I've decided to add driving lights to my '05 MCS. I've picked up some Cibie Tango lights and will use the factory wiring kit (to forestall any warranty issues), along with Madness H.D. mounts. Since my first service is coming up I checked with my dealer to see what they'd charge FOR INSTALLATION ONLY - no parts. My jaw is still dragging ..... $450 !!! The official installation estimates 2.5 hours to install ... that works out to $180/hour!! Needless to say I told 'em to forget about it. Just wondering if anyone else has heard this joke before ...

 

You have to remember that the dealer doesn't want to install something on your car after the sale. Their goal is to install before the sale and increase dealer profit [and at the same time, your monthly payment]

And you should also consder that although your car is a MINI and they are only serviced at MINI dealerships BMW is the parent company and BMW service is not cheap!

 

I'd heard $400. Hey, gotta pay for those long German vacations...
Or you can just do it yourself. Or better yet, find a friend who's a wrench, and buy them LOTS of pizza and beer.

 

There are plenty of DIY posted that can guide you through the install. I've installed my driving lights (PIAA 1100X) and found it very easy. The only slow process was drilling the holes for the lights. I didn't use brakets but was able to install them right on the grille.

Other than that the installation is straight forward. Take some time to review the DIYs and then think very hard about shelling out that much money to have someone else do the install.

 

I was quoted $450 to install the MINI driving lights (plus $400 for the lights).

Yeah right. BTW, even if you have the MINI wiring, and something goes wrong with the aftermarket lights, they can always blame the non-MINI lights for frying the wiring, You can't win.