2 more questions: when will the light switchover occur in cars ordered during 04, and will the xenon light package continue to offer the probably trouble-prone, ridiculously useless washer system , which is why I won't get them?

 

>>2 more questions: when will the light switchover occur in cars ordered during 04, and will the xenon light package continue to offer the probably trouble-prone, ridiculously useless washer system , which is why I won't get them?

Hmm, haven't had any problems with my headlight washers, the've always worked fine! It seems they are a pair though, if you get the xenon lights you get the washers. Interesting how this seems to be a standard thing on most (or all?) cars with xenons. Anyone else had probs with the washers??

 

Yes: http://www.bridger.us/mini/?Y=2004&M...SystemInDetail

Also a washer system is extremely important for xenons as the light emitted from them tends to break up and create a dazzling effect when the lenses are dirty. Something about how the light reflects. If my memory serves me correct I believe it will soon be mandatory in US for all cars with xenons to have a washer system.

And for the record I've never heard of any issues with the washing system.

 

>>2 more questions: when will the light switchover occur in cars ordered during 04,

The 2005 model year will most likely begin in August for the US. For sure the Cabrio and the Cooper will get the new lights and I would assume the MCS will as well. Including the new LED rear lights: http://www.bridger.us/mini/?Y=2004&M...ForThe2005MINI

 

Gabe - Love your site!!!!! In the above post you say that the '05 will begin in August for the US, does that mean that orders will be able to be taken at that point or that the first '05's will hit the shores in August? Thanks!

 

>Also a washer system is extremely important for xenons as the light emitted from them tends to break up and create a dazzling effect when the lenses are dirty. Something about how the light reflects. If my memory serves me correct I believe it will soon be mandatory in US for all cars with xenons to have a washer system.
>>
>>And for the record I've never heard of any issues with the washing system.

I guess my problem w/ a spritzing washer system is that anything beyond the slightest surface dust is not going to go away w/out a bit of scrubbing, making them pretty much useless in terms of actually cleaning anything. It would take the equally silly and over-the-top Mercedes style wipers to actually do any good. I'd much rather rub my own headlights clean before setting out than have to do put up w/ more frequent refills of the washer tank and have to do this anyway. It also seems that the self leveling system (also a mandatory requirement?) could be more service trouble up the road, yes?

 

>>Gabe - Love your site!!!!! In the above post you say that the '05 will begin in August for the US, does that mean that orders will be able to be taken at that point or that the first '05's will hit the shores in August? Thanks! :smile: