to have the OEM Driving Lights installed on an 03' MC? Preferably at the dealer, to be sure they are done right.

 

Last estimate I heard was with the parts and labor $400.

EDIT - Maybe more if the cost of the lighting is about $400 already.

 

I may be wrong (I was once) but the $400 figure posted in another thread was just the front fogs, no?

The price for front and rear installed in Canada (FWIW) is about $800 Canadian.

 

not fog lamps, driving lights , i have fogs already...driving lights, those two bulbs that go directly on the grill

 

Unless you're REALLY concerned about your warranty, then I think you'll be able to find more effective (better projection, stronger mounts) and cheaper options aftermarket. If you still want someone else to install I think most have said about 4 hours of labor, to me the instructions on NAM look simple enough that if one takes their time and spends a saturday afternoon doing the work, and asks questions if they encounter something they are unsure of, there shouldn't be an issue.

Another thing you could do, is see if any of your fellow local MINIiacs wanted to do an install day where a handful of you get together, and those who have done Driving Lights and had them work sucessfully for years, can help you, as you help those with things you have experiance doing; and everybody get to learn a little. Plus I've met quite a few enthusiasts that I'd trust more that than some (not all) dealers.

If you do a search there is already tons of info on installing driving lights.

 

Warrenty isnt a big thing for me, when I bought my MINI i was 50miles out of warrenty

 

Right so maybe check out other brands for driving lights. Check out this link from OutMotoring.com
http://www.outmotoring.com/exterior_lighting.html

 

There are multiple options from PIAA (5430, 510) Hella (500, Black magic) Uncle John has an awsome set of large chrome lights Alta has lights but there made for the lower grill (by sounds of it, doesn't seem like you want that look though) There's lots of options out there, past OEM and dealer installs.

 

For aftermarket lights I think the Palo Uber light bar is so-o-o sweet! http://www.paloubermini.com/

 

I would agree with the others ... go with Hella or others well-known brand driving lights. If you don't want to DIY, I know several independent shops in the local area (Balt/DC) that will do it for you.

If you want MINI OEM, I was quote $850 for the lights and install at Towson when I bought the car. The lights are ~$400, you can probably get a discount at Classic and then just have Towson install them.

 

while we're on "how much does it cost"...

How much does the dealer want to add seat heat after the fact to my leather sport seats? Would someone else do a reasonable job for lots less?

 

Having anything done by MINI will cost you anywhere from an arm and leg to your first born child.

its much better to order the parts from Classic at a discount (I believe they have a retrofit kit for that http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...25&hg=52&fg=95) but get the actual parts numbers from Classic for you model car. Take it to an independent shop that specializes in German cars.

 

I did it on a friend's MINI. She paid ~$1000 for the heated leather seats on eBay, $140 for the retrofit kit with the wiring and switches, and I installed it for free. It's time consuming, but not that hard if you're a skilled mechanic.

Rawhyde

 

I agree with those promoting aftermarket lights and either a DIY install or with some help. It is a pretty easy project. Good luck!