R56 Xenon Headlamps
6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,743
Likes: 5
From: Hot Springs Village, AR
MotorMouth, 4xAAA has it right. Might be a Texas kind of thing, but lots of people do it around here. What I've started to do is drive with my regular headlights on, and now I can flash. And guess what--it also stops people from pulling out in front of me on the highways, or else they turn onto the shoulder, which is also a Texas cowboy thing. Used to be a big problem even with a red car. Little car = far away!
Last edited by daffodildeb; Nov 27, 2007 at 09:39 AM.
1st Gear
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Saint Paul, MN
I have only 1300 miles on my Cooper S with the Xenons, but already I concur with everyone else. Buy the Xenons! They are fantastic, I just took a 500 mile roadtrip out to nowhere in Minnesota and the brights on the Xenons light up the road for about two kilometers (we counted mile markers). Saved us from 2 deer in the past 2 weeks.
Don't even think about it
Don't even think about it
For us poor schmucks who didn't get the Xenons, I recommend getting a pair of Philips VisionPlus H13 bulbs ($40) as recommened by Daniel Stern Lighting.
__________________
R56 MC, PS/PS, Auto, DSC, Premium package, Gotham grey interior, Front/rear fog lamps
> I want to replace my stock halogen lights on my 2007 Mini Cooper. The
> manual mentions type H13 60/55 W. I have read in newsgroups about
> people replacing their Mini Coopers with Sylvania Silverstars. What do
> you recommend?
Sylvania Silverstar is a scam.
Here's manufacturer data, from internal engineering databases, for output
and lifespan at 13.2v for H1 bulbs. The numbers here are a composite of
values applicable to the products of the big three makers (Osram-Sylvania,
Philips-Narva, Tungsram-GE). Each manufacturer's product in each category
is slightly different but not significantly so. I picked H1-type bulbs
for this comparison, and while the absolute numbers differ with different
bulb types (such as H13), the relative comparison patterns hold good for
whatever bulb type you consider. Lifespan is given as Tc, the hour figure
at which 63.2 percent of the bulbs have failed.
H1 (regular normal):
1550 lumens, 650 hours
Long Life (or "HalogenPlus+")
1460 lumens, 1200 hours
Plus-30 High Efficacy (Osram Super, Sylvania Xtravision, Narva Rangepower,
Candlepower Bright Light, Tungsram High Output, Philips Premium):
1700 lumens, 350 hours
Plus-50 Ultra High Efficacy (Philips VisionPlus, Osram Silverstar, Narva
Rangepower+50, Tungsram Megalicht, but not Sylvania Silverstar):
1750 lumens, 350 hours
Blue coated 'extra white' (Osram CoolBlue, Narva Rangepower Blue, Philips
BlueVision or CrystalVision, Tungsram Super Blue or EuroBlue, Sylvania
Silverstar or Silverstar Ultra, which is just a rebrand of the
Silverstar product, also PIAA, Hoen, Nokya, Polarg, etc):
1380 lumens, 250 hours
Now, looking over these results, which one would you rather:
(a) Buy and drive with?
(b) Sell?
The answer to (a) depends on how well you want to see versus how often to
change the bulb. If you want the best possible seeing, you pick the
Plus-50. If you don't care as long as it works and you don't want to
hassle with it, you pick the long life.
The answer to (b) is determined by how rich your company's shareholders
want you to be, and is obvious: You want to sell the bulb with the
shortest lifespan, highest promotability and highest price. That'd be the
blue unit, e.g. Sylvania Silverstar.
Go get a pair of Philips VisionPlus H13 bulbs, if that is what your MINI
takes:
http://aid-auto.stores.yahoo.net/phviplrebu90.html
> manual mentions type H13 60/55 W. I have read in newsgroups about
> people replacing their Mini Coopers with Sylvania Silverstars. What do
> you recommend?
Sylvania Silverstar is a scam.
Here's manufacturer data, from internal engineering databases, for output
and lifespan at 13.2v for H1 bulbs. The numbers here are a composite of
values applicable to the products of the big three makers (Osram-Sylvania,
Philips-Narva, Tungsram-GE). Each manufacturer's product in each category
is slightly different but not significantly so. I picked H1-type bulbs
for this comparison, and while the absolute numbers differ with different
bulb types (such as H13), the relative comparison patterns hold good for
whatever bulb type you consider. Lifespan is given as Tc, the hour figure
at which 63.2 percent of the bulbs have failed.
H1 (regular normal):
1550 lumens, 650 hours
Long Life (or "HalogenPlus+")
1460 lumens, 1200 hours
Plus-30 High Efficacy (Osram Super, Sylvania Xtravision, Narva Rangepower,
Candlepower Bright Light, Tungsram High Output, Philips Premium):
1700 lumens, 350 hours
Plus-50 Ultra High Efficacy (Philips VisionPlus, Osram Silverstar, Narva
Rangepower+50, Tungsram Megalicht, but not Sylvania Silverstar):
1750 lumens, 350 hours
Blue coated 'extra white' (Osram CoolBlue, Narva Rangepower Blue, Philips
BlueVision or CrystalVision, Tungsram Super Blue or EuroBlue, Sylvania
Silverstar or Silverstar Ultra, which is just a rebrand of the
Silverstar product, also PIAA, Hoen, Nokya, Polarg, etc):
1380 lumens, 250 hours
Now, looking over these results, which one would you rather:
(a) Buy and drive with?
(b) Sell?
The answer to (a) depends on how well you want to see versus how often to
change the bulb. If you want the best possible seeing, you pick the
Plus-50. If you don't care as long as it works and you don't want to
hassle with it, you pick the long life.
The answer to (b) is determined by how rich your company's shareholders
want you to be, and is obvious: You want to sell the bulb with the
shortest lifespan, highest promotability and highest price. That'd be the
blue unit, e.g. Sylvania Silverstar.
Go get a pair of Philips VisionPlus H13 bulbs, if that is what your MINI
takes:
http://aid-auto.stores.yahoo.net/phviplrebu90.html
R56 MC, PS/PS, Auto, DSC, Premium package, Gotham grey interior, Front/rear fog lamps
4th Gear
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 580
Likes: 0
YARIS has better stock headlights than a MINI!
I do not drive much at night, and skipped the Xenons. No regrets there for me personally, but I will tell you this from experience: The lady of the house has a little Yaris hatchback that was $12,800 out the door, brand new. The STOCK headlights on that little box put the stock headlights on the Mini to shame. She even commented about it the other night. How is it that Toyota can build a little econobox that was far less than HALF the price of my 07 MCS ($28.8k out the door) and have far better stock headlights. The Mini's stock lights are positively ANEMIC in comparison.
4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 476
Likes: 0
From: Corona, CA
One of main reasons I always liked XENONS is because all these luxury cars and expensive sport cars have them and they look cool, so when I saw that the Sport package came with DSC, which I wanted, and 17" spokes and Xenons all for $1400, I opted for the Sport PKG. For 2008 they are a separate option, but I would still buy them. For $500 you get Bi-Xenons with Lamp washers, Try putting on Xenon on a car that doesn't have them and it will cost about twice as much, and probably only the low beams are Xenon. So I think they are a bargain.
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,821
Likes: 6
From: Mililani,Hawaii
Please note that the last link in your post goes to bulbs that do not have the correct physical connector for the MINI. While the VisionPlus may be the bulb to look for but make sure it has the base base attachment. (unless they use a generic picture to show the bulbs) MINI does call for H13 but the pic shown will not work.
Last edited by MotorMouth; Nov 28, 2007 at 06:29 PM.
I've always said, once you go Xenons; there is no going back.
Not only do they look cool, they light up the road very well.... as others have said, I've had to do a little bit of adjusting at raising them a tad.
Get them..
Not only do they look cool, they light up the road very well.... as others have said, I've had to do a little bit of adjusting at raising them a tad.
Get them..
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,980
Likes: 1
From: PA
Not to mention the awesome self-leveling feature you get with them. 
2nd Gear
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
To echo most of the others, we picked up the car last night, and since I could not get us dropped off, I had to watch her drive the MINI all the way home. I am simply shocked at how much light the Bi-Xenons throws out there. I have wanted them for several years, but it is not an option for my old-new gen Saab (see below). Pricey, but what the heck right? So I added them to the order (after all, let's get what we want and not regret). I am more impressed in person and knowing they are ours (well, hers).
On my Saab, I have added E-code (european spec) lenses (with rockblocker protection added) and originally OSRAM Silverstar (european model, much better than US), and now Phillips X-treme. Daniel Stern's info is enlighting (no pun intended) and well quoted around the Saab community and others wanting to have the best available light for their application. Sylvania Silverstars are not worth it, but the European/ROW OSRAM Silverstars ARE worth it. Here's some pics of the difference with the lenses -
http://users.adelphia.net/~jlehome/e-code.htm
Back on point, my Saab still can't challenge the sheer light that is thrown out by the Xenons. My wife, in her 95 Civic hatchback had the candle feeling and also could not dream of a more drastic switch. And to think she always wished the Civic would shine like my Saab. The MINI trumps them both by a large margin.
So to sum it all up (and repeat myself and others)... BUY the Xenons, as you will not be dissappointed. They should actually just raise the base price and include them standard. (of course, this is just my opinion, and I could be wrong)
On my Saab, I have added E-code (european spec) lenses (with rockblocker protection added) and originally OSRAM Silverstar (european model, much better than US), and now Phillips X-treme. Daniel Stern's info is enlighting (no pun intended) and well quoted around the Saab community and others wanting to have the best available light for their application. Sylvania Silverstars are not worth it, but the European/ROW OSRAM Silverstars ARE worth it. Here's some pics of the difference with the lenses -
http://users.adelphia.net/~jlehome/e-code.htm
Back on point, my Saab still can't challenge the sheer light that is thrown out by the Xenons. My wife, in her 95 Civic hatchback had the candle feeling and also could not dream of a more drastic switch. And to think she always wished the Civic would shine like my Saab. The MINI trumps them both by a large margin.
So to sum it all up (and repeat myself and others)... BUY the Xenons, as you will not be dissappointed. They should actually just raise the base price and include them standard. (of course, this is just my opinion, and I could be wrong)
Please note that the last link in your post goes to bulbs that do not have the correct physical connector for the MINI. While the VisionPlus may be the bulb to look for but make sure it has the base base attachment. (unless they use a generic picture to show the bulbs) MINI does call for H13 but the pic shown will not work.
5th Gear
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 656
Likes: 0
From: Ocean View VA
The Xenon lights without the Bi-Xenon option I don't feel are worth the money. The regular high beam yellow light burns out the bright white low beam xenon. The regular fogs are yellow next to the xenon and don't do a lot for the xenon light out put either. Bi is the way to go. Some BMW products also have the fog in the same white light as the xenon and the fog stays on with the high beam where my 06 MINI fog cut off withthe high beam on.
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,980
Likes: 1
From: PA
Same for the 2007's. Would be VERY cool if the fog light beams were white/blue as well.
3rd Gear
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 234
Likes: 0
Hey there
To refresh this thread, does anyone know if the 08s will have fogs that are the same white light as the xenons?
I saw a car (Mazda3
) tonight with yellow'ish fogs and xenons. Looked abysmal. I really want the xenons on my next MINI but if the fogs were still yellow this would be factor when considering the extra $500 option.
Thanks!
To refresh this thread, does anyone know if the 08s will have fogs that are the same white light as the xenons?
I saw a car (Mazda3
) tonight with yellow'ish fogs and xenons. Looked abysmal. I really want the xenons on my next MINI but if the fogs were still yellow this would be factor when considering the extra $500 option.Thanks!
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,980
Likes: 1
From: PA
Hey there
To refresh this thread, does anyone know if the 08s will have fogs that are the same white light as the xenons?
I saw a car (Mazda3) tonight with yellow'ish fogs and xenons. Looked abysmal. I really want the xenons on my next MINI but if the fogs were still yellow this would be factor when considering the extra $500 option.
Thanks!
To refresh this thread, does anyone know if the 08s will have fogs that are the same white light as the xenons?
I saw a car (Mazda3
) tonight with yellow'ish fogs and xenons. Looked abysmal. I really want the xenons on my next MINI but if the fogs were still yellow this would be factor when considering the extra $500 option.Thanks!
). Basically just look at the headlights of any car without xenons and that's the color of the MINI's fog lights.
you can always change the regular bulbs in the xenons to a whiter bulb, or use an aftermarket retrofit kit to make them xenon as well.
might want to check with your mini dealer/service department about programming the fogs to stay on with high-beams. I setup a customers '04 Saab today wanting all sorts of custom programming options changed according to some saabclub website's faq... nothing we normally mess with at the dealership, but things like disabling the the seatbelt warnings, alternate drl settings, passenger pressence detection for single/dual zone acc, foglight settings, etc....
if they're hesitant to do it for you, you can always offer to pay :P the service writer at our dealership booked it out for .5 ...
might want to check with your mini dealer/service department about programming the fogs to stay on with high-beams. I setup a customers '04 Saab today wanting all sorts of custom programming options changed according to some saabclub website's faq... nothing we normally mess with at the dealership, but things like disabling the the seatbelt warnings, alternate drl settings, passenger pressence detection for single/dual zone acc, foglight settings, etc....
if they're hesitant to do it for you, you can always offer to pay :P the service writer at our dealership booked it out for .5 ...
3rd Gear
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 234
Likes: 0
Well the Mazda3's fogs were not purposely yellow. They were the dirtyish white you mention. Didnt like it but will keep an eye out for other shades to help me make up my mind on the xenons.
Will also be replacing my stock 07 MCS halogens with a Philips variety to see how they look. Then I'll have all the data I need to make a decision on the next MINI's lights. Handy having one around to mod!
Now if only I had put up the $100 for the white front/rear turnies I would be really happy... The next MINI is definitely getting those!
Will also be replacing my stock 07 MCS halogens with a Philips variety to see how they look. Then I'll have all the data I need to make a decision on the next MINI's lights. Handy having one around to mod!
Now if only I had put up the $100 for the white front/rear turnies I would be really happy... The next MINI is definitely getting those!
here's a thread showing what bulbs to buy to match the xenon color
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=103198
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=103198
4th Gear
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 591
Likes: 0
Yeah this is my first car with the xenons I allways wanted em since I started driving....7 years ago and finally got them ......I actually am driving a loaner car now and its a 07 toyota camry and it has just regular non hid projection lights and wow what a difference from the MINI's hid's. espically when it was raining out lastnight.
I also noticed how many more cars are on the highways now with xenon's i mean 7 years ago it was like if you say a car it was an 80,000 car now they are so common....I dont think that they are bad for oncoming drivers because its the way the projection beam is and the autoleveling system. It's the other people who put aftermarket xenon lights in their cars which are not made for xenons except for the ones who actually use the projector lamp housing.
......I actually am driving a loaner car now and its a 07 toyota camry and it has just regular non hid projection lights and wow what a difference from the MINI's hid's. espically when it was raining out lastnight.I also noticed how many more cars are on the highways now with xenon's i mean 7 years ago it was like if you say a car it was an 80,000 car now they are so common....I dont think that they are bad for oncoming drivers because its the way the projection beam is and the autoleveling system. It's the other people who put aftermarket xenon lights in their cars which are not made for xenons except for the ones who actually use the projector lamp housing.
6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,743
Likes: 5
From: Hot Springs Village, AR
Looking ahead to resale, I think Xenons will be a desired feature, especially on any high dollar or specialty cars. I don't see them as being a big thing on the average Chevy or Toyota, but surely on BMWs, Mercedes, Lexas...and MINI.
4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 476
Likes: 0
From: Corona, CA
My brother is on the market for a pre-owned Porsche 997, I told him make sure you get one with Xenon. Xenon is a very desirable feature. And spending $500 extra for them is well worth it. Not only are they Bi-Xenon in the R56, but also come with self leveling and headlamp washers.
Last edited by byhsu; Dec 12, 2007 at 11:43 AM.