Hi,

This is a question for those of you with MINIs with the optional Xenon headlamps. Can you tell me and everyone about their effectiveness? Do these lamps only function as low beam headlights? From pictures, I know that the xenon-lamp discharges from the top portion of the headlight unit, but what is the bulb at the lower portion of the headlight unit for?

Thanks in advance for responding!

 

I haven't got my MINI yet to give you an accurate response. From what I have read in the forums, the Xenon's are low beams only. There has been a lot of talk about headlights in the forums...just do a search and that should help you out.

 

The xenons are for the low beam. When you go to the hallogen high beam, the xenon low beam stays on. So there is a lot of light. The xenon low beam stays on with the high beam because of the warm-up time associated with the xenons (a few seconds).

In addition to having improved lighting, the xenon headlamps also include auto leveling motors and the power wash, which are not part of the halogen set-up.

I really like the xenons a lot, and would never go back. I would almost be willing to be that no one who has actually had a car with xenons that would want to go back to halogens if they had a choice (MINI, Audi, BMW, Lexus, or others). They are more than worth the $500 MINI wants for them, and you won't be able to retrofit them for anywhere close to that price.