I've got a very early 2003 MCS with over 91K on it. I think one of the original xenon (HID) bulbs might be going out. When I pulled up to the autocross this morning the guys commented that one of the headlights wasn't on. I checked it a little later, and both were lit, but when I left to go home (it rained all day, so I had the lights on for the drive home) it was out again. Cycling the switch ignited it.

Is this an indication that the bulb is failing? If so, can someone confirm that I need a D2-R bulb and a good source of a quality replacement. I'm not looking to change the color.

Thanks in advance.
Scott
90SM

 

Just look in your manual, it says the bulb numbers. If you have no manual, download one from motoringfile.com

Once you have the number, just google it. Google is your friend ... lots of hit

 

Thanks for a quick supply.

I looked in the Bentley manual to get the number, and the Sylvania on-line guide also indicated it for a 2002-2004. I did search (used Dogpile, acutally) which turned up several possible sources, only one of which I've heard of before. Susquehana Motorsports has a Hella bulb (capsule) HL78404 for $107. I've heard of Hella, of course. Color / temperature is not noted.

I also found bulbman.com with 39657 Sylvania/Osram 4250k for $125.

Plasmagarage.com has 5000K (brand not noted) for $129 a pair but they are not available now. The 6000K are, for $159 a pair, but as near as I can tell that will reduce light and change color. Again, can't tell what the brand is.

I've already spent a couple hours browsing plus doing some searches here on NAM. I'm just looking to see if there is something I'm missing.

Scott
90SM

 

actually... the industry standard number for the mini's xenon bulb is D2R, D2C is also applicable as most aftermarket bulbs from ebay or elsewhere is only D2C

i wish i can afford the PIAA xenons..... but 400+ for 2 bulbs is RIDICULOUS!

 

If you know how to plug/unplug the bulbs I would suggest you to swap the 2 bulbs before buying a new one. I am not 100% sure but I don't think xenon bulbs will go on and off like what you mentioned, and I'm suspecting it could be a problem with the harness or even the ballast. If after the swap it's still the same side that flickers then maybe the bulb isn't the cause.

 

Susquehana is http://www.rallylights.com/hella/misc_bulbs.asp
Rallylights ... same place.

Very reputable place. Thats where I bought my Hella FF200s from.

 

Good suggestion Disco. I just swapped the capsules side-to-side.

I guess I'll try to contact Susquehana and see what the Hella capsule is rated at, in case the non-starting problem follows the move.

Thanks guys.

Scott
90SM

 

holy crap. now i know why I didnt buy them!

man they are cool but 125 dollars eek

 

http://www.hid-sin.com/ This place is nice, they give you pictures with the different color variations.

 

Hey guys, bringing a semi-old thread back. My driver side light did the same thing last night. It went out, then I restarted my car ~5min later, and it worked. I left my friends house, got home, and noticed it was out again. Shut the car off and then it came back on!?

Am I looking at replacing just the bulb, the ballast? Harness? I've never messed with the lighting of this car before, but it is 4 years old.....so I would expect it to be a bulb issue?

Anyway, if it IS a bulb issue, what bulbs are best? I mise well just get two new fresh bulbs, since the other's are 4 years old....the passenger side might go out too. Has anyone tried the 10k HID kit from Hid-Sin? And what is the difference between the different kits? Like Single Beam, H4 Dual Beam, etc.?

Or would I be better off just ordering two 10k xenon bulbs? What's the difference between getting two 10k Xenon bulbs, vs. getting two 10k xenon bulbs with the HID kit?

Oh, and is the bulb (low-beam) is a D2R or H7 bulb? How do I tell if I have the HID or replacement Halogens (I know I have Xenon headlamps)?

Thanks!
-Cody

 

Cody--

I just picked up a pair from visionbulbs.com during a xenomatch group buy but these were not on special. They were $110 a pair and seem to work alright for me. I got HID D2R 4300k's

here is a link with a few pictures

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ght=xeno-match

 

Thanks for the quick response. Would I be better off getting two 10k xenon bulbs, or the 10k HID kit? What's the difference?

-Cody

 

Are you trying to go super blue/purple? I don't know much about how much power our systems can withstand w/o a melt down. I personally wouldn't go higher then 6000k. Mainly because I'm not into the color of the lights after 6000K it starts to get to blue for my liking.

I just purchased the bulbs.

 

Yes I want to go blue. I love the look of the 10k....and I will most likly just get two new bulbs. Now....has anyone ran 10k bulbs? I really don't want 4300, or even 6k, but I also don't want a melt down....

-Cody

 

Cody--

Sorry I couldn't help more. I just don't know of there is a change in wattage, heat, etc. And I don't know what our housings and wiring can take.

What ever you find out keep us posted. I'm sure there are others on this board that would like to know as well.

Good Luck.

--golden_child

 

Thanks for your help, I posted in the Interior and Exterior forum also.

-Cody

 

So Polizei did you ever get the 10k HID replacement bulbs? My 2003 MCS xenon bulb is out and needs replacement. Helix sells 1 oem 02'-04' bulb for $194 and I will probably go aftermarket and buy a pair.

 

Is there a huge difference between the d2s and d2r bulbs. I know that the "S" if for projectors and the "R" is for reflectors, but anyone have any first hand knowledge?

thanks.

 

Hello Burley,

Our PIAA catalog shows:

the D2S HID bulb as a Low beam Option for 05-06 cooper and cooper S

and the D2R HID bulb as a Low beam Option for 02-04 cooper and cooper S.

I do have a few sets of PIAA D2S at a very low price.

Victor

 

Yup, there is a huge difference. If you get the wrong one you will be blinding oncoming drivers. I too have an 03 which requires the D2R, and was sent the wrong ones (no venders here), and was constantly getting flashed. They fit fine, just dont work correct.

(I can send them to you if you want, they are the 6000k, only used for a month until I figured out what was wrong)

Nik

 

D2R bulbs have a dark strip wrapped around the lower portion of the bulb just above the base. That dark strip serves to block out the glare produced from reflector type HID housings. D2S don't have that strip because projector housings have the cutoff line built-in to the actual housing. Hope this helps.