R60 Driving lights. Worth it or not?
2nd Gear
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 127
Likes: 3
From: Cary, NC
We have a 2010 MCS and ordered with the driving lights. Agreed with other folks on this thread that, at the end of the day, they are pricey. If I remember correctly, they were probably on the order of $700 installed. I will say, however, that they DO function beyond just looking cool. Especially here in the mid-west, some of the two lane country roads at night can be extremely low visibility. The driving lights, in conjunction with the high beam xenon lights, really light up the way ahead. One thing to be aware of....though it doesn't bother us...when the driving lights are on, you can see the light pattern on the ground in front of you "vibrating" a bit. Given the mechanism used for attaching the driving lights to the car, they are not AS stable as internally placed light assemblies....as a result, they tend to shake a bit. Nothing major, just something to note.
Hope this helps for you and/or anyone else considering the option.
Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,154
Likes: 8
From: France and Reno/Tahoe
Thanks for all the feedback. I am still on the fence because I get very little use of the brights. Too much traffic in the Bay Area and even driving on 80 from SF to Reno there is always a vehicle in front of you or coming at you.
I like the looks though and I may do the four light setup down the line. I am also planning on black trim for the headlights / taillights / belt mouldings. That plus the four light setup in black would give it some attitude. My partner won't like it so it will be an uphill battle (good thing it's my car huh??)
I like the looks though and I may do the four light setup down the line. I am also planning on black trim for the headlights / taillights / belt mouldings. That plus the four light setup in black would give it some attitude. My partner won't like it so it will be an uphill battle (good thing it's my car huh??)
Last edited by FredoinSF; Dec 23, 2011 at 08:32 AM. Reason: Typos...
4th Gear
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 362
Likes: 0
From: Rocky mountains
Hey rkycyntst do you have pics with them on your white countryman, I have a white countryman on the way and cant decide if I want the black or chrome one. I have the chrome kit, and I dont know if chrome driving light would be to much with the other chrome pcs. Which one did you get. I seen pics of black ones on white countryman. but no chrome. Anyone have any pics of it.
Zoreo Album
Last edited by Rktcyntst; Dec 23, 2011 at 09:46 AM. Reason: Link update
4th Gear
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 362
Likes: 0
From: Rocky mountains
Just saw this in the photos thread. The 3d pics gives a good idea of chrome lights installed.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-post1373.html
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-post1373.html
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,390
Likes: 3
From: Daytona Beach, Florida
Evobunny
Mine came with white covers so I bought some plastic paint and painted them black. That did not work out very good because when bugs and stuff hit them it caused small chips that looked terrible.
I went to my dealer and they sold me black ones at a very good discount.
Problem solved.
*********I like the way my driving lights make my car look **********
***** I even like the looks when they have the covers on them ********
I went to my dealer and they sold me black ones at a very good discount.
Problem solved.
*********I like the way my driving lights make my car look **********
***** I even like the looks when they have the covers on them ********
Last edited by ronnie948; Dec 23, 2011 at 09:39 AM.
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,474
Likes: 3
From: Over there -->
I'm a light freak. It's not that I need a lot of them, I just want the ones I have to be of good quality and aimed correctly. We had the black driving lamps installed on our white CM-S at the VDC. They did a great job with the install, but aimed the lamps to signal Mars.
Our CM-S also has adaptive xenons and the S-standard fog lamps. I must say that I am VERY impressed with the xenons on high and low beam and with the focus and spread of the fog lamps. The driving lamps required some work, though.
To aim the driving lamps to your preference, you need: two washcloths, painter's tape, and a 25-27mm torx driver. You want to aim your driving lamps without the high beams interfering with the beam; that's where you use the two taped washcloths to block the headlamps' beams.
I parked the car on a rural country road to do my driving lamp setup. My daring SO was standing lookout to the front and rear for safety. The goal is to have your driving lamps shining as far down the road as possible. We were located on an open road a little more than a 1/4 mile from the point at which the road enters a forested area. With the car as close to level as possible (straddling the centerline a little bit), I adjusted both lamps so that their beams converged to a single spot of light on the road where it disappeared in the tree trunks. I think I got lucky since the beams converged with only a vertical adjustment of each lamp; I didn't need to adjust them in the horizontal plane. Then I removed the washcloths and looked at the light pattern. It was interesting that the high beams seemed to reach pretty far toward the woods, but you could still see the (yellowish) beam of the driving lights in the distance. I turned the driving lights off and noticed that the area illuminated by the driving lights was still visible, but with a more dispersed or lessened illumination intensity.
Of course, these lights are a far cry of the 7" Hellas I had mounted on an old Fiat 124 rally car in the 70's, but they do seem to be a wee bit more than cosmetic.
Our CM-S also has adaptive xenons and the S-standard fog lamps. I must say that I am VERY impressed with the xenons on high and low beam and with the focus and spread of the fog lamps. The driving lamps required some work, though.
To aim the driving lamps to your preference, you need: two washcloths, painter's tape, and a 25-27mm torx driver. You want to aim your driving lamps without the high beams interfering with the beam; that's where you use the two taped washcloths to block the headlamps' beams.
I parked the car on a rural country road to do my driving lamp setup. My daring SO was standing lookout to the front and rear for safety. The goal is to have your driving lamps shining as far down the road as possible. We were located on an open road a little more than a 1/4 mile from the point at which the road enters a forested area. With the car as close to level as possible (straddling the centerline a little bit), I adjusted both lamps so that their beams converged to a single spot of light on the road where it disappeared in the tree trunks. I think I got lucky since the beams converged with only a vertical adjustment of each lamp; I didn't need to adjust them in the horizontal plane. Then I removed the washcloths and looked at the light pattern. It was interesting that the high beams seemed to reach pretty far toward the woods, but you could still see the (yellowish) beam of the driving lights in the distance. I turned the driving lights off and noticed that the area illuminated by the driving lights was still visible, but with a more dispersed or lessened illumination intensity.
Of course, these lights are a far cry of the 7" Hellas I had mounted on an old Fiat 124 rally car in the 70's, but they do seem to be a wee bit more than cosmetic.
Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,154
Likes: 8
From: France and Reno/Tahoe
I'm a light freak. It's not that I need a lot of them, I just want the ones I have to be of good quality and aimed correctly. We had the black driving lamps installed on our white CM-S at the VDC. They did a great job with the install, but aimed the lamps to signal Mars.
Our CM-S also has adaptive xenons and the S-standard fog lamps. I must say that I am VERY impressed with the xenons on high and low beam and with the focus and spread of the fog lamps. The driving lamps required some work, though.
To aim the driving lamps to your preference, you need: two washcloths, painter's tape, and a 25-27mm torx driver. You want to aim your driving lamps without the high beams interfering with the beam; that's where you use the two taped washcloths to block the headlamps' beams.
I parked the car on a rural country road to do my driving lamp setup. My daring SO was standing lookout to the front and rear for safety. The goal is to have your driving lamps shining as far down the road as possible. We were located on an open road a little more than a 1/4 mile from the point at which the road enters a forested area. With the car as close to level as possible (straddling the centerline a little bit), I adjusted both lamps so that their beams converged to a single spot of light on the road where it disappeared in the tree trunks. I think I got lucky since the beams converged with only a vertical adjustment of each lamp; I didn't need to adjust them in the horizontal plane. Then I removed the washcloths and looked at the light pattern. It was interesting that the high beams seemed to reach pretty far toward the woods, but you could still see the (yellowish) beam of the driving lights in the distance. I turned the driving lights off and noticed that the area illuminated by the driving lights was still visible, but with a more dispersed or lessened illumination intensity.
Of course, these lights are a far cry of the 7" Hellas I had mounted on an old Fiat 124 rally car in the 70's, but they do seem to be a wee bit more than cosmetic.
Our CM-S also has adaptive xenons and the S-standard fog lamps. I must say that I am VERY impressed with the xenons on high and low beam and with the focus and spread of the fog lamps. The driving lamps required some work, though.
To aim the driving lamps to your preference, you need: two washcloths, painter's tape, and a 25-27mm torx driver. You want to aim your driving lamps without the high beams interfering with the beam; that's where you use the two taped washcloths to block the headlamps' beams.
I parked the car on a rural country road to do my driving lamp setup. My daring SO was standing lookout to the front and rear for safety. The goal is to have your driving lamps shining as far down the road as possible. We were located on an open road a little more than a 1/4 mile from the point at which the road enters a forested area. With the car as close to level as possible (straddling the centerline a little bit), I adjusted both lamps so that their beams converged to a single spot of light on the road where it disappeared in the tree trunks. I think I got lucky since the beams converged with only a vertical adjustment of each lamp; I didn't need to adjust them in the horizontal plane. Then I removed the washcloths and looked at the light pattern. It was interesting that the high beams seemed to reach pretty far toward the woods, but you could still see the (yellowish) beam of the driving lights in the distance. I turned the driving lights off and noticed that the area illuminated by the driving lights was still visible, but with a more dispersed or lessened illumination intensity.
Of course, these lights are a far cry of the 7" Hellas I had mounted on an old Fiat 124 rally car in the 70's, but they do seem to be a wee bit more than cosmetic.
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,474
Likes: 3
From: Over there -->
5th Gear
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 885
Likes: 0
From: CT
Well, in my case probably not worth it
. Brought my Countryman in for a high speed vibration issue (65-75) mph. While they were doing all the normal checks..to rule our wheels and tires, I had them install the Mini's D/Lights and mud flaps. After all the installs and correcting the vibrations (replacing the rear clutch assembly..shipped in from Germany) My Countryman was vandalized at the dealership
. More damage in and out then you would think. It's been at the bodyshop for a few weeks..hoping to see it this week.
. Brought my Countryman in for a high speed vibration issue (65-75) mph. While they were doing all the normal checks..to rule our wheels and tires, I had them install the Mini's D/Lights and mud flaps. After all the installs and correcting the vibrations (replacing the rear clutch assembly..shipped in from Germany) My Countryman was vandalized at the dealership. More damage in and out then you would think. It's been at the bodyshop for a few weeks..hoping to see it this week.
5th Gear
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,033
Likes: 1
From: SF Bay Area
Now that I have the wiring and the brackets, I may eventually go upscale with THESE Hella xenon pencil beam lights. However, at $500 per light, it may take me a while!
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,474
Likes: 3
From: Over there -->
I'm very pleased with the adaptive xenons we got on the CM4. If I were going to add auxiliary lights, these HID units by Hella would be very tempting. I haven't found any information about their intended beam patterns, however. Maybe if I had a Pure Orange I'd be unable to pass up the colored ring...
3rd Gear
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 289
Likes: 0
From: East Hampton, NY
What Koopah said about aiming the lamps is spot on. The VPC didn't adjust them at all.
I wouldn't have ordered the lamps but wifey wanted them last minute. I'm glad she did. Imo, they really do look good. Don't like the white covers though. Going to spray them with metallic silver DuPont Imron and clear coats in the spring. Will post some pics of the covers when I do.
I wouldn't have ordered the lamps but wifey wanted them last minute. I'm glad she did. Imo, they really do look good. Don't like the white covers though. Going to spray them with metallic silver DuPont Imron and clear coats in the spring. Will post some pics of the covers when I do.
3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 177
Likes: 1
From: Huntington LI, NY
Hobie,
Angelo @ Prestige MINI will sell you the OEM black covers for $12/each + $5 shipping. The PN is 63120432836. You can find them online at various vendors for around $9.50 each but Angelo will have them in your hands in 2 days.
Angelo @ Prestige MINI will sell you the OEM black covers for $12/each + $5 shipping. The PN is 63120432836. You can find them online at various vendors for around $9.50 each but Angelo will have them in your hands in 2 days.
3rd Gear
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 289
Likes: 0
From: East Hampton, NY
Thanks C-R but I believe the black covers will just get lost in the grille. I'll probably acquire a few extra white covers before I spray them just so I have spares in case some of them decide to walk away. If you know what I mean.
I do a lot of spray painting so it's no big deal and I really want a unique look.
I do a lot of spray painting so it's no big deal and I really want a unique look.
3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 177
Likes: 1
From: Huntington LI, NY
Hobie,
I guess I am too trusting. My other half drove the CMS to work yesterday for the first time. And before she left she called me to ask me why I put the covers back on because she was fearful that they would take a walk. I already have my black covers being shipped to supplement/replace the white covers.
I guess I am too trusting. My other half drove the CMS to work yesterday for the first time. And before she left she called me to ask me why I put the covers back on because she was fearful that they would take a walk. I already have my black covers being shipped to supplement/replace the white covers.
4th Gear
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 362
Likes: 0
From: Rocky mountains
Hobie,
I guess I am too trusting. My other half drove the CMS to work yesterday for the first time. And before she left she called me to ask me why I put the covers back on because she was fearful that they would take a walk. I already have my black covers being shipped to supplement/replace the white covers.
I guess I am too trusting. My other half drove the CMS to work yesterday for the first time. And before she left she called me to ask me why I put the covers back on because she was fearful that they would take a walk. I already have my black covers being shipped to supplement/replace the white covers.
(I guess I have issues with this sort of thing
)
3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 177
Likes: 1
From: Huntington LI, NY
My bad, didn't explain that well. They didn't take the covers, yet. What I meant is she expected bad behavior if I left them on while she parked at work. I ordered the black covers because I think they may look better with the black grill. 
3rd Gear
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 177
Likes: 3
From: Urbandale, IA
Maybe a Countryman All4 could be the Volvo replacement.....
5th Gear
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 729
Likes: 43
http://www.southmini.com/
Here's the contact I dealt with. I got the best pricing from him.
Paul McLaughlin
Assistant Parts ManagerSouth BMW/MINI
16215 South Dixie Hwy, Fl 33157
(305) 256-4963
Use my name if it helps, IVAN ANDERSON. I bought lights for my 08 Cooper from him.
Last edited by Ive's Mini; Jan 1, 2012 at 10:20 AM. Reason: Cleaning up the post
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,474
Likes: 3
From: Over there -->
BTW -- The VDC does not aim them for you, but that's a DIY task.
5th Gear
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 885
Likes: 0
From: CT
I bought the parts…and My service manager installed the DL and mudflaps for $650.
Pretty fair…but then as poted earlier not worth it as the day before p/u and Thanksgiving my vehicle was left outside…several thousands of dollars of damage in & out.. not to mentioned all the contents most can be replaced. after 5 long weeks…hope to be picking up CM Tuesday/Wednesday of this week.
Pretty fair…but then as poted earlier not worth it as the day before p/u and Thanksgiving my vehicle was left outside…several thousands of dollars of damage in & out.. not to mentioned all the contents most can be replaced. after 5 long weeks…hope to be picking up CM Tuesday/Wednesday of this week.