Quick question. Did a search found nothing. I have a 2004 MCS with the Sport Package with Xenons. Does anyone know if I can buy the 2005 Projector Headlight Housing and Replace them and put my Current Xenon bulbs in? Is this possible? Has anyone done this yet? and How much do the 05 Projector Housings cost?

Thanks
~Art B.

 

It is definitely possible. You can go talk to your dealer about setting you up with a new set. They are pretty much plug and play. Although, i dont remember the price.

I wouldnt mind buying your old ones if the price is right

 

Im gonna go see how much they cost and how easy the install is. Once i figure out if i am going to do it or not ill let u know if i wanna sell my 04 housings

 

I do remember a couple threads on mini2 where they did it no problem - I believe it was around a grand in parts, but don't quote me. I have not seen the older xenons to tell you if it's worth it though. I know the 2005's are 2x as good as the halogens, I don't know how much better the 2004's are.

 

Having driven both Xenon and Halogen MINIs I think the best part of the Xenons is watching the beams self-level every time you turn them on, and watch for them to adjust the level as you drive down the road. You can see the pattern adjust every time you accelerate from a stop.

The light pattern from either is very good once you get them properly aimed.

 

My 04 came with the reflector Xenons, i just want to switch out the housing to the new Projectors.. thats all

 

i think u have to buy the whole unit include the bulb, can't just buy the headlight housing.

that why it make the cost of upgrading too much for most ppl

 

$680 each from my Local Dealer. LOL Yea right... $1360, i rather spend on some engine work.

 

Yes it can be done, yes it is expensive. I got my insurance company to pay for mine when I had my front end redone after it got all chipped up by the lovely Colorado wind. They are plug and play. Most dealers, however, will tell you that it is not possible.


Just for clarification, it is a one piece deal. The housing, lens, bulbs, ballasts, washer nozzles all included. The only thing you might have to buy separate is the chrome bezzel and the chrome bit the covers the washer nozzle.


Sean

 

hmm, yea i dont need all that. all i want is the housing. I can use my existing ballast and bulbs. its those parts that are a killer..

 

It doesn't work like that, unfortunately.

 

Yeah...you do.

 

check ebay....sometimes they have a set of just the housings.

 

And what do i need the Ballast and Bulbs for...?? your saying i need everything explain how. All i have to do is Unscrew the Ballast from the Existing housing and take out the bulbs, undo the head light spray. Put in the new housing attach my existing ballast and put in the Xenon bulb. and reconnect the washers and put the chrome trim back in.

 

Because they are not the same parts, and don't work with the new stuff.

Look it up on the microfiche, you'll see.

 

I can't tell you with absolute certainty that it wouldn't work, but there is one major flaw with your idea.

You WILL NOT find a parts counter that will sell the parts to you that way. The item is one part number for the ENTIRE assembly.


Assuming you could find someone on NAM or Ebay that is selling only the housing, it would most likely still cost a good chunk of change. Why would someone sell just the housing. If someone were in position where they needed or wanted to replace their lights they would find out exactly what we are telling you...they had to buy the entire assembly from a dealer.

You may be able to find some enterprising NAMer who is willing to part pieces of some used headlights they have laying around there garage...but here again, good luck because that would be a large financial sacrifice for that person as the headlights would be worth far more as a whole than they would be parted out.

I really hope that helps make things clear.

Sean

 

Or head on over to www.hidplanet.com and see what you can do with a little help for a dremel.

Basically, they take HID projectors and fit them to work in a standard halogen headlight.. Yes, you will not got the auto-level feature but you will get the look you are going for...

I did this on my 1998 Honda Accord 5 years ago when I had to have HID

 

And that's also illegal.

 

Yea, it's illegal to do almost anything these days.. I would also say that driving a Mini Cooper should be illegal because it is soo much fun

 

I'm not saying that to be a smart-***. It gets you pulled over, sometimes ticketed, sometimes impounded - or inspection denied - it all depends on where you live and the cop. Some areas are really cracking down on fake/improper HID installs.

 

It is a MINI afterall! Give it the respect it deserves. If it is worth doing at all it is worth doing right!


Not some half A_S, ricer way!

 

think ill just stick to my current reflector style HID's ahah

 

Why not? Sure they will... Give them the part number and they will order JUST that.



You can buy just the outter housing... and they do use the same bulb... part #3

 

thank you

 

but the problem is....show me which one is a part number for a housing without bulbs. You can buy the bulbs without the housing, but not the housing without the bulbs. The top part number includes bulbs and thus is very expensive.