Hello everyone. I have a 2005 r53 that I am trying to put aftermarket tail lights into. I got them from carid.com and they said that they are for a 2005-2008 Cooper Convertible. They looked like they fit and I said to hell with it and ordered them. I am replacing mine due to a busted tail light (amongst other damage) from a hit and run... in my driveway of all things. I got the tail lights and they DO fit BUT the wire harness is ever so slightly different. Does anyone know of a harness adapter to go from convertible tail lights to the R53 tail lights? If not, can I just hardwire them in?

 

2005-2006 R53 and 2005-2008 R52 convertible use the same OEM taillights with the same part numbers. They are 100% interchangeable.

The information for the aftermarket taillight cannot be correct. Please post a link to the listing, and pics showing the difference in the wiring harness.

 

+1
They are the SAME OEM PART...

 

Here is a link to the tail lights that I bought http://www.carid.com/2005-mini-coope...ts-872613.html. The assembly is an exact fit for OEM replacement yes but the clip for the harness itself differs just a little. I will put up pictures when I can actually get to them again because right now my R53 is in a mechanics garage getting a new head gasket.

 

That page has a link to the manufacturer (Spyder)'s lighting catalog (http://www.carid.com/images/spyder/t...talog-2013.pdf), where it says this taillight is for "Mini Cooper 02-06" and "Cooper Convertibles 05-08".



Basically it is claiming that the light is compatible with all models and years of the 1st generation MINI, which can't be true. They all have the same physical fit, but the lighting configuration and wiring was updated in 2005. The 02-04 taillight doesn't have a backup light (it was in the bumper) but does have a rear fog light. Starting in 05, those got switched around - backup in the taillights and rear fog moved to the bumper. There should be one version of the taillight for 02-04 and another for 05+.

I'm guessing that this aftermarket light is for the 02-04 configuration and wiring. Is the middle lamp a turn signal that lights up amber? If so, it doesn't have a white backup light and isn't compatible with your 2005 R53. There are ways to make it work but you'd have to modify the wiring and add a separate backup light.

 

Pretty sure you nailed it!! Good description!

 

Hi apparently I just made the same mistake but a bit in reverse. It appears that i have purchased the set meant for the 05 and on set for my 04 mini. I am able to soldering and am willing to rewire if anyone knows the complete line of what wires go where. I have a reverse bulb in the bumper so i would just need to know what is running power, break power and turn signal. Thanks in advance for any and all help.

 

https://www.minimania.com/images/ins...5_Retrofit.pdf