Hey Everyone,

I am looking at upgrading my Wifey's 03 Mini Cooper S with a new projector housing and HIDs.

I was wondering if anyone has tried these sets out:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tchlink:top:en

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tchlink:top:en

Her MCS is Gray and we are adding black stripes to it pretty soon. I'd love to hear feedback on this or any other options available.

Thanks so much!

 

Somebody? Anybody?

 

Those are cheap, cheap, cheap eBay lights. You may have issues with leaking, fogging etc. The light output/pattern on that projector is not made for HID. You can search the forums, there are a few topics on this already.

 

Thanks for the input, Justin.

What about these ones? It seems like they are made for HID.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/HID-2...item2eaec4d626

I understand about them being cheaper than OEM, but I just can't justify the $600 for OEM. I have installed new headlights/taillights in a few other cars, from things purchased on eBay and as long as you seal around the housing with silicone, I have never had a problem.

If there was a better solution, I would definitely go for it, but I really don't see one on the forums.

Thanks for any input!

 

Those are the same lights, they just give you HIDs with them. It's up to you, the OEM is the best option in my opinion, but you're right, they are more expensive.

Do you have the halogens right now? Or the 02-04 reflector xenon?

 

They are just halogens. That is why I wanted to do the swap. I want more available light so when my Wifey is driving home, she can see a bit more and be safer because she drives 60 miles each way.

 

Stick with OEM. Anything on ebay that's aftermarket is junk.

 

I'm sure a well design halogen setup from BMW/MINI is better output than the cheap projector. HID is 3x brighter, yes, but when it's been put into a halogen designed projector, it creates hotspots and won't be as good. Also, you may have leveling issues, blinding other drivers, etc.

 

I have the cheap cheap ebay ones, and they work fine, and the lighting is fine, but not as good as the stock 03 HIDs, but close. and you lose the cool factor of the Autoleveling.
I can't really decide what I like better, my stock HIDs or my cheap ebay ones (exactly what you posted)
I havent had any problems with them that people have mentioned - fogging, not being able to level them, or anything like that.
they work fine and have a good line
During the day I would prefer the ebays, during the night, probably the HIDs.
the MAJOR thing I dont like about my ebay ones is there is one hot spot on the left, the lighting is pretty even but there is a spot to my left (when driving) that is noticably brighter, and it irritates me, little things like that can drive me crazy. I have heard this can be fixed by changing bulbs, but I might simply switch back to my stock ones, but my stock ones have lots of little dings in them from debris, I can't decide.

I hope this helps you a little bit.. haha.

I switched more for the sake of style and blacking my car out.

But, if you are thinking of changing so she can get better lighting, I would stick with the stockers. Idealy, you (and I) could get the OEM HID projectors that came on the newer R53s. (like the 2005s, and 06s.)