I am narrowing down my selections for my order. DH and I don't agree totally on the driving lights (what I call Rally lights?). Anyway, first of all what was the original function of these lights back in the day? What type of racing are they for?
Second, do the lights on the new minis add to the functionality of the car?
Third, if we do get them is it something that can be taken off and put back on if the mood hits?
I like the looks of them, but my husband says they make the front a bit too busy for his tastes. Also, if you order with the car, where is the switch?
Thanks all,
Annette

 

Rallye lights (driving lights) were originally used for night rallyes to provide additional illumination when standard equipment lights weren't even halogens (quartz bulbs). Rallye lights were used to provide additional distance and in some cases with multiple sets, side (and very occasionally rear) lighting as well.

Personally, I like the look of the lights on my MCSC and with the zenons, they aren't really necessary for their original purpose, but they do add some long distance lighting.

I have seen the dealer installed accessory switch mounted both on the knee bolster and on the central downtube on the driver's side. The switch is an enabling switch. Turn it on and then the high beam switch actually turns the lights on and off if it is wired legally.

I thought the MINI driving lights were exorbitantly expensive, so I bought a set of PIAA lights for the MINI off ebay and had them installed for less than $325 total. There is a picture of Stirling's front in my gallery.

 

Thank you for the reply. Great pics!
I think I'll do what you did, I'll leave them off the order and add them later if I still want them. I think that Mini wants $795 for them installed, so I'll leave that off for now.
Annette

 

Zinvestor got the history right. Today, they are known as auxiliary driving lights. They are meant to be on ONLY with the high beams and most likely the dealer will only install them so they work with the highs. They are not for use with the Xenons.

You don't have to buy them now, you can wait and do aftermarket lights later ... much bigger selection. For example, you can get Pencil beams, a 5 degree spread, which go way out farther than the highs. They are meant for those long lonely stretches of highway, maybe out West. Or just get regular driving lights, about 15 degree spread that still go out farther than your highs. They can also be aimed to go farther out the sides than your highs. In any case, driving lights are VERY useful if you drive dark roads. You can never have enuff light Some people go with Four lights up front.

 

Save money and go with aftermarket lights if you want them. They are VERY easy to install if you are slightly mechanically inclined and you can get something like PIAA lights for about $250 that are WAY better than the basically generic lights that MINI sells with their logo on them.