Electrical Santa brought me OEM driving lights...
Santa brought me OEM driving lights...
Unfortunately, Santa didn't install them for me. I'm not particularly handy, is this something I should leave for the pros? I've downloaded MINI's instructions from MotoringFile but they're a little over my head. I've not seen any postings which include detailed photos and instructions - any suggestions? I'm about ready to return them to Santa's workshop. FYI, they're aux driving light installation kit p/n 63 12 0 144 132.
go to your local club I am sure if you feed someone and maybe toss them $20 they would help you install them so you can learn and have cool driving lights. I know I would! If you would rather part with $400+ go to the dealer...
-Josh
-Josh
I had my local mechanic help me since I am not incredibly clever with electrical stuff. I installed the lights and brackets and had my mechanic help me to complete the wiring. I paid less than 1 hour labor for his help.
I like the $20 and a meal solution. Thanks for the suggestions, all. I'm not too worried about the mechanical installation or the electrical - just things like removing the radio. The instructions refer to removing it but don't tell me how! I guess I need to do a little more research. I look forward to more suggestions and how-to photos of those who have already successfully completed the task.
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I was very surprised by the 'remove the radio' step as well, but check out the description from the MINI instruction sheet...
[FONT=Arial][SIZE=3]
[FONT=Arial][SIZE=3]
21. Route the two wires ([/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3]F[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3]) GR/RT and VI/BL of the
supplemental harness through the open areas
for the radio.
22. Connect the GR/RT wire from the supplemental
harness to the GR/RT wire going to pin 14 (58G)
of the radio ([/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3]1[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3]) using a quick connect ([/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3]aa[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3]).
23. Connect the VI/BL wire from the supplemental
harness to the VI/BL wire going to pin 16 (R) of
the radio ([/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3]1[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3]) using a quick connect ([/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3]aa[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3]).[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]It seems that it's either drawing power or ignition power from the back of the radio. [/SIZE][/FONT]
[/SIZE][/FONT]
supplemental harness through the open areas
for the radio.
22. Connect the GR/RT wire from the supplemental
harness to the GR/RT wire going to pin 14 (58G)
of the radio ([/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3]1[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3]) using a quick connect ([/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3]aa[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3]).
23. Connect the VI/BL wire from the supplemental
harness to the VI/BL wire going to pin 16 (R) of
the radio ([/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3]1[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3]) using a quick connect ([/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3]aa[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3]).[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]It seems that it's either drawing power or ignition power from the back of the radio. [/SIZE][/FONT]
FWIW, you can edit the message and remove the HTML - for whatever reason it doesn't show up in the initial paste, but does after it's posted.
To answer an earlier question, the driving lights do not need dealer activation, though a front fog retrofit would, as they use a toggle switch.
To answer an earlier question, the driving lights do not need dealer activation, though a front fog retrofit would, as they use a toggle switch.
The OEM driving lights remove the radio primarily to tap into the backlight supply so that the driving light switch backlight works.
Most aftermarket lights don't bother with a backlight - or even a switch! They often are installed simply with a relay off the high beams and no user on/off, so they just always come on with high beams.
The OEM kit on the other hand has a switch to arm/disarm the driving lights so they only come on with high beams when required by the driver. Thus, the wiring is more tricky.
Most aftermarket lights don't bother with a backlight - or even a switch! They often are installed simply with a relay off the high beams and no user on/off, so they just always come on with high beams.
The OEM kit on the other hand has a switch to arm/disarm the driving lights so they only come on with high beams when required by the driver. Thus, the wiring is more tricky.
Thanks for the clarification - it makes sense now. I'm inclined to return the rather expensive OEM lights and choose a little less expensive set with a simpler wiring set-up. Any suggestions? I'm thinking of the $100 range.
Originally Posted by rond
Thanks for the clarification - it makes sense now. I'm inclined to return the rather expensive OEM lights and choose a little less expensive set with a simpler wiring set-up. Any suggestions? I'm thinking of the $100 range.
Also check out http://www.hellausa.com They have mini cooper kits for FF200s.
Originally Posted by mahaneyrobkathie
Are the OEM lights the Hella FF200? .

Your dealer is full of BS. See http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...53&hg=63&fg=95
If its just the lens, call Classic MINI, one of NAM's vendors, and give them the correct part # which looks like
63120137303
Originally Posted by chows4us
No way. Oem lights are just that, MINI's (or BMWs)
Your dealer is full of BS. See http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...53&hg=63&fg=95
If its just the lens, call Classic MINI, one of NAM's vendors, and give them the correct part # which looks like
63120137303

Your dealer is full of BS. See http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...53&hg=63&fg=95
If its just the lens, call Classic MINI, one of NAM's vendors, and give them the correct part # which looks like
63120137303
Thanks Chow!! I'll give that a try.
Originally Posted by rond
I was very surprised by the 'remove the radio' step as well, but check out the description from the MINI instruction sheet...
[FONT=Arial][SIZE=3]
[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial][SIZE=3]
21. Route the two wires ([/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3]F[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3]) GR/RT and VI/BL of the
supplemental harness through the open areas
for the radio.
22. Connect the GR/RT wire from the supplemental
harness to the GR/RT wire going to pin 14 (58G)
of the radio ([/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3]1[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3]) using a quick connect ([/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3]aa[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3]).
23. Connect the VI/BL wire from the supplemental
harness to the VI/BL wire going to pin 16 (R) of
the radio ([/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3]1[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3]) using a quick connect ([/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3]aa[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3]).[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]It seems that it's either drawing power or ignition power from the back of the radio. [/SIZE][/FONT]
supplemental harness through the open areas
for the radio.
22. Connect the GR/RT wire from the supplemental
harness to the GR/RT wire going to pin 14 (58G)
of the radio ([/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3]1[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3]) using a quick connect ([/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3]aa[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3]).
23. Connect the VI/BL wire from the supplemental
harness to the VI/BL wire going to pin 16 (R) of
the radio ([/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3]1[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3]) using a quick connect ([/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3]aa[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Arial][SIZE=3]).[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial][SIZE=3][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]It seems that it's either drawing power or ignition power from the back of the radio. [/SIZE][/FONT]
[/SIZE][/FONT]
I haven't retrofitted the driving lamps, but I have retrofitted the heated seats in a friend's MINI....I ran into it there.
Rawhyde
I'd be willing to help you do the install if you came to my garage...(have plenty of space). I'm thinking about doing the same to my mini, but santa wasn't as nice to me as he was you
I live just 20 minutes south of Ft.Wayne, IN. Drop me a PM or something (if interested), and we can do this on a weekend or when you're available
I live just 20 minutes south of Ft.Wayne, IN. Drop me a PM or something (if interested), and we can do this on a weekend or when you're available Thread
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