Hey guys, my gf ordered an HID kit for her mini cooper 2 (2008). I don't know much about mini coopers =\ I have been searching for any DIY's specifically for the mini cooper (S), but have found nothing. Is there one available? If not, where is a good place to mount the ballasts? Do I have to take out the headlight casing? Thanks for any help!

 

Rinapark,

Good luck with the mod! There is a couple of lengthy very detailed threads below with lots of pictures to help you out called "Who has H13 HID installed" and I think "Bixenon conversion problem" it's on page 2 near the top.

Do you have the Kit with the relay harness (that draws power from the battery) or are there small black boxes that plug into each H13 headlight socket? You will have more room to work with if you have the latter. The install does get a little cluttered so I understand your concern. I put my ballasts on top of the black rail next to the housing. Depending on your harness you will need a hole in the removeable door to route wires through and you will probably need to also slot one or more housings to get access to the larger factory H13 plug. Once you are done you can seal them up with a silicon to keep water out.

Depending on what kit you got will determine if you get a bulbout warning. I have a fix for that too which is in that "who has H13 HID" thread below. Keep posting here if you have any questions, there are several guys here that can help.

 

FYI - the reflector of your halogen headlight assembly is computer designed, and was not developed for the intensity of a 35 watt HID kit. It will ultimately blind the oncoming traffic....

 

Thanks Smoke! I really appreciate the help! i am planning to work on the install this weekend. I probably will have to get some more tips from you! thanks!

 

No problem rinapark. When you get it in I will give you aiming tips so that it will not blind oncoming drivers.

Check out my gallery and you can judge the pattern in the R56 application for yourself. Granted there is a little bleed through in the center (which actually may be the LED eyelids) but hardly blinding. On the street shot it is not detectable. That is the cleanest reflector pattern I have ever seen. It is quite different from the R53 design. Perhaps someone with an R53 could post their light pattern so we can see the difference.

update: my gallery has been updated with an 05 projector pic. The hot spots, ghosted cutoff and the pattern to the left (that on-coming traffic would see) that I have been complaining about is clearly illustrated. Bottom line in "retrofit dollars" that is a $1000.0 pattern, the HID retro pattern is a $132.00 pattern. Please someone with either a R53 with an HID conversion or stock halogens please post something similar so we can compare.