Hey all, perused this section and couldn't quite see the answer I needed to either of these questions, so here goes:

First, for those running Hella (or any non-OEM) driving lights, what did you use for brackets? I have zero interest in drilling through the bumper in a visible area, so had thought of running L-brackets back through the grill and attaching them to the bumper there. The problem is, the L-brackets I looked at today at Home Depot already have holes drilled into them, and they aren't centered on the bracket...so they won't work for the lights. Ideas here would be greatly appreciated, and photos even more so!

Second, I want to install the lights so they come on with the high beams without the need for a separate switch. Looking at the wiring diagram that came with lights, it looks like I can bypass the need for a switch by connecting the green wire (that normally runs between the high beam lead and the switch) and the yellow wire (that normally runs between #86 on the relay and the switch) directly to one another. Does that sound correct? I'm far from being an electrical engineer, but would really like to install these myself...but of course, I want them installed right the first time!

Thanks in advance for any thoughts/advice/ridicule!

Mike

 

Bump

I am very interested in this type of mod as well since it is getting tougher and tougher to find a good HID headlight replacement kit for an R56...

 

Not sure if this is too late. There is a vendor here that has an aftermarket bracket that installs where the OEM bracket installs. If you get the OEM brackets from morristown mini (comes with a grill) you may or may not have to cut out your chrome piece. I have 7 inch round hellas I use for DRLs (set to lower than low beam height), and they were so big I had to butcher the grill.

I'm sorry I forgot the vendor but it is one of the "main" vendors here.

I do not have the diagram, but yes, in general, if you tap into the wire that is triggering the high beams as the signal to your relay for the hellas, then that should work.

 

Out Motoring have brackets for Hella 1000 lights for US-spec MINIs - pictures on their web site.
Hella also have a wiring kit with a connector that piggy-backs on the back of the H4 headlight connector, which therefore picks up the high beam setting without having to do anything else fancy. The kit includes a relay and all the wiring you'll need. Can be installed with or without a separate switch - check state regulations for whether or not you need one.