I was recently informed I am getting a set of driving lights as a gift. I have decided on the PIAA 510's - I really like their size. Now they are smaller light (and assuming lighter) will the PIAA brackets be strong enough to eliminate vibration? Or should I spend the xtra $$ for the Mini Madness brackets? or is is there something better (or as good, but cheaper). I've looked on the forum and read a bunch of discussions aong these lines, but mainly dealing with the PIAA's 540's and I would think the smaller size would make a difference.

Thanks.

 

See http://www.piaa.com/Lamps/Lamps-VehicleSpecific.html
PIAA makes brackets specifically for the MINI!

 

I am aware that PIAA makes mini specific brackets. I just have read some posts here saying with the 540's they are good. I have read quite a few posts(and got the recommendation) to use the Mini Madness brackets for super stability and not much vibration at all. Just wondering if the Mini madness brackets were worth the money, or if the PIAA brackets will be good with the 510's.

 

I have the PIAA 540 kit for the MINI. My lights are very stable. Since the 510's are smaller I would imagine they will be fine using the PIAA brackets.

 

Thanks for the info. I think I am going to go with the PIAA brackets. Wanted driving lights since I got my mini, can't wait!!!!

 

mmmmm mini madness bracket are great!!! very strong and you wont be disappointed.

-Josh

 

I found Piaa's worked the best

 

Will the Piaa brackets work on a '05 mcs or just 02-04?

 

Does Piaa bracket involve a lot of drilling and cutting to fit in the car?

 

I second the recommendation for MINI Madness brackets. While the OEM and the PIAA brackets are fine the Madness ones are very stout and do not require the additional stabilization mod.

Both types require the same amount of drilling and cutting, drill 3 holes and cut one approx 3" slot for aerogrille application only. The PIAA and OEM brackets are designed to pinch the lower grill slat during the mounting. The Madness bracket fits above the lower slat and does not have the additional tabs to pinch it.

Ref the model years - I believe that the grille from all model years, and models for that matter, are interchangeable and therefore it shouldn't be an issue doing the install on an 05.

There are pictures in my install threads of both the above types as well as the Hella version.

 

As far as model years go there is a 3 slat (older) and a 4 slat (newer) grille (saorry can't remember exact date of change); but I don't know what if any differance that makes.

 

Are those changes due to model years or models? Thought the MCS was a 4 slat and the Cooper a 3 slat. They did however change the surround trim from a fluted piece to a flat piece in the 04 or 05 year. I've put a 04 grill from a cooper into my 02 MCS with no problem.

Edit: Had it backwards - 3 slats on the MCS and 4 on the Coopers - Opps