I got my 2005 Mini Cooper S in September. I really really really wanted automatic headlights, but I dont think that option was available. Does anyone know if I can order a part from the January 2005 Cooper and retrofit it in my September 2005. I ALWAYS forget my head lights on.. I loved that feature in my BMW 330xi. Any help would be appreciated.

 

As far as I know, there is no change in January to the headlights. If by "automatic" you mean turning off if you leave them on, that is just a matter of programming the computer.

 

Hi,

I went to http://www.miniusa.com and configured a new 2005. There is a new convienance package that includes "automatic headlamps". This is described as:

auto headlamps that come on when it gets dark.

I had this in my BMW 330xi.

I asked the mini dealer if that is a programmed feature and the only thing they know about is the "follow me home lights" that go on for 30 seconds while you get out of your car so you can see.

So since this seems to be a new feature for the January 2005, I am hoping that somebody can tell me if I can do some mods to my 2005 mini to add this.

-Pete

 

I would think not. This would require another sensor to turn them on and off. Not thiat it would be impossible but I dought a dealer would do it. I got daytime running lights - always on. Besides I like to make the mini "glow" on command as my 4 year old says. He says that red minis glow in the dark.

 

Is that really a programmable option? I'd love it if I could have the dealer program them to turn off when left on too long while the vehicle isn't running. I'd hate to have a dead battery some day because I left my lights on.

 

I'm all for automation, but if you can't tell when its getting dark, maybe you should take a taxi. Most states have laws about when your lights should be on. In Virginia you have to have your headlights on when the wipers are on, but I do not think that that is a program option. Headlights have to be on 1/2 hour before sunset. Wanna bet what happens if your car does not turn on the lights in time? Looks pretty silly in court......

 

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Wow. I'm left speechless by this post.

Sounds to me like you made a huge mistake in getting rid of that 330xi.

 

pgeremia,

The auto-on option for the headlights is a brand new feature for the MINI starting with 01/05 and later builds. It is part of the new "Convenience Package", and despite what others may say here, it is NOT a programmable option for the older cars.

I agree with you that it's a really nice feature (and a very common feature on many of the more expensive cars such as BMW, Audi, Infinity, etc.). While I'm perfectly capable of turning on and off my headlights, it is nice not have to worry about it and to have the car automatically do it for me. Also, if you don't want to use the feature for some reason, you can turn it off and then switch on/off your headlights manually (just as you can with the auto rain sensing wipers). Thus, it's a very cool feature.

However, I think it is a little too early to say if the new feature will be available as a retrofit (it's so new that it isn't even available on production cars yet). Thus, it may be a while before anyone can say for sure.

Keep your chin up and don't let a few bad seeds here ruin your NAM experience (i.e. take everything you read here with a grain of salt).

 

I'd be willing to bet that this is not merely a programmable option. There probably is some programming that will need to be done, however there needs to be some sort of sensor to go along with it. Since the option just showed up on the MINIUSA website, we might need to wait a few weeks before anybody knows if it is retrofittable.

As for "lights must be on 30 minutes before sunset" When and where has this ever been enforced? I don't know of anybody who carries a table listing the time of sunset (and sunrise for that matter) in the car. Ask a cop if they carry one with them so they can enforce this law... Do you carry the chart? Do you set your watch to make sure that your headlights are on 30 minutes before sunset?

I just love it when somebody posts with a question about the operation or availability of an option only to see the people who don't have that option chime in about how superior they are because they don't have it. Nowhere in this thread was your opinion asked for, it WAS however asked if it was technologically feasible...

 

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At times, the world can seem a very cold, cruel place.

 

So since I am very impatient, and I love to tinker, I decided that I am going to built my own automatic headlamp module.

I will use a very simple microcontroller. I will use a light sensor etc.

The only thing I really need right now is a wiring diagram of the headlight system. If anyone happens to have this I would really appreciate it!

Thanks,

Pete

 

It may have changed a bit since the 02-04 cars, since the headlights did change style, but I bet the Bentley Manual for the 02-04 MINIs would have it. This can be found on Amazon and, seeing as how you sound like the kind of guy who will be tinkering from time to time, would be a valuable resource. Shame it's not out for the 2005's, but then, they just came out with the 02-04 one a few months ago, so it'll be a while till we see an 05-specific one, hehe.

Don't worry about the grumps here. You'll develop a thick skin after spending enough time on online forums.

-mike

 

Don't you just love the haters

I have the auto headlights on my Maxima and I wish it was on my MC too.

 

Same here. Yeah, it's a silly feature, but it's still pretty neat! I would love to have this on my '04, but it would doubtfully be possible to retrofit. (and I ain't paying a dealer to do it neither! )

-Paul!

 

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Pete,

I'm semi-patiently waiting in line! Good luck, and keep us posted!

-Paul!

 

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Just FYI....the car comes stock with auto-down and there is already a mod to auto-up the windows for sale....just saving you some time so you can get to work on some of the other cool things you are thinking about

 

Yeah, but GBMINI says he isn't going to keep producing his Auto-up circuits. His website says he is on his last production run.

As a Cabrio owner, I'd like to be able to auto up-down the top. As it is, you have to keep your finger on the button to keep it moving.

 

I have been "persuaded" to change my position there ... parts are on order.

Pete, no plan to "teach Grandmother to suck eggs" but I hope you have done lots of Microprocessor & Electronics Design work before. You have big plans.

 

Bad seed? Bad seed?

There are rumors that the 2007 Mini will have fixed headlights. Any word on how I can retrofit them to my 2005? Does anyone have the part numbers for them? Printed instructions?

If people are going to ask how to retrofit things that do not even exist yet, what do they expect? I'm not even sure this feature will ever exist or be available in the U.S. Why not wait before asking the impossible. The fog light retrofit kits have not even appeared yet.

 

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