Hello, I purchased my first car, a 2003 Cooper S (R53) last month. It is a fantastic car, and the previous owner has taken good care of it.

However, I have been attempting to make some modifications before the resumption of university in early January. One of these projects was to install projector headlights. Many of these can be found on eBay for $150 and skywards to $400 on some less scrupulous sellers. I have questions about the wiring configurations.

I didn't know it, but my R53 came with factory-installed Xenons (single, not bi). I discovered this while adjusting the placement of the ballasts whilst removing the headlights. I know this changes the wiring of the headlights, but how much?

I have uploaded an image of the headlight wiring to illustrate the dilemma. The left headlight is the OEM. What is really admirable is that all of the wiring is internal and that it has a single plug. The right headlight is the projector and it is Medusa with wires everywhere. Only the low and high-beam conform to a single plug and there are four other wires which would require splicing.

Now, I know that given enough time and determination I could probably splice everything into working, along with installing HID lights. I am torn. If possible, I don't want to have to re-wire, as I am prone to mess those kinds of things up, but I crave the projectors (and the xenons too).

So to the point,
What is the stock wiring of Normal Cooper /S headlight and how does it compare?
Are there Projector Headlights that nicely conform to a single plug?
Has anyone installed Projector Headlights on a stock-Xenon Mini?
Are there any guides?
Any differences between Euro and American headlight wiring?


Help is appreciated,
Hugh

 

1st gen MINI xenons are all single, not bi-xenon. The back of my projector headlights does not look like the one you have there on the right in your picture. I suggest you show a picture of the front of the headlight which you purchased as it might be possible you purchased the wrong generation. I'm not exactly sure what the Gen 2 headlights look like on the back but mine was a direct plug in from Halogen to HID. I did have to get the computer flashed for HIDs as the headlights would flicker while the engine was on.

 

The seller indicated on the page it was for 02-05 Minis.

Attached is a frontal view. All of the bolts, etc. matchup. The plastic chrome piece covering the headlight washer nozzle has different clasps, and the wiring is really different. Nonetheless, a sliver of hope!

Where did you purchase your lights?

 

Those headlights are aftermarket projector lights. Those aren't the same as OEM HID Projectors as they use a halogen bulb. From what I have read on the forums about these it would be better to just keep the HID lights you have on your vehicle. My projector lights are Euro spec but the housing and wiring are the same as the US spec. The difference is in the beam cutoff.

 

Yes, I have reinstalled the original headlights. Do you know where I could purchase manufacturer/OEM projector headlights for HID?

 

I can tell you from seeing it in person, your current stock xenons will outperform the aftermarket headlights with xenons crammed in them. The aftermarket projectors are not meant for xenons, just halogens. The focus will be off, and you will have hot spots. Very uneven light output and horrible width. Just my 2 cents.

 

Your best bet would be to contact a junkyard. However, they do pop up on Ebay and NAM's Marketplace sometimes.

 

wondering ... where did you get the euro spec headlights?