So I'm tempted by the OEM driving lights. I love the way they look and I have Mini envy everytime I see a car with one.

Then came the downsides:
- they're $400
- install is another $400
- possible weight and aerodynamic downside

So I can probably install these myself with 6 hours of Newcastles and bribing my friends to help me.

So my questions are:
- why is the install so painful?

- is there a mileage downside on freeway driving?

- most important? How do they light up the road. Anyone have pictures? Are they much better than the high beams? Two things to note are that I've already upgraded to the Sylvania Sylverstars. Also, I'm actually in the mountains a lot, driving home at night after mountian biking in the SF Bay area hills.

I'm really just interested in the OEM ones since I think their size and look is perfect.

francois

 

The install isn't too painful, just time consuming which is why labor is so much. I installed them with my bro-in-law, he did the mounting and I did the wiring, and it took us about 3.5 hours together. The instructions are very thorough. Download them from motoringfile.com and see if it looks like something you would be comfortable doing. I really wanted them when I ordered too but didn't want to pay $800 for them. I got them on ebay from Morristown mini for $270. As far as the lighting, they basically are another set of high-beams that are aimed a bit different to light up a larger area. I dunno if they have any aerodynamic effect or not.

 

From what I've read, the OEM one's aren't that good and tend to start rusting, etc. I think there's a link somewhere on NAM to the pdf instructions of the install. Also, do some searching for Hella or Cibie lights as they are much higher quality. Mini-Madness even sells a bracket that's stronger than the OEM one. Moreover, it's cheaper to get that bracket and a generic driving light kit than it is to get the OEM kit. These aftermarket kits also let you control when the lights are on unlike the OEM kit where you have to arm the driving lights every time you turn the high beams on.

 

Like SonicVI mentioned it's not too painful but it does take some time. If you have the aero grill you'll have to open up a slot in it to fit the bracket through but that isn't hard. As far as the quality of the lights go, mine are great I love them and think they really do make the MINI look awesome. The only down side is that mine need to be adjusted every once in a while (too many bumps on the road) but they really do light up the road while you drive. Good luck.

 

The PIAA ones are definitely cheaper but I think the OEM ones look better with the chrome surrounding the lenses. Also, if you know which wire in the BC1 bundle is for the low beams you could easily splice to that wire instead of the high-beams. They are quite bright lights are I don't plan on ever using them without the high-beams so that was a non-issue for me.
The only thing I've found to be not really good with them so far is the switch. It's the same kinda switch as the flat tire sensor reset button and it feels pretty cheap. Sometimes I have to press it a few times before the lights will stay on. The brackets feel pretty sturdy, though I think they must've changed the inside of the bonnet a bit for the '05-'06's becasue they didn't fit quite right. There was a space between the bracket and the inside of the bonnet that was too large for a rivet. So we used a bolt and nut with a spacer. The '06's also have some plastic bits covering the rectangualr holes near the grill under the bonnet and I had to cut a space out of them for the brackets with a dremel. I don't know if I just got illshaped brackets or a older kit that was designed for 02's-04's. So be prepared to possibly have to make small improvovised adjustments to things. Here's a pic of mine lit up:

 

I have 2 Hella 500 fogs and 2 Hella 500 drivinf lights on the front and the brightness is unbelievable. There are alot of dark roads where I live and with them on it's like driving with street lights.

If your pretty handy you can probably install them yourself. You'll have to get or make some kind of mounting bracket though. I'll try to get some pics over the weekend.

Oh, and I found some light on ebay for $60.00. Doesn't sounds too bad.

 

The illuminated OEM switch with the indicator LED is great. I also like the fact that the OEM lights "disarm" themselves each time the car is switched off.

The lights themselves look good, but have a horrible beam pattern. They are just weak cheaply made driving lights that happen to look good. The OEM lights are nearly impossible to aim vertically. There's not enough range of motion in the mount.

I bought my MINI with the dealer installed driving lights, so I have experience with them. I replaced the lights with Cibie Tango (all chrome) driving lights. The Tangos are really close to the OEM lights in appearance, but put out about 10 times more usable light.

I haven't tried the PIAA's. They are popular among MINI owners, but I prefer to use Cibie and/or Hella because I've used both brands in the past with good results. I like to stick with something that I KNOW will work.

Let us know what you do.

Rawhyde

 

Very, very good feedback. As I suspected, OEMs look good but aren't the best performers.

After all this money and effort, these lights might as well light up the twisty mountain roads!!

I will take a look at the Cibie Tangos.

francois

 

I'll look into the Hellas. Thanks for suggesting. Hey I drilled my own roof for the bike rack. I'm pretty sure I can mix it up with some lights.

francois

 

I have the PIAAs, with the black backs, matching my all-Jet Black MCS. I believe they also come in chrome backs. They sure are great to have on The Dragon!

I bought mine in a group buy for about $200 and then had them installed by a great MINI-owning mechanic whilst visiting YuccaPatrol in Birmingham, AL. I paid $100 for the install.

 

Clo - you got a deal!

I bought a pair of vintage Lucas Flame Throwers on e-bay for about a hundred and a half, bought brackets from MINI Mania, and did the install myself.

I like the vintage look.

 

Sorry to bring up an old thread. I am also in the market for the OEM driving lights as I like the look, more "miniesque" IMO. Through some connections I was able to get a good price for them at $430 installed. Im 95% sure ill be going for them but like the original poster Im trying to justify the cost (even though $430 is a relatively good deal). Opinions please.

 

Nothing to justify. Just decide if it's worth it to you. My opinion - It's a hobby, get 'em. Enjoy!