My new CMS did not come with HID headlights (disappointing, but not a deal breaker). When I flipped on the Halogen headlights on the first night drive, I was underwhelmed by the dull, yellow illumination.

Swapped the stock bulbs for Sylvania Silverstar Ultras (H13 SU) yesterday and the difference is dramatic. Much brighter, whiter light (not blue at all!), and an improved pattern (longer reach).

Two bulbs: $50 at Pep Boys with the bonus of a $15 mail-in rebate! Installation took about 10 minutes; easy to do.

 

Definitely, would get the HID headlights and probably the automatic climate control if I had to do it again.

I changed the stock bulbs on our MINI R56 to PIAA H13 Xtreme White bulbs about a month after getting the car. The PIAA's did improve things quite a bit. However, they were not cheap ($77 at Tire Rack).

Your Sylvania Silverstar Ultras (H13 SU) seem to be bargain at only $50. I will have to give those a try in the future.

 

Thanks for sharing. I will also change over.

 

They work great but burn out fast. Carry a spare set of bulbs with you.

 

+1

 

PIAA H-13's....really made a difference but someone above quoted $77 for pair, I paid $98 (must have gone up in price).

 

For that price you can just get HID kit... =(

 

Not with a proper housing, and if you dont use a proper housing you have no business running HIDs

 

When you say the Silverstars burn fast... how fast exactly?

 

There are actually 2 different bulb types listed, the silverstar ultra's (H13SU) and the PIAA H13 Extreme White.
The 2 replys stating they burn out quick didn't mention which one they were speaking of.
I have the PIAA's and have had them in for 6 months and no burn out yet.

Can't comment on the Silverstar's but I do like the bright white light the PIAA's give off. They are a little costly so shop around for best price.

 

I found the Silverstars on Amazon for $35.99 for two. Since they were that cheap (relatively speaking), I ordered two sets. I'm going to put them in my Pure Red Countryman S...fingers crossed!

If anyone is interested, here's the link to Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...00_i00_details.

 

That's a good price, may have to order a backup set for myself in case my PIAA's fail.
Hopefully they won't for some time.

 

Good point. I just assumed they were replying to the OP. Thanks for the info though... highly appreciated.

 

what kind of proper housing do we need if we want a HID conversion and why? sorry for the noob question, but i'm considering an HID kit and would like to know more, thanks in advance

KC

 

Projectors that focus the larger amount of light output down and forward, not all around.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...washers&cat=28

 

ttt

 

Someone told me that when switch out the light bulb, there's a chance that the MINI won't recognize the bulb and start the DING DING DING sounds. Is this true?

 

If you put in a stronger wattage bulb you will most likely get an error at every start up. It is not a constant DING. It will pop up on the TAC display and DING once. You can press the button at the end of the blinkers stalk, and the error goes away. Or, you can just ignore it, and it will go away after a minute or so. I have an error from a LED parking light. It is only mildly annoying.