I've been searchin the forums for a while and i'm burnt. I have an 03 MCS and need new headlamps and saw some from HELLA on MossMini.com. I can't find any reviews on them but really I want to know if a headlamp assy. for an 04-06 non xenon will be a direct fit for my 03 non xenon. All help is appreciated especially if you know anything about the HELLA lamps. I called Moss and asked them if they are better than OEM and the guy said, "probably." thanks

 

Dunno what exactly you're lookin at. I dont think Hella makes a replacement headlamp. Are you just looking to buy bulbs or the entire assembly?

Anyways theres no difference between 03 and 04 headlamps.

05 was the facelift. If those are the ones you're looking at then yea, they'll still work.

 

Post a link about your question. Sounds like you are talking about the bulbs though. If so any one will fit from a 2002-2004. Not sure if the 2005-2006 has the same bulb.

If you are talking about the entire light assembly then any 2002-2006 will work.

 

http://www.mossmini.com/Shop/ViewPro...eIndexID=76214

Link to Hella replacement Headlamp assembly.

 

It'll fit. You can swap any year (2002-06) R50/R53 halogen headlights no problem. You can also swap the halogens for xenon. I swapped out my 03 halogens for 04 xenons on my 03 MC, and it worked great. I think to swap a 02-04 xenon for a 05-06 xenon requires a dealer CPU tweak.

Hope this helps.

 

So your saying the connectors are compatible, it's plug & Play.

 

Yes. Takes 2 minutes.

 

Hella actually makes the lamps for MINI so it's the same lamp just cheaper.

As for them working they should just plug in but if you want brighter you'll have to get the Xenons. The Xenons will work but they won't level or have working washers, but who cares about that. Just adjust and go I've done this install on 2 MINI's already.

Call me and I'll see what I can get you for a pair of Hellas

WAY
317.201.8670
www.waymotorworks.com

 

What is this CPU tweak for the 05-06 xenon's you speak of?
Any details.

I think I want a set, anyone

 

Not a big deal, but you need to find a dealer that actually knows how to do it. Im not exactly how the CPU needs to be flashed, but some update is required and easily / cheaply done.

 

burley, In my experience, dealer and cheaply done are not compatible or to be used in the same thought.

If anyone knows what part the CPU plays in turning on 05/06 xenon headlights it would be of service to the forum to post that INFO.
From what I gather the wiring connectors are the same, true?

The logic escapes me unless it's a timing/voltage issue for starting them up by applying more/less voltage to fire them up.

 

You're right about "dealers" and "cheaply" However, I'd hunt around once you figure out what needs to be done because some dealers charge more than others for the same service.

As for the connection, they are the same. Its all plug and play, but depending on what year your car is, and what year the headlights are, you may need a CPU flash. When I upgraded to xenons I wanted to make sure they'd fit so I compiled a list of what requires a CPU flash and what doesn't. I'll get back to you...

 

Here's the thread:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...s-diaries.html

So, it depends on what year your car is, what year your donor headlights are, and if your cooper came with xenons or halogens from the factory. Here's a rundown of what's possible to swap w/out a CPU flash:

02-04 cooper w/ factory hals ----> 02-04 xenons ***YES
02-04 cooper w/ factory xenons ----> 05+ xenons ***YES
02-04 cooper w/ factory hals ----> 05+ xenons ****NO
05+ cooper w/ factory hals ----> 05+ xenons ****NO

I think this makes the value of the pre-facelift (02-04) xenons go up a bit. They never require a CPU flash and are a great upgrade from halogens.