step 1 – Remove old parking light bulb

Removing the front tire isn't absolutely necessary, but it does make the job easier. If you choose to do this, loosen the lug nuts before jacking up the car, then place it on jack stands and remove the front wheels. Remove the plastic circular cover for the fog lights by turning it counter-clockwise. Remove the connector from the back of the bulb (optional) and then turn the bulb housing counter-clockwise to remove it. Pull the bulb out of the housing.

  • Turn the plastic cover counter clockwise to remove it.
    Figure 1. Turn the plastic cover counter-clockwise to remove it.
  • Figure 2. Remove the bulb housing by turning it counter-clockwise, then pull the bulb straight out of the housing.

Step 2 – Install new parking light bulb

Insert the new bulb into the housing. Wipe the new bulb down with rubbing alcohol to remove any greasy fingerprints, as oily residue can cause the bulbs to break or burn out once they heat up. Insert the bulb housing back in place and turn it clockwise to secure it. If you removed the electrical connector for the bulb housing in Step 1, reinstall it back into the housing. Replace the parking light cover and turn it clockwise to lock it back into place. Reinstall the wheel and repeat these steps on the other side of the car. Once finished, lower the car off the jack stands if you removed the front wheels.

  • Insert the new bulb into the bulb housing.
    Figure 3. Insert the new bulb into the bulb housing.
  • Be sure and clean off any residue on the bulb with some rubbing alcohol before reinstalling it.
    Figure 4. Be sure and clean off any residue on the bulb with some rubbing alcohol before reinstalling it.

Related Discussions and Video