Found a great web page with tons of facts about the HID technology found in our Mini's that have the optional Xenon HID headlamp upgrade. This is the best information I have come across yet regarding this technology. I was curious about the HID bulb since the owners manual gives no replacement bulb facts if it burns out. I believe our Mini's with Xenon use a 35w D2S 4200k HID bulb. These bulbs should last the life of the car, but replacements are expensive! We are talking close to $300 for a pair of Xenon HID bulbs !!!!!!!! Here is the hyperlink ....faq.auto.light.tripod.com/hl-hid-bulbs.htm. Makes for some great reading. Here is a link to purchase real Xenon replacement bulbs suvlights.com/ This Philips Ultinon 6000k HID bulb has the REAL blue/purple look when installed. The current Mini Xenon bulb burns blue when first ignited, but turns white after 15 seconds or so.



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2004 MCS - Pepper White/ Black

 

Had a xenon bulb fail recently (long story on how that happened) but the cost of the replacement bulb at my dealership (Pittsburgh, PA) was $195 for one bulb. Managed to get it covered under warrenty though. That bulb had been at the dealership for 296 days so it shows you how infrequently they need to change this things.

 

This is the bulb many BMW's use for the Xenon HID lamp. They have bluish/purple look when ignited. It is a 6000k bulb as opposed to the factory Mini bulb that is around 4200k, therefore has a different look. This is why the Mini Xenon is blue in color when first ignited, then turns white after 15 seconds or so. The brand name is Ultinon and made by Philips. You can change your Mini HID 35w HID Xenon bulbs to these, but it will cost around $260-290 for a pair of these. Not cheap, but the real thing. Here is a photo of the bulb......




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2004 MCS - Pepper White/ Black

 

I believe the price. Expensive stuff but absolutely brilliant stuff at night.

I think someone on this site actually replaced their HID with a more purplish HID system. The pictures are great but oh to spend so much on my MINI

 

Curious if you can install these on a Factory non Xeon Headlamp assmbly. Or are there issues of heat and such.

 

Negative. Ther Xenon's ballast's shoot around 20,000 volts of current to ignite the Xenon gas inside the lamp. The non Xenon Mini's do not have a ballast installed

 

d..da...danng!!!

 

I agree. Had my DRL's programmed by the dealer. They are basically de-powered high beams from what I understand. The Xenon's do not come on when vehicle is started.

 

dont you have to turn on and off the HIDs a whole lot (like over 50 years) to wear them out?

Even if it is only 10 years they're worth it because the lights are fantastic. :smile:

 

Not sure. These lights are fairly new in the USA. If any members have replaced one their other European automobiles, please post here.