Hi all,
I'm doing my first Mod (of any car.) I have an '07 S and I purchased the driving lights pkg months ago and it's time for me to attempt to install them myself. I had downloaded the pdf instructions when I purchased them.
I started off pretty lame. I have no idea how to remove the old dash piece (they call it a knee guard I think) in order to replace it with the new one with the button included.
I was able to remove the grill and attach the lights and put on the new grill but I can not move forward untilll I can get the old dash piece off and ythe new one installed.
I also do not see the "footwell module" and "socket casing" that is supposed to be down in the footwell somewhere.
I also don't see where to pass the wires through to the engine compartment. There is supposed to be a rubber grommet but I didn'rt see where wires are going through from the footwell.
Any help for a complete novice would be very much appreciated.
Thanks
Jim

 

I got a little further on my own.
I've taken off the footwell cover (under the steering wheel) and the cover to the left side of the vent near the driver's door. I've removed the lower 2 screws that hold the kneed guard (dash piece that I'm trying to replace) Now I'm stuck again. I don't know how to get at the top 2 screws in order to remove that piece. It seems the screws heads are under the dash face piece (in my car it's the checkered silver) on that side.
Help! Even if someone has a pdf on how to disassemble the dash so I don't end up breaking something. :impatient

 

I haven't done this install so I'm not much help to you... sorry.

But, I did find this recent thread that may help you along the way. Seems like some good info in here:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...Driving+Lights

 

Yes I ran into the same problem, check your PM mail

 

Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on your point of view) I have a 2nd Gen MINI. They are discussing an 04 and lots of stuff has changed.
thanks a lot for the lead though. I'm sure someone has removed dash pieces on the newer models, even for a different purpose.

Jim

 

Thanks

 

Ahhhhhhhhhhh, okay. Didn't realize the wiring schematics were significantly different.

 

The wiring may be approximately the same but I actually need help with figuring out how to remove the dash piece to replace with the new one with the included light switch/button.
One thing I did notice on the wiring discussion was the wiring Breaker (or whatever it is called) sounds like it's on the passenger side on the pre 07s in those directions, while on the driver's side for the newer model. I would imagine that the basics about tapping into a 'hot line' would be helpful, if I was daring -- maybe at a later time once I get it installed the 'legal' way. For now I'd be happy enough with just swapping out the dash piece and following the rest of the MINI directions for the wiring.

 

You see this website?
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/partgrp.d...45&hg=51&fg=30

 

Where did you download the instuctions from? I need them too

 

Hey, all. I just finished the OE Rally lights installation on my R56 as per the MINI instructions. The instructions says "the retrofit does not need coding". Is that accurate?

Mine ain't working, if thats so.

 

No,, they dont need codeing, you must have a fault.

 

I too installed them and must have a fault also. They worked, then blew the fuse, I replaced the fuse and now they don't work either. The switch is illuminated though. Haven't gotten the volt meter out yet........

 

I see you have the rooster red interior did you order the rooster red switch with your OEM Lights? If so do you have pics?

 

Nope, no pics sorry. I can try later on. Its just basically replaces the same little piece of bolster except the new piece has the lighted push button switch already installed. The old one was hell to take off.

 

Oh, and the color line bolster piece costs a little more than the regular piece. Take that into consideration.

 

Thread Resurrect!

I already put in my order, but now I'm thinking I might want to add the driving lights. Did anyone get their lights working? (I'm assuming so.) How was the install?

I'm trying to decide if I want to get them installed before I take delivery, or if it's really a viable solution to do the install myself, and I need to decide soooon. Having them installed at the VDC is much cheaper than at the dealer. If I wait too long it's going to be finished and thus a moot point.

 

Installation error by me. Got them working. Are great.

Will tell you the install is not for the faint of heart!!

 

Not for the faint of heart, eh? How so? So much that it negates the more than $300 cost savings to do it yourself?

 

I'd say it is close. The instructions on the net (not included in the kit) assume that you know what needs removed to install the swith and how to access the grommet that the harness goes through in the firewall (I guess if you were a shop mechanic, you would have a manual for this). This requires a lot of other part removals. I had half the dash apart on the Driver side just to install the switch and most of the engine bay area on the driver side by the windshield removed to access the grommet. Probably pretty close to a push on their install price.

If you like a challenge, go for it!

 

Go for it , I think that there is enough information on this site to help anyone on this DIY installation. .I did mine.