It seems pretty stupid to have to post a thread like this - I've never had a problem replacing headlights in any vehicle I've ever owned but for some reason I seem to be completely unable to do anything mechanical when it comes to my MINI.

I noticed last night that the driver's side daytime running light is out on my MINI. My regular headlights are fine (Xenon), but the daytime running light/high beam is out. I've done a bunch of searches on NAM, but most seem to deal with xenon/or regular headlight replacement.

How easy is it to replace just the high beam light? Are MINI lights sealed units? It's been so cold outside, I haven't gone out to check yet! If it is just a bulb to replace, do they sell them at auto repair stores, or do I have to order one from the dealership?

If it ends up being a pain to replace and/or take a good bit of time to order, what do you think the chances are of having MoS reprogram my MINI to turn the daytime running lights off without waiting a month to get an appointment? ...and I wonder how much they would charge to reprogram it since I'm out of warranty...

Thanks for any and all advice....

 

There should be a door to get to the bulb. There is on my car.

 

It is very easy to change. There is a cap which twists off to cover the high beam bulb. It is a fairly standard H7 bulb. 12V 55W. Remember not to touch the halogen bulbs with your bare fingers as the oil from your hands will greatly reduce the life of the bulb.

You should be able to get the bulb at any auto parts store although the color temperature may be different. I believe mine have "GE" on them although I don't believe that is the brand. And to double-check that the issue is the bulb reverse the driver and passenger side bulbs and see if the issues stay with the same headlight or not. If you need to have the car reprogrammed at the dealership it should take 30min or less.