Smoked Replacement Lenses Available?
 

Anyone have a lead on where to located full-replacement smoked lenses for the:
a.) arch markers (front + rear)
b.) turn signal indicators at the side scuttle

Not looking for films, or clear LED units.
Wanting a smoked reflector lens that's a direct replacement.

- Erik

Have not seen any direct replacements. Only films of sprays for that las i really looked about 3 months ago. But someone could have come out with them recently, but don't count on it.

Best bet is to check (call) the vendors here they would be your best bet in finding what you are looking for.

http://www.outmotoring.com/images/P/...ck_side_md.jpg

http://www.outmotoring.com/mini-coop...rker-lens.html

http://www.outmotoring.com/images/P/LMX_ref_md.jpg

http://www.outmotoring.com/mini-coop...or-covers.html

A little research would have found both of these easily.

Personally I think these are the best route for this.

http://www.outmotoring.com/images/P/...hts_r56_md.jpg

willsblackminio8,

The OP very specifically stated he does not want "film", he wants an actual replacement lens. These are not what he wants.

The flare set from out motoring is a set of 4 "films" that you just add to the OEM lens.

The side marker lights are custom "film" covered by Vinyl Styles.

Perhaps he just didn't want the hassle of applying 'films' himself.
This is the only smoked option I've ever come across... I had a hard enough time just getting the clear ones for a 2007+...

But still what was listed with links in one case is still a film and "not" a direct replacement lens.

The other is a direct replacement lens but does have a film covering.

And what did I state in post #2. Exactly this that the only smoked option I have come across is films or sprays.

So to bluefox280, the question is "if the item comes film covered would that be acceptable for you?"

Taken right fromt he desciption on out motoring about the side markers. There is no other way to do other than a film or a spray. If the OP doesn't want to deal with applying the film himself this is going to be the only real way to get around that.

And yes the markers on the fender is a film, the only other way to hid those and make it look better is to oreder a set of Euro arches that don't have the markers in them.

Looking for a lens that's been molded with tinted plastic.
Films, to me, are not acceptable.

No, not at all.
There's a butt-load of molded markers / lenses in the VW world; and simply none in the Mini world.
I'm simply blown away since Mini promotes individuality; yet even some simple parts aren't available.

- Erik

Simple fix just smoke tint them with a spray. I did mine this way and haven't had a problem with they yet. No one as of yet no one makes the reflectors and the tape is the only thing that is out there other than just spray tinting them. As for the side markers there are only a few that are made., but I suggest just spray tinting them too and saving the money on ordering them. a can of spray tint runs about $14.00. also you have to understand that even though there are a lot of parts in the VW world with our cars being new still there's not a lot of ppl who have yet to start making parts yet. If you want to spend the money look up the fender moldings for a euro spec r56, they arent required to have the reflectors like our US spec models are.

I need to turn that around then. http://serve.mysmiley.net/evilgrin/evilgrin0010.gif

Ah, even the 1st-gen owners are looking for a solution, and still nothing has shown.
That's been some 8+ years now. Heck, the 2nd-gen have been around for 3+ years.

Parts for the MK5, and now MK6 GTi / Jetta were virtually done in 3-5 months.
Yes, it's understood that turn-around isn't instantenous, however it seems like some Mini parts are behind with the times...

- Erik

Like I said if you want to spend the money on them there is one website that you can order euro spec parts on. I'll post the link when I get home and on my other computer. Maybe you can find the fender molding there that doesn't have the reflectors in them. As for the side markers there are very few that are smoked without being tinted. Good luck with turning things around. It's jsut the same way with the non-s owners not having any options to put a after market exhaust other the the SuperSprint. If you're not happy with how many parts that are out there and are comparing Mini to VW, sorry to say this, but maybe you should have gotten a VW.

No, I see it as open opportunity for the pickin'.

- Erik

You'll find that to be true for most comparisons between MINI and VW in aftermarket parts. The MINI market is simply not big enough to attract vendors to create parts. Look at the very limited choices for MINI in any area -- tuning, performance, suspension, body kits, accessories etc. compared to VW.

I am not familiar with availability of aftermarket replacement lenses for 2nd gen. For 1st gen there is actually a smoked side indicator lens available here (I bought the clear version but it was such low quality that I returned it). I've seen 1st gen arch smoked lenses on eBay but not in the past few years. Note that the market for MINI is already very limited, and for arch lights even more so because European models don't have them.

bluefox280 maybe this site might have the fenders, it's a UK spec website.http://www.minigenuineparts.co.uk/ If not I might suggest looking on this one and getting the part number for the UK spec one to just delete them all together.http://www.realoem.com/bmw/ That might be your only option. Or maybe you can do like I did and just spray tint them until you find something. Here's a pic of what mine look like after about 4 or 5 months of smoke tinting them.
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._4999238_n.jpgGood luck with your search. Let us know if you find them out there.

double post:thumbsup:

I agree. IDK why ppl even compare mini to vw. They sell more Golf and GTI in one month then MINIs sell in like 6. VW is the largest auto group in the world. Mini is tiny.

Take a look at this link. It shows you sales in the month of April 2010. VW is massive. MINI is puny. I kinda like it that way personally.

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/03/b...r-out-edition/

I hear you, and respect that comment.
True, there is overall less Mini's that the demand for parts is lower than the GTi / Jetta platform.

But same thing applies to the GTi / Jetta; front markers aren't used anywhere EXCEPT in North America.
And there's still a handfull of supplies that cover literally every generation dating back to the MK1.

No doubt; the exclusivitity is quite nice... that's why there is such a nitch.

I appologize all, I'm not wanting to make this into a arguement.
Yes, we're in a smaller pool of demand for speciality parts; I get that.
However, businesses can tailor to those consumers that publically state what they want and choose whether or not to supply such items.
If those who are interested in such parts don't speak up, how are manufacturers ever gonna know you want them?

With that; the searching, poking and proding continue.

- Erik :thumbsup:

If in your search you come across any clear arch reflectors - please let me know! I heard from a forum member Way Motor Works was able to get them... but haven't heard back from them.

I will; front and rear?

- Erik

yes please! thanks! (I'll do the same if i happen across some actually smoked ones...)