R55 anyone have driving lights on their new clubman?
1st Gear
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Ladera Ranch- SoCal
Where to start...
I used 2 rectangular plates with four holes, 2 foam pads (to press between the plates and the grill- to prevent any damage to the grill), four bolts (two short and two longer- bottom and main support for the light), nuts and locking washers to clamp the plates tight. I used small pieces of platic tubing to cover the bolts as they pass through the grill (this prevents any vibration and movement).
I had to drill the mounting holes on the OEM lights ever sooo slightly to enable a bolt to go through. I used nuts and rubber washers to prevent slippage. The key to the install is the use of two hardware items that I don't know the name of. They look like a very thick ring that has a screw that you need an Allen key to tighten (the idea is that the little screw ensures that this "ring" doesnot slip). To use in this install you need to take that srew out and use the two long bolts (that come through the grill). The bolts get tightened against the bolt that mounts through the OEM light.
X 2 for the other light
Even skeptics have confirmed that the lights are firmly in place.
Hope that gives some direction as I realize the above is conveluded (It wasn't easy to think about either)
You can always PM if needed.
I used 2 rectangular plates with four holes, 2 foam pads (to press between the plates and the grill- to prevent any damage to the grill), four bolts (two short and two longer- bottom and main support for the light), nuts and locking washers to clamp the plates tight. I used small pieces of platic tubing to cover the bolts as they pass through the grill (this prevents any vibration and movement).
I had to drill the mounting holes on the OEM lights ever sooo slightly to enable a bolt to go through. I used nuts and rubber washers to prevent slippage. The key to the install is the use of two hardware items that I don't know the name of. They look like a very thick ring that has a screw that you need an Allen key to tighten (the idea is that the little screw ensures that this "ring" doesnot slip). To use in this install you need to take that srew out and use the two long bolts (that come through the grill). The bolts get tightened against the bolt that mounts through the OEM light.
X 2 for the other light
Even skeptics have confirmed that the lights are firmly in place.
Hope that gives some direction as I realize the above is conveluded (It wasn't easy to think about either)
You can always PM if needed.
2nd Gear
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
From: Scarborough, Maine
Here's a photo of my driving lights. I got them at VIP but I changed the spacing in order to have room for one badge on the grill. I installed them myself and it was a very difficult job, mostly because I did not know how to take certain things apart. In any case, I like them a lot! BTW, the photo is a thumbnail. How do you import a full size photo into the email?
Last edited by Krut; Aug 4, 2008 at 10:04 AM.
Here's a photo of my driving lights. I got them at VIP but I changed the spacing in order to have room for one badge on the grill. I installed them myself and it was a very difficult job, mostly because I did not know how to take certain things apart. In any case, I like them a lot! BTW, the photo is a thumbnail. How do you import a full size photo into the email?
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 17,379
Likes: 0
From: New Yawk
From what I understand, they are illegal in NY ( i think, don't quote me) and that the first time taking the car into NYC they probably would be stolen, they are a hot commodity... No thank you, don't need that aggravation.
3rd Gear
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 274
Likes: 0
From: Rockland County, New York
I have the driving lights on my R53, but did not order them on my R55.
Why?
First, they aren't all that great. I come from an offroading background, and have owned Hella 500s, Hella 550s, and IPF 960s. The Hellas were good, but the IPFs were amazing. I swear it was like strapping the sun to your front bumper. The MINI driving lights may as well be guttering candles by comparison. They don't really throw out much more light than the high beams.
If I were to go with driving lights again, I'd pick up another pair of IPF 960s and some aftermarket brackets. No way I'd go near the OEM stuff again.
Why?
First, they aren't all that great. I come from an offroading background, and have owned Hella 500s, Hella 550s, and IPF 960s. The Hellas were good, but the IPFs were amazing. I swear it was like strapping the sun to your front bumper. The MINI driving lights may as well be guttering candles by comparison. They don't really throw out much more light than the high beams.
If I were to go with driving lights again, I'd pick up another pair of IPF 960s and some aftermarket brackets. No way I'd go near the OEM stuff again.
I will be putting the 4 on my Clubman as soon as I figure out a good bracket (Alta doesn;t have one) Their bracket has zero shake to it, and I am spoiled...
3rd Gear
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 274
Likes: 0
From: Rockland County, New York
Greetings, neighbor. My wife got her Clubman in March and mine is due to arrive in a week or two. It will be my 3rd MINI. The first two have had the four Alta lights on the front and I never had a problem with them. Even had a cop walk up to the car at RCC and tell me how bright they were
David
3rd Gear
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 274
Likes: 0
From: Rockland County, New York
Have you installed this yet? Do they shimmy and shake?
I had the Alta, which doesn't fit on the R55 and now I am spoiled. I want ROCK SOLID! I ordered two sets of the Out Motoring, but this is cheaper and only one unit (I wonder if that means less sturdy...)
TIA, David
Here's a photo of my driving lights. I got them at VIP but I changed the spacing in order to have room for one badge on the grill. I installed them myself and it was a very difficult job, mostly because I did not know how to take certain things apart. In any case, I like them a lot! BTW, the photo is a thumbnail. How do you import a full size photo into the email?
To post photos in your msg - right click on photo - take note of the url of the photo - copy it and then paste it into your msg by clicking on the "Insert Image" icon (mountain icon).
3rd Gear
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 274
Likes: 0
From: Rockland County, New York
Hmmm, I notice these ride in front of the grill. The OutMotoring ride in front of the bumper. I actually think they look better in front of the grill, but worry about air blockage.
Nice look. I think I will buy both mounts and try and decide (That is the upside of being a two Clubman family...)
Nice look. I think I will buy both mounts and try and decide (That is the upside of being a two Clubman family...)
2nd Gear
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
From: Scarborough, Maine
Most of the lights mentioned are 55 watts whereas the IPF 960's are 110 watts. Does anyone know where I can buy two IPF 960's for a reasonable price? When I google them the lowest price I have found is $300!!
The VIP brackets seem quite sturdy and well made to me.
The VIP brackets seem quite sturdy and well made to me.
2nd Gear
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
From: Scarborough, Maine
Thanks for the information Krut. I'll give it a try after I've added the latest bling on Thursday. Let me guess, it's hot and humid in DC. I was stationed there while in the Army in 1963-65. No airconditioning in those days. Ghastly.
I have my original brand spankin' new grill that I need to sell. (along with my brand spankin' new, never used black MFSW, shifter and emergency brake!)
2nd Gear
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
From: Scarborough, Maine
bahollings, I installed lights (see photo above) and I had to cut two slots, one on each side, about 1/2" tall X 1" wide. I used a Dremel tool with a rotary cutting blade to do most of it. The installation instructions will have a template showing where to cut. It's not a big job but it is kind of a pain to do because you are sawing plastic.