I have a 04' MCS without the sport package so I have the ordinary kind of dull head lights. I was wondering if there are any bulbs out there that you would recommend for a sharp, crisp and bright white light. Not looking for colors like blue or purple just plain white. I'm asking because I need to replace them soon and I feel like I can't see pot holes at night. Thanks.

 

http://www.racinglab.com/accessories-light-bulbs.html

ive had good luck with these.

 

AutoZone, PEPBOYS or any decent chain place should have SilverStars

I have them on the 02 and find them an improvement

PIAA is also a reputable brand and you may find them on the shelf

they are a direct replacement bulb....5 minute install.

 

hmm... do you guys use a specific one? I pretty much have to be spoon fed on this one.

 

OK - headlights 101

Your first generation MINI with standard headlights uses an H7 halogen bulb. Actually is uses 4. Two in each headlight assembly. One for the low beam and one for the high beam. Replacing these bulbs is a simple matter of buying a replacement and accessing the back of the headlight assmbly by popping a rubbber cover off and locating the bulb plug. Depending on the year of your MINI the bulb is either held in with a metal spring clip over the back of the bulb (early cars - my 02 has this), or three spring clips around the side. The former flips away releasing the bulb, and the latter needs one clip to be pressed away then you can work the bulb out. It changed on July 2004 according to Haynes. The wire connector snaps onto the back of the bulb and only fits one way. Note that H7 is a VERY common bulb...easy to find at any auto part store.

Several companies make "better" bulbs then the standard ones...."better" being subjective.

I use Sylvania Silver Star bulbs which can be found at any decent auto parts store in single and dual packs. On sale they can be found for about $13 for a twin pack but regular price is more like $25 for 2. SilverStar was plenty good for me and I saw enuf improvement over the stock bulbs to replace the bulbs on two of my other cars. But some don't like SS and there are plenty of other chioces. (From the beginning I thought the headlights on my 02 were weak but it was a couple of years b4 I bought the SS's...and then kicked myself for waiting as the difference was significant IMHO)

I'd recommend simply heading over to PEPBOYS or AutoZone or similar and ask someone for help. Most of these larger parts stores will put the bulb in for you / show you how; and probably show you SS's and other brands they carry. One warning....don't touch the glass of the bulb. Oil from your hand can be the cause of premature failure of the bulb.

Buy a pair and replace your low beams. If you like 'em get another pair and replace the highs. (test your lights so you'll know which is the high bulb, and which is low) Changing these bulbs is a 5 minute job. {if your lights seem mis-aimed after the swap, open things back up as you probably didn't get the bulb in right. One of mine was cocked in the socket and pointed way up 'til I got it seated correctly. There is a TAB on the bulb to aid alignment}


{other readers note: GEN2 MINIs use a different bulb, H13, this is a single bulb with high and low beams in one bulb} .

I actually replaced one side then went out to a dark road.....I was sold.

http://www.brightheadlights-hid.com/Silverstar.htm

p.s. some have posted here saying SS's didn't last long for them. I have had them on the 02 for 3 years and have the DRLs on too. Still going strong on the first set of bulbs.

 

I thought for hids you need a new housing or wiring. I have regular headlights. (non sports package)

 

Capt BJ:
Great info for the newbies. Some additional info for those that care:
Sylvania makes an 'Ultra' version of the Silver Stars (noticible improvement) that run about $50 for a pair. Used them thru the winter and really like them.
The early Silver Stars had some high failure rates, but the problem was cured and didn't extend to the Ultras.
Tweaked the adjusters a tad to raise the beams, and couldn't be happier.

 

your 'regular' headlights use the H7 halogen bulb. The Xeons are all together different beasts.

 

Interesting stuff. I saw those SS's in Autozone today but I was hesitant to get them. I'm really searching for a bulb that is close to HID as it can get. (The clean crisp white light). I'm thinking about the SS Ultra's if nobody else has any suggestions.