Do you guys think this is possible:
Ok, once the '05s come out, I want to get the new xenon lamps and new LED tail-lamps installed on my MINI. My current lights are non-xenon and I want to convert to the new xenon projector lamps. I did a search on this and wanted to know if anyone has done this thus far. Also, as for the LED taillamps, are there going to be any "snags" I can run into w/ this idea? Thanks for all your thoughts.

 

I think the LED tail lights should be no problem, hell you could do that with aftermarket parts......as to the Xenons....I am guessing the easiest way is to trade your baby in for a proper one.....

 

The tail lights are fine to swap I think as long as the shape of the light itself is the same but that remains to be seen with the slightly different body style.

The new xenons are a bit different with some considerations. Possible trouble include-
Very high price for the xenons as an aftermarket item. Maybe in the range of $400-500 or more just for the lights.
Different wiring harness for the xenons.
Associated parts needed for the xenons that are not on the lights itself.
Different fuses for the xenons.
Higher rated front suspension (shocks) and springs for the heavier Xenons about 50 pounds each.
Shortage of spare parts due to them being used for production of the new models.
New shape to the lights so that they are not interchangeable with the old headlights.

 

Are you sure the new headlights don't lit, or it that just "a possible problem." And I was wondering: since the new tail-lights have the backup lights in the whole cluster, can I have a red center light installed where by backup light is? I don't even care if it's functional. Thanks for the input thus far :smile: .

 

WOW- do the new xenons really weigh 50 lbs. each?

 

I don´t believe the headlights weigh 50 lbs.

The current xenon headlamps are heavier than the regular ones mainly because of the ballasts and washer system.

The shocks that need to be replaced when going from regular to xenons are the hood opening and closing shocks, not the car´s suspension.

On the current model, installing the OEM xenons is a simple bolt-off / bolt-on of the whole headlamp unit. You can buy the whole headlamp unit as a replacement part at the dealer and it comes with everything except the xenon bulb itself. It is VERY expensive though (about 600 each).

 

If having '05 headlights is so important to you, then why not trade to a new '05 instead?