I added an LED strip in the gap between the hatch lip and bumper. Here are some videos showing what it looks like at night. In the daytime it is harder to see because I have it recessed and only the glow from the light is visible, not the LED strip itself.



I tapped into the 12v outlet in the boot for the main power, and used the clip on quick splices to tap the signals from the tail light.
I got the LED strip from amazon.

If you have any questions feel free to ask.

 

I'm guessing that those are probably not legal in many states. Did you research that?

 

Yes, Luckily Alabama doesn't have very strict regulations. It is common to see vehicles with underglow and light bars. The only thing I am concerned about is if a real strict LEO thought the always-on blue-ish light was too bright, but I can disconnect that wire and the rest of the functions will still operate. Since the strip isn't directly visible I am not very worried. I have had LEOs behind me and they haven't seemed to care.

 

BbyDenns, are you in River Region MINIS? They show up for some of the Magic City MINI meets.

 

I am. I think the last time i went and met up with Magic City MINIs was a few years ago at barber doing the parade laps and museum tour. That was in my R53 with the tach sticker on the rear window. A pic is in my album. I want to attend more meetings, but between work and kids it is difficult to find the time.