R50/R53 :: Hatch Talk (2002-2006) Cooper (R50) and Cooper S (R53) hatchback discussion.

R50/53 Need ideas for "budget" driving light install.

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 22, 2012 | 10:36 AM
  #1  
IQRaceworks's Avatar
IQRaceworks
Thread Starter
|
6th Gear
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 2,339
Likes: 114
From: Missouri
Need ideas for "budget" driving light install.

I really like the looks of driving lights on the front of the mini.....but I hate the prices on many of the kits I've seen (most in the range of $400-$500). Is there a better (and cheaper) way of going about adding driving lights? I don't mind buying all of the components separately...I just don't really know what to get (best lights? wiring, fuses, switches, mounts).

Anyone have a parts list put together where I can get all of these items at, and not pay an arm and a leg for them?

Thanks




 
Reply
Old Aug 22, 2012 | 02:09 PM
  #2  
04_Indi_Mini_S's Avatar
04_Indi_Mini_S
2nd Gear
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 137
Likes: 6
From: VA
I bought a Mini with factory driving lights and they are rusted, so I was looking into other options. I like the size and the covers that say Mini on them, so I was looking for a direct replacement to mine and this is what I have come up with so far...
Non Stainless options:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-Chrome-Spo...#ht_2472wt_952
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-RDX-BLACK-...#ht_2344wt_952
Stainless Steel:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-Stainless-...#ht_2306wt_952
Both options:
http://www.madautoparts.com/bmwminispotlightskit.htm

I can't attest to any of these options and don't know if you can even order them as they are overseas. This is just what I have found and gathered so far so I am passing it on to you. If anyone has ordered any of these or has any other opinions please let us know.
 
Reply
Old Aug 22, 2012 | 03:46 PM
  #3  
Eric_Rowland's Avatar
Eric_Rowland
OVERDRIVE
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
iTrader: (3)
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 13,382
Likes: 47
From: Santa Cruz, CA
There are many aftermarket driving lights available at a reasonable price. WIPAC and Hella are some I've seen mentioned. The only MINI specific things you'll need are the mounts, which are available at several MINI vendors.
See here and here for discussion.
 
Reply
Old Aug 23, 2012 | 01:41 PM
  #4  
04_Indi_Mini_S's Avatar
04_Indi_Mini_S
2nd Gear
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 137
Likes: 6
From: VA
My Mini came with the factory driving lights which are rusted, so I was looking for replacements that would not rust. I like the size and the covers for the factory lights so wanted to find a suitable replacement the same size. This is what I have found so far...

http://www.minisport2.com/mini-parts...MPLAMPKIT.html

http://www.madautoparts.com/bmwminispotlightskit.htm

There are also options on Ebay in stainless and non stainless.
I have no reference for any of these, it is just what I have found searching around.
Anyone have any suggestions for these or other factory size 5" stainless or aluminum lights?
 
Reply
Old Aug 23, 2012 | 03:01 PM
  #5  
Capt_bj's Avatar
Capt_bj
OVERDRIVE
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 7,037
Likes: 283
From: Melbourne, FL
Originally Posted by Eric_Rowland
There are many aftermarket driving lights available at a reasonable price. WIPAC and Hella are some I've seen mentioned. The only MINI specific things you'll need are the mounts, which are available at several MINI vendors.
See here and here for discussion.
concur

the MINI kit is overly complicated and overly expensive

you CAN do without the factory mounts IF you have metal fabrication skills/tools. For most, buying the factory mount (and then down load the factory install instructions for mounting) is the best plan of attack.

you'll also need to decide

1. are you going to wire 'legal' and tie into the high beams?

2. where to put your switch

bring it over - you buy the parts - I'll install 'em - I've done many

{if you'll never actually use 'em .... consider mounting without wires. That's how my rear fogs are on my 07, and I installed two sets of DL for folks like that. They wanted the look but never leave the city!}
 
Reply
Old Aug 23, 2012 | 08:17 PM
  #6  
ERIK06MCS's Avatar
ERIK06MCS
3rd Gear
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 272
Likes: 3
I found used broken lights on ebay for $20. I took the bracketsand resold the cleaned up housings.

I also bought kc 5" apollos off amazon for $75 shipped. I put the switch on the driver knee panel, theres a perfect sized cut out on the back, just drill the proper sized hole for switch mount and wiring. Wired in the lights with the supplied relay and wiring from the apollo kit and riveted the oem mounts to the hood through the grille.

$100 for black plastic driving lights that will not rust. Doesnt get much more budget than that.
 
Reply
Old Aug 23, 2012 | 09:54 PM
  #7  
Melangell's Avatar
Melangell
6th Gear
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 2,466
Likes: 2
From: Savannah Georgia
Hella lights and VIP mounts...
 
Reply
Old Aug 24, 2012 | 12:25 PM
  #8  
Gizmo's Avatar
Gizmo
6th Gear
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,447
Likes: 1
From: New Jersey
Two big flash lights and duct tape works awesome.

Just kidding :P The prior stated posts are all great. Don't go OEM.

The previous owner of my car installed PIAA lights. They seem to be average price but work well.

You also save money on just installing them yourself. Mine are wired to go on only when the headlights are one, however, I can have them on and my high beams on at the same time.
 
Reply
Old Aug 24, 2012 | 01:28 PM
  #9  
euroids's Avatar
euroids
1st Gear
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
Ive got a OE mini light kit i'd be willing to sell to you cheap. Its on the car now but i want to remove it in favor of bigger/more lights. Ive had the car about a month and they were on there when i bought it.
 
Reply
Old Aug 24, 2012 | 05:00 PM
  #10  
04_Indi_Mini_S's Avatar
04_Indi_Mini_S
2nd Gear
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 137
Likes: 6
From: VA
Originally Posted by ERIK06MCS
I found used broken lights on ebay for $20. I took the bracketsand resold the cleaned up housings.

I also bought kc 5" apollos off amazon for $75 shipped. I put the switch on the driver knee panel, theres a perfect sized cut out on the back, just drill the proper sized hole for switch mount and wiring. Wired in the lights with the supplied relay and wiring from the apollo kit and riveted the oem mounts to the hood through the grille.

$100 for black plastic driving lights that will not rust. Doesnt get much more budget than that.
Do you have the factory covers that say "Mini" on yours, or know if they will fit.
I like the idea of plastic ones as they won't rust, but don't they get hot? One review on Amazon said theirs melted, any thoughts?
 
Reply
Old Aug 25, 2012 | 07:22 AM
  #11  
Drakosd's Avatar
Drakosd
2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
From: Northern Kentucky
Outmotoring mounting brackets and Hella 500's. Maybe $200. No rust and Super Bright.
 
Reply
Old Nov 14, 2012 | 09:39 PM
  #12  
Adamrod7's Avatar
Adamrod7
2nd Gear
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
Countryman Driving Lights

Originally Posted by euroids
Ive got a OE mini light kit i'd be willing to sell to you cheap. Its on the car now but i want to remove it in favor of bigger/more lights. Ive had the car about a month and they were on there when i bought it.
Euroids: Do you ever sell the oem Mini Light Kit? Let me know. I'd like to buy them! Are they Black or Chrome?

 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Wohnson89
R50/R53 :: Hatch Talk (2002-2006)
4
Jun 10, 2020 04:53 AM
Gil-galad
Eastern Iowa MINIs
63
Nov 17, 2016 02:54 PM
ryGuyMCS
MINI Parts for Sale
2
Oct 20, 2015 02:24 PM
JHolland
R56 :: Hatch Talk (2007+)
1
Aug 13, 2015 10:47 PM
ECSTuning
Vendor Announcements
0
Aug 7, 2015 08:02 AM




All times are GMT -7. The time now is 10:13 AM.