Does anyone know of a good set of drving lights for an '06 MCS. The OEM version costs about $1,200.00 (parts + labor + tax) here in San Francisco. That in itself is not a dealbreaker, but the parts guys said that the lights only work when the high beams are turned on, and cannot be turned on with just the low beams.

I've seen a few by PIAA & Hella and both look okay, but not great. Does anyone have any suggestions? Also, if I get these installed does that void the warranty in any way? Thanks.

~Rich.

 

i bought the PIAA set from Mini Mania when I lived in San Francisco and I love em. The light is a little too blue for my taste (doesn't match my headlights), but other than that I have had no problems. I had them installed at a shop in Daly City for about 80 or 90 bucks (i found the shop by doing a dealer search on PIAAs website, but I can't remember the name. it was a few doors down from the goodwill on el camino). It took them less than an hour and the guys at the shop were really cool and down to earth. It was less than 400 bucks for the whole thing including install. I'd recommend going that route before paying that ridiculous price at the dealer...

 

Either you misunderstood the dealer or they made a mistake in tell you the high beams had to be ON. Factory sets them so you can NOT use them with high beams ON. If you have the driving lights on and use your high beams, the driving lights will turn off until you turn the high beams off again.

With that said, if you have a different shop install them, you can set them up how ever you see fit.

1200!?!? that's crazy, how much of that is for installation?

 

Morristown Mini has them for $320 HERE Good luck!

 

diabolik, I'll check out PIAA's website again; I'm just worried about voiding the warranty.

TWON, I was very clear with the parts guy. I asked if the driving lights worked ONLY when the high beams were on. He said yes. I then asked him if they worked with the low beams on. He said no. I asked why was that. And he mentioned that the lights worked like that because it was mainly used for racing (?) or for the fog. I don't know if enough argue with him, but he was sure that they (the driving lights) worked that way.

 

Alta 4 light kit, $380 from North American Motorsports dot Net

 

Mine are setup from the factory and only work with the high beams OFF. I am working on finding a relevant thread for you, I know it was around here several months ago from "Alpha Motoring".

I have had nothing but horrible experiences with MINI SF, I don't trust anything they tell me anymore, of course, I also wouldn't let them touch my mini. Maybe they actually do connect things backwards.

 

Hmmm, well, I found it.... and I am sorry, I made a mistake, he also says in THIS thread it is when the high beams are ON from the factory. My apologizes!

And now I feel really dumb, cause I guess mine do work that way as well, lol. I've only used them a couple times.

However, just so you know, "Alpha Motoring" ended up setting up his so he can use them anytime.

 

Attachment 33260

I like the WIPAC lights, they are usually sold on Ebay for around 60 bucks and includes mounting brackets:

Attachment 33261

Attachment 33262


Most lights can be wired to work any way you choose.
http://myworld.ebay.com/ebaymotors/greatbritishcars/

 

This guy sells a set on ebay with a bracket that attaches to a more secure location for less vibration and better light clarity. hey come in Black and Chrome as well....Here is the info and some pics.
~
These are just another fine part made by VIP for the mini cooper and cooper s, these driving lights come in BLACK OR CHROME with our custom LASER cut and TIG welded brackets. The brackets are black powdercoated. The lights are all steel with flutted glass lens and are 5 ", 55 watts each. H3 bulbs ,Comes with relay, One interior switch, picture instructions, Complete Wire harness, all hardware needed for install. No drilling or removing of any bumper parts, trim the 1/4 plastic bumper lip and Slide the brackets on and tighten the 13mm nuts. The road will not look the same at night, email with any questions. made in scottsdale , AZ . they do not mount to the flimsy grill . they mount to the front bumper support using the factory bolts. less vibration. DOES NOT FIT R56 2007/2008 THESE ARE NOT OEM.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...2BSI%26otn%3D4


Attachment 33263

Attachment 33264

 

Driving lights should only come on with your high beams & it is illegal for them to come on with your low beams in many or most states (& rightfully so because they are blinding to oncoming traffic). Fog lights are made to be used in conjunction with your low beams. Driving lights go with high beams.

I have the PIAA kit for MINIS & I love them. I think I got them for $250(ish) from Tire Rack & the install ran $125. If interested Mr OP PM me because I have a friend who is selling his MINI & he put it back to stock so he has his PIAA driving lights for sale

 

All Aux lights can still be wired anyway you want, drivers should implement commonsense when in use......

Personally, I believe ALL aux lights should be dimmed to oncoming traffic, incl aftermarket fogs esp. when it's not foggy out It's a no brainer and curtious thing to do.

 

[QUOTE=Eurothrasher;2282125]This guy sells a set on ebay with a bracket that attaches to a more secure location for less vibration and better light clarity. hey come in Black and Chrome as well....Here is the info and some pics.
~
These are just another fine part made by VIP for the mini cooper and cooper s, these driving lights come in BLACK OR CHROME with our custom LASER cut and TIG welded brackets. The brackets are black powdercoated. The lights are all steel with flutted glass lens and are 5 ", 55 watts each. H3 bulbs ,Comes with relay, One interior switch, picture instructions, Complete Wire harness, all hardware needed for install. No drilling or removing of any bumper parts, trim the 1/4 plastic bumper lip and Slide the brackets on and tighten the 13mm nuts. The road will not look the same at night, email with any questions. made in scottsdale , AZ . they do not mount to the flimsy grill . they mount to the front bumper support using the factory bolts. less vibration. DOES NOT FIT R56 2007/2008 THESE ARE NOT OEM.

Thanks eurothrasher, I'll have to check them out. I'm trying to find a pair that will turn on with the low beams.

 

Hey bamatt, I didn't know that. I don't want to pulled over by a cop & I don't want people giving me the finger because my lights are blinding, so I think I'll have to go another route.

 

No problem, TWON. Although I've owned my MINI for a year-and-a-half now, I'm still a rookie when it comes to MINI accessories. From these threads, it sounds like it's illegal to drive with low beams and driving lights. The price is high and I'm not sure I want to shell out $1200 so have lights that only work when the high beams are on, even though the lights add a certain cool-ness to the car. Guess, I'll wait and do some more research.

 

Did you catch the link I posted of the mini driving lights for $320? Don't pay 1200 from SF. Have you called to see if there is a price difference if you went to Concord, Mountain view or East Bay?

If I were going to do it, I would probably buy from Morristown Mini and have a shop put them in. Bay Bridge Motors is close to you and specialize in BMW/Mini.

Good luck!

 

I installed my own lights, OEM. It wasn't too bad of a job. I used the OEM instructions that you can download from somewhere on the NAM site. Fairly easy to follow.

I also have a complete OEM wiring harness with swtiches for sale on the NAM "parts for sale" post. You can add another brand of 55W lights to this harness if you find some other lights you like besides OEM.

I like the look of the driving lights. It adds a nice touch to the look of the MINI. Plus the lights really brighten those dark back roads.