Saving $'s is always on my mind, but now the "build to order" pressure has my current focus on the add-on Xenon's, not the Sport pac as I want to stay with the 16's.

What are their life expectancy, replacement costs, elimination of any need for any other lights and all the pros and cons? Functionality , cost/benefit analysis over "gee-whiz"? Probably helps resale a bit, how is the nite road lighting compared to stock, etc. etc.??

When is the latest I can add-on and not move the future production date?

 

I would get the Xenons, I got everything out of the Sport package but the 17" rims, got the 16's. Lots of pot holes here in North Carolina and thought I might have a little more tire with the 16's. As far as lighting the road, big difference from the Xenon and regular head lights. They light up the shoulder of the road, we have a lot of deer down here and it comes in handy. Wouldn't be without them. I have never been flashed by on coming cars either. Thinks their well worth the money. imho

 

I am kind of sold on Xenon lights, my last 4 cars have had them and there is a noticeable difference in brightness. Most things I've read say their lifetime is at least 3000 hours plus, so they should last many years. I was disappointed when I found out the MINI still has halogen high beams. BMW's have had bi-xenons for several years now and the cost as an option is only a bit higher than on MINI's, I'd gladly pay it to have the "full" technology.

 

The standard headlights are very good, I'd say save the money.


It is possible that I feel that way because I've never had a car with Xenon lights.

 

The Xenon's are the blu-white light? Do you think it helps being spotted in traffic? I am used to increasing my visibilty and profile to other drivers, been driving mostly two wheels for the last 20 plus years.

My two year old and wife will enjoy this with me more. Haven't been riding a lot since my daughter was born, my wife says 20 years or more was good enough to at least be in a car full time for a year or so. Actually only bought my first car in 2000, from 1982 till then.

I may have to restore a 1978 RD 400 I have stashed in mom's condo if I sell the Buell XB to free up some monthly income $'s to make this deal.

Just have to have 2 wheels running somehow or I could turn into a frog, a yuppie or something just as ......!

 

They are great....worth the $$$ in my opinion.



I would strongly recomend the sport pkg the DSC and xenons + fog lights put you so close to the full pkg price. you can sell then sell the s-lites and get set of tires/wheels from tirerack with the money

 

THey are FAR more effective than the standard lights - they should be standard equipment - better light output, far better distance and recognition - not even a question, once you have experienced them.

 

If you live where it is dark, get xenons. If you like sporty rides at night, get xenons. If it is really bright at night, they are not necisary. However it should be noted that, I have them on my X3 and love them to death. If they were 2000 dollars I would still get them. O_o

 

I have them and like them a lot. It is an item that would be very difficult to 'add' after the fact.

Have yet to buy a bulb, I think I read they are ~ $190 ea?!?! I could be very wrong.

 

Sell the Buell. Remember that a MINI is a 4 Crotch, Crotch Rocket

I have never driven a car with out them. But have spoken to people with and with out them. It seems that people feel the halogens are "Acceptable" at best. Untill they drive with Xenons. Then it is like flipping on a light switch as it is night and day different.

The Stratus I sold had Crappy lighting Halogens were WEAK! I had to use Fog lights in order to see the road. Then because the fogs were factory, they would shut off when I put on brights. I would have to hold the stalk so that the brights and fogs would stay on.

I work 3rd shift so 90% of my driving is at night. And occasionally I get passed by FedEx planes, or even look straight down the run way at them. When you go from that much light to crappy halogens. You may as well drive with only the parking lights on! I gave up sunroof and automatic air (Premium pack), then threw that money at the Xenons.

 

Bulbs are covered under warenty.

 

If you think you want them, get them. You'll kick yourself later if you don't. They should last dang near forever and the increase in visibilty is outstanding, esp. if you drive on unlit, unmarked, unstriped country roads like I have to.

Get fogs, too. Add PIAA driving lights and you'll have all the light you need.

 

Yet another oft-hashed topic that I feel compelled to respond to each time I see it come up...

I have driven with both and opted to stick with the halogens. I wanted to save $$ and front end weight. I understand the basic physics (not the complex physics) that show the xenons are brighter and reach further - but I still dislike the abrupt cutoff of light. I always felt that I was overdriving them on the highway.

I struggled with this one for a looooonnnng time. Honestly, I still sometimes wonder if I'm 100% convinced I made the right decision. I definitely like the overall look and "cool" factor. But I'm not dissatisfied with the halogens - even after trying both the "old" and the "new" xenons. Just don't skip fogs!

It is possible to be happy with either. You just need to decide what is more important to you.

 

"MINI is a 4 Crotch, Crotch Rocket..."

Just the 3 of us in this household, other than the spaniel, and she is getting NOWHERE near the interior of this car. Don't tell my wife, "Shelah" is the Mexico City "Blockbuster Video" cocker spaniel that we immigrated with her to the USA after we met. My wife loves her dog, but ride in the new car? I don't know how I'll broach that subject!!

I guess there could be others travelling with us to complete the 4-pack.

 

See if you can meet with some local Mini owners with and without and check out the difference. I personally much prefer having the output of the Xenons, they really do a better job IMHO and also make the car more visible to others.

 

AMEN! PREACH ON BROTHER! Best advice I have seen yet on this subject!

 

The Xenons are the most important option to me. I'd give up everything else before I'd give up xenons. Once you have them, you'll never want halogens again.

Plus, they also make the car look a lot nicer/sportier at night. I would buy them for that alone. Halogens are ugly.

 

Get the Zenons. If money is an issue, go to local drive-in fast food joints after dark and set up a demo of how the Zenons light up. $1 a show. Limit audience to 2 people per "show". Tell them for $5 you may even demonstrate the auto wash.

 

The xenon lights are one thing I wouldn't do without. You can see very well and the added ability to BE seen is worth the cost.

 

I love my xenons, and will never go back to regular halogen lights again.

 

the xenon lights are superior, and reduce eye fatigue, in my opinion... my 05 has the xenons, and I think they are a great option... 2nd on my list, with the LSD being the only other must have... get them if you can afford them

 

$500 is cheap for Xenons. You cannot retrofit (that is illegal), See danielsternlighting.com. You will regret not getting them as technology marches on. This technology has been available for several years.

 

Xenons are the best!! I am so used to them that when I get in my other car I have to check to see if my lights are really working. I too agree that it is better to get the sport package. The seats, fog lights and most importantly the DSC are so great. The day DSC saves your life like it saved mine you will be glad you spent the extra dough. The sport seats are a million times more comfortable for sporty drives and especially long drives. Think of all these options as safety features and you have an easier time justifying the costs. Its only a little extra per month anyways.

 

If I were buying another mini, the xenons are the only option I would buy. They're definitely worth the money IMO.

 

Keep the bike, but get the Xenons too! Once you drive two MINIs back to back, one with and one without the better lights at night, you will see the dramatic difference.

It's a safety feature....well worth the money. You are already spending a pretty bundle on the car, a few hundred more will not break you.

I am unsure about the replacement cost after warranty.
Don't skimp on this one. Chrome package? OK. Leather seats? Yeah. Nav system? Maybe. Xenons? Gotta get 'em!