This is a photo of the OEM halogen headlight lamp/bulb that recently died on my 2009 Cooper S:


They are made by PHILIPS and made in Germany, evidently.

I'm not sure what color temperature the OEMs are, but I replaced the OEM lamp with a SYLVANIA H12(9008) Standard Performance lamp, and there does not appear to be any difference in color temperature. For reference, the SYLVANIA standard's color temperature appears to be 3100K.

Can anyone confirm that the color temperature on the PHILIPS OEMs are 3100K?

 

According to this OEM listing, yes:
Color: Stock Color (3100K +/- 10%)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/PHILIPS-9008...48612b&vxp=mtr

 

I'd go with a PIAA Bulb and not OEM, much brighter, check out the PIAA website for fittment info. Replaced Fogs Upper/Lower and Headlights with these, much improvement over OEM in visibility...even replaced my Husband's Kia Soul with these before our AZ Vacation last Sept. did alot of night driving and we were both glad we made the switch.