Hello all!
11/02 MC S w/washer
Can I & do I want to update the headlights to newer style?
I like the look of the halo effect on the xenon & also want a black background. Looked on ebay & they have this but can't find details & very inexpensive. Inexpensive = cheap quality.
*looking for pair w/ALL the parts in good quality*

 

You can fit the restyled OEM lights just fine. They are direct replacements.

I personally would stay away from ebay lights. They are usually bad quality, I hear. You get what you pay for - truer of no place more than ebay.

 

Thanx for help - please keep ear to ground for all parts i'm gathering.. .

 

Are you sure there's no CPU flash required?

 

I'm sure. I have a pair of 2005 HID's on my 2003 (build date 10/02) and they were simply plug and play!

I too suggest that the original poster keep their eye out for an OEM pair of 2005+ HID's as they are the most attractive and the better quality purchase.

-Chase

 

Did your car come equipped with OEM xenons from the factory? When you changed to facelift headlights, did your washers and levelers work?

 

i've been looking for a pair of 05's headlights for a long time, but people hardly sell them. unless their car was in an accident, and if they were the chances of the headlights still in good condition is very slim.

 

You can go from Old Style halogens pre-05 to New Style halogens, no problem, I did it. Not sure about Old Style Halogens to New Style HID. I think you'd some some extra equipment.

 

Funny, I've been trying to get to the bottom of this for over a year... There are some combos that work plug and play, and some that require a dealer CPU flash. It seems like everyone who finds out the answer neglects to post their specific results.

Here's what I've gathered:

02-04 cooper w/ hals ----> 02-04 xenons ***YES (no flash required)
02-04 cooper w/ xenons ----> 05+ xenons ***YES (no flash required)
02-04 cooper w/ hals ----> 05+ xenons ****NO (flash required)
05+ cooper w/ hals ----> 05+ xenons ****NO (flash required)

We're a little unsure of the results from an 02-04 w/ xenons ---> 05+ xenons. Can anyone give us some FIRST HAND knowledge only please? If you've had success please list what year your car is, if it came with factory xenon, what year xenons you swapped for, and finally if it was plug and play or required a trip to the dealership.

 

ME: 2003 MCS (Build date 10/02) Factory Xenon
Switched to: 2005 Xenons
NO trip to dealer, done at home, didn't even un-plug my battery.

Yes, yes, and yes. Now, I will say that I used the washers that came with my car, as the person who was selling the '05's didn't include their washers. The washers snapped on just as they should, and there are no fit issues to speak of.

Levelers also work just as they should, upon turning the headlights on, they do their little up-tip, just like my original Xenons.

So, from somebody first-hand, a switch from a pre-04 xenon equipped car to a set of '05+ Xenons does work without a flash.

Here are a few pictures!
p.s. I have grille trim from a 2005 on my car, so don't let that throw you off...







-Chase

 

@Chase

Thanks! Looks like its solved! Mini claimed that you needed to replace a module ( $$$$$) and get a dealer flash. Looks like you only need a dealer flash if you're going from halogens.

Great looking color, is that IB?

 

burley, I like your style. You stuck it out and got the answers.

Thanks to everyone who contributed.

 

Thanks! it is actually DS, I just didn't change the light settings on my camera when I took the pictures :D

-Chase