Hello all:
I am trying to get my dealer to install the round big style "Piaa" type fog lights that get installed in the grille of my upcoming Pepper S. (for free or at a BIG discount) Can someone, anyone, tell me why these things are so darn pricey? $510 for the lights themselves then something like 2 or 3 hours to install at around $100 per? Come on now, are they nuts at the dealer?

 

No. You can order the MCS with built in fogs for a lot less. And they look better.

 

PIAAs are expensive ... period. For better aftermarket lights and far cheaper try Hella.

 

I dunno what PIAA's you want but I got mine at Tire Rack (model 540 for Minis, which includes the grill brackets) for $255. Installation ran around $125 Mine are driving lights not fog lights though.

p.s...the PIAA website has a feature where you can search for recommended installers by your location.

 

Thanks guys for your responses. The lights I was referring to were the rally type driving lights that get attached to the Coop's front grille. I'm not sure who makes them for Mini, but I happen to like the look of them on the car ALONG with the stock Mini fogs.

 

Beware of PIAA bulbs.

Read http://www.danielsternlighting.com and his take on the "you get 100 watts from a 55 watt bulb" article. They ARE inferior halogens.

 

Ot look here http://www.danielsternlighting.com if you are not a Dr looking for work.

 

Thanks for correcting that!

 

Are you wanting fog lamps (low projecting wide shorter diffuse beam good for fog/inclement weather) or driving lamps (narrower far throwing very bright lights akin to high beams)? Just be sure which type of lamp you want before you order and have them installed, big difference between the two.

FYI- I'm pretty sure that the oem lamps are only available as driving lights and activate with the high beams, so if you want fogs you'd have to go for aftermarket lamps. I could be wrong though...

 

I think he meant driving lamps. They're expensive because MINI makes them. There is currently no aftermarket mounting brackets for the 07 MINI, so PIAA is not an option yet.

 

Bear in mind that on an 07 the dealer fit lights include a different grille, so if you go aftermarket you won't get this and will have to work out how to fix them.

 

Yes, the new lights have a VERY custom bracket that looks nearly impossible to reproduce in low volume and the grill has a custom cutout for the brackets...looks like a lot of work to modify should you want to keep your stock grill, but I am not sure if the bracket has it's own part number.....

 

That's right, I meant the OEM Mini driving lights. I doubt Mini makes them, probably Piaa or someone else like Piaa makes them.

 

Doubtful that PIAA makes them.

You can always just order the OEM lights and NOT have the dealer install the lamps, and then buy some decent aftermarket lights. Xenon driving lights are now widely available,

 

I asked about this for the 07' cooperS in the inter/exterior mods forum. Outmotoring will have a bracket in 4-5 weeks. Hope this helps!

Give me about 4-5 weeks and we will have a bar to mount 4 across the front....in front of the upper grill.
__________________
Aaron Cornaby

Head Motorer
www.OutMotoring.com

 

The lights seem very secure. You do have to take the grille out to do the proper mount. I used some aluminum support stock and a large washer on the back to give the bracket more support. To take the grille out you first need to remove the 4 plastic attachment points at the top (put a screw driver behind them and work them out) then you can pull the top of the grille back enough to reach the plastic clips on the bottom. Let me know if you have any other questions. BTW: I got the Hella lights from my local Advance Auto Parts store for $64.99, which included all of the wiring and installation parts. I picked up a few hardware items, including chrome plumbing caps (see photos) from Lowe's to complete the installation. This sure beats the factory install price.

 

Awesome install! How did you wire them up? With the high beam switch or on their own switch?

 

The wiring is not completed as of yet, but they will be wired through the high beam switch. They will also have a seperate switch so I can either have them on with the high beams or shut them off an just have the factory high beams. This system worked great on my 02 MC

 

Install looks great. Dumb question...Is the grille on the R56 made of metal? If its plastic, I would be concerned about the light breaking off...

 

I can attest that in IMO and experience..PIAA are the worst bulbs. They have an uncanny ability to burn out quickly...Remember never touch the bare bulb with your fingers (wipe clean if you do) because the oil from your skin getting onto teh bulb can cause it to crack when it heats up.

 

I must say that looks SUPER !
Is the grill on the new Mini plastic and if so do they shake when you drive ?