So I'm in a dilemma regarding my driving lights. The dealer says they can't install the OEMs when my new '11 comes in next week due to the fact that they can't get the updated parts needed. Probably will be able to in a month or so. I'm looking into aftermarkets and like the Hella Black Magic 500s, but think they are a bit too big to mount in the upper grill where the OEMs traditionally go so I would mount them in the lower grill. I'm concerned they will be more prone to damage down that low, but my main question is whether mounting them that low will render them useless or drastically less effective for distance illumination. I am getting these lights for looks, yes, but I also live in deer country and really want the extra visibility I'm hoping these are meant for.
By mounting lights that low am I essentially making just really bright fog lights?
This is the mounting position I'm considering for the Hellas if I go with them. (This is BostonR56S's awesome MINI)


Annette

 

Annette, here's the setup I had on my '05 --



This was the Alta bar with two (instead of four) of their IPF-968 6" light fixtures. The lights came with both 65w and 100w bulbs, and I chose to use the latter. With the beams aimed parallel to the ground, they did a fantastic job of lighting up the road surface but also projected well down the road too -- kind of like having an extra set of high beams. I also had them principally for early Bambi alerts.

Yes, they are more vulnerable being lower. The IPFs allowed use of some rather nifty clear acrylic light covers that could be left in place all of the time and didn't have to be removed to use the lights (in fact, I have a spare set that I've got advertised on the NAM Marketplace right now -- new MINI, so no need for them anymore). The clear covers definitely showed some substantial pitting over time. I was just glad it was on the covers and not on the lights themselves.

This setup served me well for the nearly four years I had them.

 

Very nice, that is a good look and one I would be thrilled with. I'm so torn on what to do. I love the OEMs and the fact that they have what looks like a nice set up for the switch and that they will be covered under warranty, but at the price the dealer wants it's kind of hard to swallow.
I guess I could use an Alta bar and the Hella Black Magics, right?
Annette

 

Not sure. There are probably some alternative bars out there that might be a bit less expensive. Also, on my install with the Aero Kit the bottom of the Alta bar had to be almost touching the bumper skin (within ~1/4") in order for the back of the light fixtures to have sufficient clearance (~1/8") when pointed level. If the lights had been any thicker (fore and aft) they wouldn't have worked.

I can also report that the dealer installed OEM driving driving lights on my '11 are not nearly as bright as my old pair of 100w IPFs. But I still like them.

 

Just realized the Alta bar is discontinued.
Outmotoring's brackets look nice and unobtrusive from what I can tell.
Annette

 

Outmotoring's brackets give you some versatility in mounting position.
Generally speaking, driving lights should be as high as you can mount them, fog lights just the opposite. That's not to say that they won't work mounted low, just maybe a bit less than perfect.
Personally, I think the OEM lights are overpriced for what you get. Many more options in the aftermarket.

 

Have you considered mounting them between the upper and lower grille? The larger lights look nice there, especially in groups of 3 or 4. I am currently debating where I want to install driving lamps on my 2011. I am not sure about putting them on the lower grille because of the brake air ducts. Definitely post pictures once you figure it out!

 

I have. I live in GA, and we are not required to have a front license plate so since I don't have to drill into the bumper I'd like to avoid it. If I mount the lights there I'm guessing holes will have to be drilled.

I was looking at the fronts of '11s on here and noticed that the hole for the tow hook is in a different location as well and is kind of right in the way.

Annette

 

Annette, how much total is your dealership charging? Luckily I had no problem as they had the parts, although I HAD been emailing and calling weekly with my option choices (demands). I'm at work on the iPhone now so don't have the paperwork, but whatever they charged I was okay with. The parts issue hit me last Thursday. My thermostat is a little wonky but they won't have replacements for two weeks. I also wanted to replace my passenger side "oh god" handle with a visor but they can't order them yet! Sigh.

PS: on iPhone... Wee little keyboard. Sorry for mispellings

 

They want like $995 for lights and install.

 

I just purchased a MC 2012 and I'd love to have driving lights. Dealership fees are a bit pricey. Is it difficult to mount the lights myself?

 

I have added Hella 500 Black Magic DL's on the OEM circuitry and Hella 500 Fogs on independent circuitry. They work great although the Fogs should be a bit lower.

My question is the legal aspect of driving with yellow fogs or long range DL's UNCOVERED. As I understand it there are some states that do not allow uncovered lamps. Can anyone verify that fact???

I am planning a road trip to San Diego from Seattle and then diagonally to Wisconsin and back to Seattle across Canada.

Does anyone know the regs???

 

The Mini is so low to begin with, I don't think the difference between a high and low mounting would amount to much of a difference.

As for the lights, you really should source yourself some good HID driving lights. It's the way of the future and you get much more light for fewer watts. I like the lights that are available from Baja Designs:

http://www.bajadesigns.com/ProductDe...-Driving-Black

http://www.bajadesigns.com/ProductDe...-Driving-Black

http://www.bajadesigns.com/ProductDe...on-Led-Driving

 

Slightly less radiator restriction might be beneficial, especially with an automatic trans.

Those lamps by Bajadesigns might be heavier and mounting them might be a problem. I notice you do not have extra lamps on your MINI.

 

I have the same question... where does one source driving lights and hardware to mount and tie into the std circuitry?

 

Here's a pic of my Hella 500's...I got the JCW mesh grille for my Cooper and just mounted them to it, using metal and rubber washers on either side. They're wired to come on with my high beams (no separate switch), so I don't run the covers at all anymore. There's a bit of visible vibration when they're on, but it's not really a big issue because I don't have to use them very often.