Aloha all! Wife has a 21 JCW Vert we bought new with just 16k miles as of now. Headlights (both) started looking like this. MINI dealer ordered parts but when I went to get them replaced, they said the warranty claim was denied because they don't cover cracking or spiderwebbing. Like HUH? This looks like neither to me, and it's on the INSIDE of the lends, it's not been scratched by the elements, it's obviously a defect of some sort.

Sadly as I live on Maui the only dealer I can take it to is the BMW dealer here. Does anyone know a number I can call or email address to fight the denial? AITA for expecting MINI to replace them? These pictures are 2 months old, it actually looks even worse now.

 

We were denied warranty coverage for the same issue too. Maybe if enough people complain they would honor it.

 

First time i have seen that in the F56. Seen the halogen ones fade. The factory Valeo ones pre LCI we have cheap now. But you need LCI.

I dont think pre LCI will hook into LCI as a straight swap.

I dont see Valeo or AL(magneti Marelli) OEM supplier release to the aftermarket yet. We don't have aftermarkets for factory LED cars. Just genuine.

pre LCI
https://www.ecstuning.com/Search/Sit...h/63117448386/
and
https://www.ecstuning.com/Search/Sit...h/63117448385/

 

Just found this also, so LCI swaps into PRE LCI, so with programming, Pre LCI should swap into LCI. That means those valeo units on sale should work in newer MINIs.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...n-pre-lci.html

 

What kind of "programming" though? Do those Valeo look OEM?

 

Valeo and AL are OEM dependent on the year and type. In the aftersales they are not allowed to print "MINI" on the inside of the headlight for the Gen 3 MINI. So thats is blank unless you purchase the Genuine MINI headlights.
Programming means to flash with NCS expert or hack software,

 

FWIW, talked to my actual MINI dealer and then got a call that it's been approved! Getting the new headlights installed tomorrow under warranty! :-)

 

Thats good, i guess its up to the dealers if they want to do it.

 

BTW, big mahalo for your replies above, you all are always helpful!!! So I'm an odd case because I have no MINI dealer I can go to, but finally reached out to the dealer over on Oahu and they were able to push to get it approved for us. Drove home tonight with some brand new headlights, yay!

Mahalo again ECS!

 

Your welcome, glad to help.

 

That happened to me on my 2017, seemingly overnight, with only like 10k miles. MINI wouldn't cover it. I just lived with it, as it never got any worse and it never actually yellowe or got cloudy. Just millions of spider-web cracks. I am hoping my 2023 will not have the same issue.

 

Linked above are the headlights and super cheap. 1/10th the price and OEM, just dont say MINI.

 

That's a faulty seal and should 100% be covered under warranty.

 

Why would someone downgrade to pre-LCI headlights?????

 

They like the design better then the LCI, also the pre LCI through valeo direct is much cheaper, look at the prices linked above. Especially if you are out of warranty.

 

how did you get it replace my dealer is refusing to replace them my cars a 2020. The advisor didn’t even go out and look at them just told me nope “I know mini won’t approve it to be replaced “

 

Its on a dealer by dealer basis, owned many MINIs and its up to them, or the dealer. In the past i try another dealer, if they say no, then i am stuck or just buy here at ECS. Most of the time we have low cost options or upgrades.

 

how did you get them replaced i’ve talked with my dealer they’re refusing to even look at them. They just tell me straight up no and talked with Mini of USA. They can’t do anything for me. No goodwill, assistance or anything they told me I have to drive hours away for a second opinion, and that’s not even guarantee that it will be replaced underneath my warranty. How did you get yours approved?

 

Did you end up getting them replaced?

 

now the F56 is out of production I do wonder if some pre facelift parts will become available in white boxes as “value line parts”
will look out for these in the UK as it saves a weekend bent over the car polishing and cleaning up the mess afterwards ( white stuff everywhere under the hood)

 

Nope, the value line from MINI does not include lights, i talked to valeo whom is the OEM for these and once they stop aftersales of the part, its not soon after that the part in a couple years it becomes NLA from Genuine MINI. Then you have to get aftermarket (those other designs whole housing kits) from us. Those Pre LCI early year whole headlights are going nla from Valeo group. I bet in a year or two they will nla also.

I am glad we were able to get the lenses on their own.