I have a 2003 MINI and the Xenon lamps have begun to lose their brightness and I understand that's typical. I have priced replacement bulbs and cannot afford the almost $300 replacement cost. I know the bulb configuration is unique compared to the standard bulbs. Does anyone know if I can "down-grade" my Xenons?

 

You can get a pair of HID bulbs for around $15 at ddmtuning. No need to downgrade

 

Here are the D2R Xenon bulbs :

There are some other cost options. Part # 63126907495


http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/63126907495/



Thanks

 

If your lights are losing their "brightness," I recommend having the bulbs and ballasts tested (if possible) just to be sure. One way to do this is - if one side is better than the other, swap just the bulbs from either side. If the issues follows, it's the bulb(s). If the issue remains on the original side, it could be the ballast(s) or something within the factory wiring.

You should not need to "downgrade" your xenons. I get all my MINI lighting stuff from these guys (www.hidpro.com) and their D2 bulbs are $40 for the pair with a 1 year replacement warranty. I'd give them a call and see if they have any recommendations for your MINI.

 

Bulbs tend to turn a bit "pink" just before they fail....
Quality bulbs can last years (100,000+ miles)..like the oem...junk ones might last one or two years s..but get you back up to safe light output. While you can get hid's for $5-20 each...you get what you pay for...buy the best you can afford. Imo the OEMS are likely 50% overpriced and 40-60$ is more typical of a first quality bulb.

 

I don't believe that's always true. I had aftermarket D2 bulbs from the place I mentioned above because one of my Acura OEM bulbs went out, and even though they were super cheap ($40/pair), they lasted in my Acura for about 2.5 years. Sold the car, so I can't attest to their function now. But in the Acura, I ran my lights day or night without an issue. Even made a cross-country trip and back with them on the entire time. I was pretty pleased.

I've yet to see an OEM HID bulb, heck even the ballasts, last for 100,000 miles or more .. I'd call that luck more than typical ..

 

If the ECSTuning link is any indication, the OEM is 128% overpriced.

 

Guess I'm just lucky then. Sure hope I didn't jinx myself by saying that.

 

Another brand to look into is Maxlux USA. Great reviews over on Amazon.

Will be using them for an HID Projector retrofit project soon. No experience myself with them just yet.

 

Www.theretrofitsource.com. a bulb is a bulb. Doesn't have to cone from the dealer. Trs are good people and very good prices for the parts and service they offer

 

Definitely another good option. Recently ordered projectors from them. They have a "used" bulb section from customer returns too that's really cheap.