If so please post! Thinking about getting them so would love to see what they look like!

 

I've seen them and I think they're great, I really like that retro look. However, I just can't see parting with the $800.00 or so to get the OEM version installed. The kit is $500.00, and the dealer quoted me $300.00 to install.

 

Hi There,
I have the driving lights on my clubman, sorrry , I have no idea how to post a picture, but the are a few on the "Show me you Clubman Thread" around page 6 or 7. Its a Black over red. Anyway, I don't like the lamps. I dont like the way they look. I am in the process of finding a bracket so I can mount a bigger lamp. I had a 2006 MCS which I pu a 6.5 inch PIAA. I liked the look much better. I am now thinking of a Hella 3000, or a PIAA 40 series. I am hopping that the wiring harness from the OEM lamps will work on it. Good luck with your choice.......Happy Motoring.
Larry....(ClubRed)

 

I've got them coming on mine, but won't have pics till July...

Do you have the Clubman brochure? Towards the back there's a HC one with the checkered package and the driving lamps. That sealed the deal for me. I LOVE the look!

 

I personally think they're overpriced for what they are (500, plus install????) and they block flow to the radiator, so I'm against them. I can see the retro Italian Job stylistic value though.

 

Here they are on ours... I agree they are a bit expensive, but we've had them on all of our MINIs - we just like the look....

Donna

 

YUM!

 

^^^ Thanks...

Donna

 

I also like the look, and when you get out on real back roads for the rallies and such, they DO help. I just can't justify the cost. We're talking super Oscar or 4000's cost! Hella and PIAA both have lights for much less. I'll be able to put on a set of lights AND pay for a weekend roadtrip.

Now, let's see what's on the front of that MGA in the garage.

 

Has anyone install the driving lights themselves or did everyone have them dealer installed?

 

I have them on my Clubman but they were already on the car when I got it. I love the way they look. I was thinking of adding two more to the grill....thoughts?

 

Donna/Mike, wow they look slick! And thats the color of my car! Yes, I really like the look and I'm waiting for the manager to get back to me on pricing. I've bought thousands in accessories so hoping to get a better deal

I'll post picts if I get them!!!

 

I have the driving lights on my R53, but did not order them on my R55.

Why?

First, they aren't all that great. I come from an offroading background, and have owned Hella 500s, Hella 550s, and IPF 960s. The Hellas were good, but the IPFs were amazing. I swear it was like strapping the sun to your front bumper. The MINI driving lights may as well be guttering candles by comparison. They don't really throw out much more light than the high beams.

Second, and I don't know if it's just on my car, but the stock OEM brackets are crap. One of my lights vibrates like the dickens whenever the vehicle is stopped. It's fine once it gets going, but annoying whenever you hit a stop sign, etc.

Third, maybe 1-2% of my driving has any sort of need for them, and the high beams are sufficient for 99% of those situations.

If I were to go with driving lights again, I'd pick up another pair of IPF 960s and some aftermarket brackets. No way I'd go near the OEM stuff again.

 

Laurendesigns, you can also see some if you look at the link in my signature. There was a loaded HC at the Denver dealer about a month ago with some. It looked too good!

 

Hum...I'll have to find some front end shots...We have a badge bar and OEM driving lights on it...

Donna

 

Thanks much!!! I totally love the LB...

Donna

 

Driving lights from the factory are very expensive ($500-$800), for something you will seldom (never) use on the road. I think the car looks better without them and its the best money you will save.

 

Not the best picture in the world, but you get the idea.



Donna

 

Laurendesigns, I didn't have driving lights on my '05 or my Clubman but I test drove an '04 or '05 with them on and I didn't know they were there. I was thinking of having them put on but it seemed like they were attached in a flimsy manner so i didn't. The test drive was during the day so I didn't have them on but I hope that when they are, that they are able to be aimed properly. They look great but I don't think I will get them on my Clubbie.

 

Part of the expense of ordering the lights is a NEW grill which we found out when the lights arrived. They actually carve out a space on both sides of the grill so that the lights will fit nice and tight. The other part which I thought was outrageous was the light switch that goes in the car. We ordered the Pacific Blue to match our Pacific Blue interior and it was $110!!! Yikes - A plain one - no color is $60 - bad enough....but we did it anyway...

Donna

 

Sweet MGA !!!!
We just had a friend bring his on the Snowball and Shamrock vintage rallies. His new supercharger ran great. The only issue was trying to get it started at elevation.

You also had to get a new switch panel installed for the driving lights switch? I already need to do that for the rear fog light. Maybe I can get the whole panel with all switches and also save some money by only making ONE trip to the dealer for programming.

 

Thanks SteveJ!!

As far as the driving light switch - no, it doesn't go into the existing toggle bank. It is a separate switch to the left of the steering wheel - down by your knee - they replace that little section as in the picture.



Donna

 

Wow, this thread is giving me second thoughts about getting the driving lights! I knew they were expensive but to save some money I'm having them installed at the port. My MA recommended this. Also, the switch panel for the lights, where is it on the car? I thought it would be one of the toggle switches already in the car.

 

We too are enamored of the driving lights, they are such a classic visual element.

BUT, we are city dwellers who park on the street where park-by-feel is a fact of daily life. I keep having visions of a cracked/crunched light.

Any real world experience to make this image go away.

 

Look at my post just above of our Clubman - I posted a picture where the switch goes..

Donna