I just bought a set of OEM driving lights from someone on MINI2. He drives a '06 Cooper S. He says "there are two model lights, one with and one without the switch, mine are without, they integrate with the highbeams, so when you turn them on the lights will come on to." I have never heard of two models of lighting kits. Would I be able to wire the lights with the switch if I were to find the correct one? If so, where would I be able to purchase the wiring and/or switch? Any help is appreciated.

 

Never heard of that either. You can always add a switch, but it really depends on how the wiring harness is set up. The OEM setup has the switch triggering a relay.

 

I'm not really worried about it because I wouldn't be able to use the driving lights without the high beams, even with the switch. My only concern would be heat if I had the covers on and turned on high beams (and the driving lights follow suit).

 

Exactly. I didn't mention it, but I keep mine covered for protection during daytime motoring. Not having a switch would make covers a bit perilous.

 

I'm not sure if the seller is including covers, but I plan on keeping them covered during the daytime and most nights for protection. I will be going to a local audio guru for the install. He's done tint on my car and seemed to have a very extensive knowledge of various electrical systems in cars.

Would there be any issues with inspection if the lights come on automatically with the high beams? I know there are restrictions about how many forward facing lights are allowed to be on at any given time.

Do you know if clear vinyl protective film (3M or otherwise) will interfere with being able to use the black covers? Is it worth getting the protective film if the lights will be covered ~90% of the time?

These are all questions I can ask the installer but other opinions are welcome!

Thanks,
Daniel

 

Your installer will be able to add a switch without a problem. We don't have inspections here, but as long as they only come on with the high beams, I don't see an issue. Protective film wouldn't interfere with the covers. Like you, mine aren't uncovered that much, so I've never worried about it.

 

First off I think what the seller is refering to is not switch or no-switch but independently switched or switched with the highbeam circuit.

In the '05 / '06 's (don't know about others) the factory setup is a push button on / off switch that is powered off the high beam circuit. (driving lights will only come on w/ highbeams due to highway regulations.)

Your choices are:

1. Independently switched "Hot" to the battery.

2. Independently switched to the ignition.

3. Independently switched with the high beams by using either an aftermarket switch or buying and installing the factory setup.

Most states allow a combination of 4 forward facing headlight type lights plus low immiting lights such as parking lights. (ie. 2 headlights w/ 2 foglights or driving lights like the newer mustangs.) But any of these must be 35w or less, so if you wanted to run them all the time you would have to change the bulbs. (*SEE LOCAL RULES*)

And yes the factory lights WILL melt the covers.

Also I don't rember where but I have seen film designed for the heat of the driving lights. (55w)