HELP! Rally Driving Lights - should I or shouldn't I
That's kinda scary. I don't want to see you behind me
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5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2007
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Cruising the GWR was a good idea- I think just about every combination was there! I was talking to the guy behind me-who was driving the Green/White classic Mini about the Shelby. I mentioned that anywhere else people would be surrounding that car but here-no one noticed as we were all way too busy checking out everyones mods and lining up for free Red Bull.
Thanks for you all
who are giving your advice and opinions with this issue. I have a few weeks while waiting for my car to change the rally light part of the order.
6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,223
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From: DC
Get them! as they really set off the new Mini's! The lights will be tied to your high beams... Not to worry, all you have to do is locate the relay and change the high beam input wire with a ignition on power wire and you are set to go. ( I just did this with my 2004 MCS MC40 a few day ago... Although mine is not a 2007, the wiring should be very close if not identical) There's my 2 cents! I hope it helps!
Whoops! Ignore that. The reason that works on mine is that I have Ian Cull's auto armed driving lamp relay installed.
6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,223
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From: DC
If you like them get them. IMO the factory rally lights on either the R53 or R56 are more automotive jewelry than anything else. Their performance isn't good. I'd recommend looking at an aftermarket alternative. Try Aaron at Outmotoring. He will know what works. He has an R56 himself.
Congrats on your soon to be new MINI. Welcome to NAM.
Congrats on your soon to be new MINI. Welcome to NAM.
Certainly higher wattage bulbs would help some. Trouble is the lens controls the way that wattage is used. If the lights aren't very good with the standard wattage bulb they're not going to be a whole lot better with high wattage bulbs. Brighter yes, but better well maybe not so much.
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5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2007
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Thanks everyone for more comments and advice. Thanks for the pics also. I've been scanning through many pics
to check out the lights that Mini owners have installed themselves. Many have went to a bigger light in general it seems. Some have even covered the entire front of the car in lights. 
Top and bottom of the front grill. I haven't seen any light bars on the roof yet, but I'm sure it's out there. Much to consider here. I really don't
like that they are wired into the high beams if I keep my order as is. I'd like the option to use them when I want to and how I want to.
Thanks again everyone!!!
Thanks for the pics also. I've been scanning through many pics to check out the lights that Mini owners have installed themselves. Many have went to a bigger light in general it seems. Some have even covered the entire front of the car in lights. Top and bottom of the front grill. I haven't seen any light bars on the roof yet, but I'm sure it's out there. Much to consider here. I really don't like that they are wired into the high beams if I keep my order as is. I'd like the option to use them when I want to and how I want to. Thanks again everyone!!!
6th Gear
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 15,478
Likes: 2
"INSPECT OTHER LIGHTS FOR: Approved type, proper bulbs, condition of lenses, wiring and switch."
You better check your VA transportation laws because if they are not wired into the highs, you might not pass inspection (if you have to go for inspections).
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5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2007
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Don't you have vehicle inspections in VA? See http://www.vsp.state.va.us/Safety.shtm.
"INSPECT OTHER LIGHTS FOR: Approved type, proper bulbs, condition of lenses, wiring and switch."
You better check your VA transportation laws because if they are not wired into the highs, you might not pass inspection (if you have to go for inspections).
"INSPECT OTHER LIGHTS FOR: Approved type, proper bulbs, condition of lenses, wiring and switch."
You better check your VA transportation laws because if they are not wired into the highs, you might not pass inspection (if you have to go for inspections).
But I'd like to hear your side - under what conditions would you want to use them otherwise?
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5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2007
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I've heard this complaint before, but if you think about how true driving lights work - and when it would be appropriate to use them - having them wired into the high beams makes sense.
But I'd like to hear your side - under what conditions would you want to use them otherwise?
But I'd like to hear your side - under what conditions would you want to use them otherwise?
I don't like to be restricted in my options. If I want the blinding light of everything on at once that's fine, but I want options.
If you wire up a set of driving lights independent of the high beams it's only a matter of time until you blind the oncoming traffic with them. Having them tied to the highbeam means one quick click of that switch & all the bright lights are off.
If you go independent, please be courteous of other drivers. It's nice to have blinding lights when you're behind them. If you're in the middle of a turn and you switch off the high beams with the stalk, then have to fumble for the driving lights, the other driver will be blind
until you manage to shut them off.
edit: I like my options, too, but when it impacts others, it's best to think twice.
until you manage to shut them off.edit: I like my options, too, but when it impacts others, it's best to think twice.
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5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2007
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Man did this go off into left field. Sorry folks, something got lost here somewhere. The roads I'm speaking of I will not be blinding others under no means, if encountering other cars at all.
On another note I'm always courteous to others when using my high beams, which I think I've only done twice in the past year to begin with.
It would be just as easy to reach for a self installed toggle as it would be reaching for the high beam cut off. I'm not gadget challenged.
This option would surely not be used as often as some of you have in mind. It wouldn't be an every night switch on, just for those few times a year while on a special driving mission to the middle of no where.
Sorry folks, something got lost here somewhere. The roads I'm speaking of I will not be blinding others under no means, if encountering other cars at all. On another note I'm always courteous to others when using my high beams, which I think I've only done twice in the past year to begin with. It would be just as easy to reach for a self installed toggle as it would be reaching for the high beam cut off.
I'm not gadget challenged. This option would surely not be used as often as some of you have in mind.
It wouldn't be an every night switch on, just for those few times a year while on a special driving mission to the middle of no where.
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5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2007
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Thanks for the pic!!!
Those lights look very fitting to your situation.
6th Gear
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 15,478
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The point of pencil beams is to go BEYOND your highs, way down the road. The point of normal "driving lights" is to augment your highs with more light.
The bottom line is driving with driving lights on is the SAME as driving with your normal highs on. There is a reason the law is the law in relation to lights ... they augment your highs.
So instead of just flicking your highs off, EVERYTIME a car comes your way, you have to dip the driving lights. If that case ... why not just have your highs on?
That is the reason you got pushback
4th Gear
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 568
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I need some input, please. I placed my Mini order Friday, 6/29/07 with the Rally Driving Lights that are installed at the port upon it's arrival. I really thought I wanted these. I ordered the Chili Pepper Red/White Roof/White Bonnet Stripes/w/all the Chrome and thought the ralley lights really set the car off. It's an outrageously high priced option in my book, coming from a 4X4 background and knowing the these type lights are not that highly priced and not hard to install. I know it requires a different grill with cut outs for the lights and a special switch that matches the interior of the car. Heck, the money is not my issue. I've just been viewing so many Minis without them and like that look also. HELP!!!
Does anyone out there have any complaints about the lights?
Hopefully they are good quality and hold up to the elements well over time. Any input on this issue would be considered. Has anyone ordered them and not liked them?
I can still change my order, so please give me some advice here.
with the Rally Driving Lights that are installed at the port upon it's arrival. I really thought I wanted these. I ordered the Chili Pepper Red/White Roof/White Bonnet Stripes/w/all the Chrome and thought the ralley lights really set the car off. It's an outrageously high priced option in my book, coming from a 4X4 background and knowing the these type lights are not that highly priced and not hard to install. I know it requires a different grill with cut outs for the lights and a special switch that matches the interior of the car. Heck, the money is not my issue. I've just been viewing so many Minis without them and like that look also. HELP!!!Does anyone out there have any complaints about the lights?
Hopefully they are good quality and hold up to the elements well over time. Any input on this issue would be considered. Has anyone ordered them and not liked them?I can still change my order, so please give me some advice here.
4th Gear
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 358
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA
If you go independent, please be courteous of other drivers. It's nice to have blinding lights when you're behind them. If you're in the middle of a turn and you switch off the high beams with the stalk, then have to fumble for the driving lights, the other driver will be blind until you manage to shut them off.
edit: I like my options, too, but when it impacts others, it's best to think twice.
until you manage to shut them off.edit: I like my options, too, but when it impacts others, it's best to think twice.
Banned
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 129
Likes: 0
From: PA
Hope this helps
Here's the lite bar on my 07 - as you can see it's not as brite as the HIDs, but it is helpful in fog, etc.
Anyone know if it's legal to use this w/o caps in Pennsylvania?
I would not have bought them, but they were on the car (bought off the dealer's lot).
Anyone know if it's legal to use this w/o caps in Pennsylvania?
I would not have bought them, but they were on the car (bought off the dealer's lot).
5th Gear
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,069
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From: Midland, Ontario, Canada
I am not sure if mentioned, or if it applies the US or state by state.. But here in Canada, our fog lights go off when high beams are engaged, as you are only allowed to have no more then 4 forward facing lights (not including marker). So when I use my driving lights, in effect it is illegal, as I have at least 6, sometimes 8.
J
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