Wondering if anybody knows if its possible to purchase/upgrade to the Xenon headlight assembly if your car came with the regular Halogen headlights?

Does anyone know the part #'s, cost, or difficulty of install? Our Mini has the standard lights, but I'd like to someday switch to the Xenon headlights if possible.

So really, I just want to know a) if its possible, b) whats involved, and c) the cost. Anyone know?

 

You got the money , They got the parts. Try www.realoem.com for indivudual part numbers .A retrofit like this is possible , but it think it is too early in the game for them to have a kit ready. I added the OEM Driving Lights myself and that was quite a challange. Thats why they charge so much for labor. .The total lighting system in the R56 is controlled from a computer board in the drivers footwell. ( lots of itty bitty wires and connectors). Lots af opertunities to screw up.

 

Sure. It'll just take a few of these: $$$$ (I want to say about 3 or 4 thousand of 'em)

 

It'll REALLY be that expensive? I mean it was only a $500 option on the car originally, wasnt it?

I figure, $800 for parts, and $250 for labor...thats what I was estimating.

If it was easy enough, I could do it myself. I was thinking maybe you just yank the old assembly, screw in the new one, and be on your way (use the same wiring?)

 

Also requires coding by the dealer.

 

possible - yes.

worth the couple thousand + to do it?

 

Alas, a nice dream. But...... that ain't the way it works.

 

Assuming that the cars havent changed too much from the R53, adding xenon headlights requires different wiring harnesses, additional sensors and control module, washing system with all the attending parts and control module programming changes. Just the headlight assemblies themselves are outrageously expensive.

 

I also believe some things have to be moved around in order for the xenon assemblies to fit. They are huge.

 

Has anyone noticed that the new xenon lights are bi-xenon, with HID lights for both low and high beam?

 

Yes.

 

Yep, From what I read in the papers and on tv, lots of things are BI now.! Our headlights today . What next tomorrow. Where is the world coming to.!!!

 

I have big lights, they are very nice.

 

Coopo -

Why don't you try going with the driving lamps?? It will be a ton cheaper and much simpler to do the install. If you need increased visibility, these lamps should be able to do the job!

 

I love the sig Greatbear...I'm a huge Rush fan from the day they were born!

 

Yep... If memory serves, Todd was pricing this out for the GP. Ordered part-by-part the xenon retrofit was in excess of $3000 (for PARTS!!!). But here are the guides for doing it. Go to your MINI Parts Advisor and report back when you get the $$$:

'01-'04: http://motoringfile.com/2004/09/27/2..._retrofit_kit/

'05-'06: http://motoringfile.com/2006/12/29/o...f-for-05-mini/

 

Heck, at one time I thought I was Bi. Now I know better.

I'm looking forward to seeing them on June 23. I've been a huge fan since their inception as well.

 

Then, maybe your name should be 4xDDD

 

why not just buy a HID kit which is ALOT cheaper and easy to install.

PM me if interested in a HID kit.

 

What is a HID kit?

 

ITS AN AFTERMARKET KIT THAT WORKS LIKE FACTORY XENON's BUT YOU CAN GET DIFFERENT COLORS AND BRIGHTNESS. AND IT COST A FRACTION OF THE PRICE OF A XENON SWAP.

 

and often illegal.

 

So, does that make the OP bi-xenon curious?

sorry, couldn't pass that up.

 

try always



and they don't perform ANYTHING like oem


the biggest difference between oem halogen headlights and oem xenon headlights isn't the bulb they use, it's the housing itself.

Running an hid kit in a halogen designed housing is illegal and unsafe.