We all know that the retrofit that took place between 2004-2005 with the R50 and the R53 had one item that everyone wanted badly, the projector headlamps. I know I did I bought a set for my R50 and loved the look. Since I have sold the car and the lights I have been wondering, since there is a retrofit coming out with the 2011's, what would be the MUST HAVE item from this retrofit. I am pretty damn sure I know what it is, the taillights! If you have yet to see them here is a linky for you LINK CLICK ME, CLICK ME!. The best shots of these lights are on the Black Cooper S JCW. As you can tell they are using the Fiber Optic Technology that BMW used in the 7 and 5 series for the past few years. What it also does is tie in the taillights with the front projector lens (if you have them) and also gets rid of that nasty orange lens (that no one likes). Before you go running to your parts man I just noticed something today when looking at them.... there is NO reverse light build into the taillight housing like there is on preface lift ones. So what this mean is it looks like you will have to buy the rear bumper cover and the rear fog lights. Both of which look amazing so I am not against it. The reason I am making this post is for a few things, first do you think you will be able to modify the current bumper cover to take these new fog lights? Also to pose the question if you will be able to tie in to the fiber optics with the current taillight hook ups?

I hope that these tails will be the same price as the current tails that you can get now as well as the rear fogs! I will be ordering this the day the new minis come out. If you work at MINI... when will these be able to buy?

 

oops

 

They are not "fibre optic" lights.

It's a piece of plastic or glass tube that has little notches cut into the surface and then an LED stuck into each end. The light is then reflected off the little notches.

You can wire it up easily.

As for the reverse lights and bumper fiasco, who knows.

 

Your link to MF does not work in Firefox for me.

 

Those are very nice looking upgrade for the current r56 tailights. I had to get a set of led's that look like the european mini lights for my r53.

 

I have this "technology" (I use the term loosely) on my Z4 M Coupe taillights. It's about as exciting as a preseason NFL game. I wouldn't waste my time or money with this retrofit.

 

Ah to each his own, but you do have to agree they do look better than what is on them now.

 

Im not diggin the new mesh style.. Over all I think they over did it...

 

I think they look a bit odd, myself... If you're looking to upgrade and get rid of the yellow lenses, get a set of '07-'10 tails with clear turn signals.

If I were going to retrofit a trim bit from the '11 models it would be the MC side scuttles - they're a big improvement over the existing ones, IMO... Not something I'll pay money for, though, as they're still not as nice as other accessory parts that are available (I'll be getting the JCW scuttles when I spend the money).

 

+1 on the mesh....

if those are brake duct vents thats pretty cool. I hope they are more opened up than the current jcws. Current ones opening is literally the shape of a tear drop.

 

I "have to" agree? Nope. If you like 'em, rock on. Me, I'm completely underwhelmed.

 

ill pass too

 

Cross posting is not permitted, threads merged and placed in appropriate forum.

 

Alright, let's go another way. What do you think will be the retrofit must have this time around?

 

(Duplicate post - deleted. )

 

The rear fog lights are RED. Why would you want red reverse lights?

Keith
07 Cooper S

 

lol, look at the 2011 pictures carefully. you'll see reverse lights in the same housing as the new rear fog lights.