Kinda stuck since I don't know much about xenon bulbs. Just had one go bad on my 2006 MCS R53. VIN# search by parts dept at Mini Stealership confirms I have xenons. Mini stealership said price is like $300 per bulb (are they insane??? oh plus $110 to install it on top of that??? WTF??) Also told me what they have one in stock for my car and they are Philips but no more info than that. Indy shop that normally does work for me replaced one of my original headlight bulbs that had suddenly gone bad and changed in color but the replacement bulb they put in for me isn't as bright and looks more yellowish in color. The other original bulb we didn't change looks more clear white and more intense. Indy shop charged $125 for the bulb including install but I'm not happy with the mismatch in brightness and color. Not sure what brand replacement bulb it is but definitely not the right one I need. Any suggestions on what cost should be and where to source the right factory xenon bulbs (presumably Philips based on the stealership's parts guy but I don't have a part number).

 

 

 

The price delta is all about the mark-up. MINI and Dealer gotta cover their holding costs of the item. You will pay for the convenience of the dealer selling you the part vs you doing your homework and finding the oem part being offered from a vendor that doesn't have the overhead of a car manufacturer managing a bazillion parts (econ 101)

Look up any generic part like spark plugs, belts, oil, filters, any consumable, you will find the same markup price difference between online and dealer. Simple as that.

My only advice is to be wary about the problem of buying fake branded bulbs. Make sure you are buying from a known vendor. So if you see sold and shipped by Amazon, you're more likely to be getting the real deal.

 

I have always thought that if you know the product, and the origin of the product finding replacement parts is never hard, but it can be time consuming.

You can also check out ECS they have a number of replacements available most sold in pairs for about $50.

best of luck.

Motor On!

 

This....ECS has a lot of good stuff, and good prices also. ECS and WMW are my two "go-to" places for MINI parts online.

 

Thanks guys, i just did mine and running the ziza d2s bulb: https://www.ecstuning.com/Mini-2006-...g/Headlights/2

OEM bulb is about 4300K in color. D2S is the 7/2004+ up xenon bulb in the gen 1 MINI. Please replace them in pairs overwise one will be a different color than the other due to age.

 

I got mine from a the auction place online that starts with "E" for under $20 a pair....have had them in my '04 car for over 2 years now....no issues......I have an '04 & an '06 MINI.....and the bulbs are different.....you will need to remove your bulb to determine which "D2x" style you have.......I think some of the replacement bulbs now are universal fit for both my cars

Yes, ECS has good stuff also....but I didn't know about them when I got my first MINI over 2 years ago

Bryan

 

Yep my old ones were Pink, lasted a good 5 years then they turned pink and started to flicker, they were original OEM, got my new Ziza ones and now i can see they are a little more white then OEM. I have the more blue in color on my other MINI with the aftermarket spyder headlight.

 

Well, went with the Philips from that big online retailer starting with an A but I did have a few lengthy discussions with the distributor Philips works with and they actually happen to be the ones who's item that the A company sells and ships. I'm told they are the same bulb as OE but we'll see about that. Thanks for the feedback with your experience Zsm...hoping for the same. Should have them by the weekend and may have a go at installing them. I replaced all of my shocks/struts on this car so I figure I can handle this too but read that disconnecting the battery is pretty important for this job for safety. As for the bulb and fitment I'm also hoping these are correct in that regard as well. My car is a late MY06 build so...

 

Good luck with the bulb, I hope they send you the correct ones. Just make sure they are true D2S, might compare the pics to ours as Amazon and Ebay can sometimes be the wild west of car part fitment and actual parts.

 

Actually the difference in color is perfectly normal when you install a new bulb. BMW actually had a bulletin about this many years ago as the color will change over time. So after the new bulb is used for awhile it will change and be a closer match for your older bulb. Don't waste money trying to get other bulbs you'll just chase your tail. Or you can just buy another new bulb for the other light and they will match and burn in the same.

 

I have replaced the Xenon bulbs in both my cars, I never disconnected the battery.....what I did do was un-plug the main electrical connector at the headlight assembly under the hood on each side.

Both of my cars were kind of a pain to change the bulbs....After the second bulb change, I decided to get some white out and make some marks on the transformer and the twisty locky thingy that holds the bulb in under the transformer.....the bulb will only fit in one way, and working under the hood kinda upside down was taking it's toll on my back. Once I got the bulbs in and seated correctly, I had issues with the safety catch on the transformer trying to twist it into place.....

They are not as easy as you think they should be.....at least not on my two cars.....

If you get frustrated, walk away......

Bryan