R56 Re-wiring Driving Lights?
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Neutral
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Re-wiring Driving Lights?
Hi All!!
I just got my first Mini a few days ago! 2012, MCS BRGII.
I added the driving lights to the front because I like the look, but was very disappointed when I picked up the car and the dealer told me they only turned on when the high beams are also on. As someone who lives in the city, I would almost never be able to use my driving lights. :(
Has anyone tried to re-wire the driving lights so they are not triggered by the high beam fuse? Has anyone tried to have the dealer do this for them? Looking for any suggestions on how to enjoy my driving lights a little bit more than just the retro look...
Thanks!!!
Anna
I just got my first Mini a few days ago! 2012, MCS BRGII.
I added the driving lights to the front because I like the look, but was very disappointed when I picked up the car and the dealer told me they only turned on when the high beams are also on. As someone who lives in the city, I would almost never be able to use my driving lights. :( Has anyone tried to re-wire the driving lights so they are not triggered by the high beam fuse? Has anyone tried to have the dealer do this for them? Looking for any suggestions on how to enjoy my driving lights a little bit more than just the retro look...
Thanks!!!
Anna
Yes. Go to the DIY thread and you can find it a guide.
...i'm convinced you just stole yours of another mini
jk
http://www.amazon.com/UNIVERSAL-DRIV.../dp/B00514B34C
...i'm convinced you just stole yours of another mini
jkhttp://www.amazon.com/UNIVERSAL-DRIV.../dp/B00514B34C
5th Gear
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 603
Likes: 2
From: Minnesota
I have mine wired independently of the headlamps, and have had rare oppertunities to use them for the above reason. They are totally useless for city driving, but they turn night into day on those dark lonely stretches.
4th Gear
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 419
Likes: 2
From: Grants Pass, OR
Hi All!!
I just got my first Mini a few days ago! 2012, MCS BRGII. I added the driving lights to the front because I like the look, but was very disappointed when I picked up the car and the dealer told me they only turned on when the high beams are also on. As someone who lives in the city, I would almost never be able to use my driving lights. :(
Has anyone tried to re-wire the driving lights so they are not triggered by the high beam fuse? Has anyone tried to have the dealer do this for them? Looking for any suggestions on how to enjoy my driving lights a little bit more than just the retro look...
Thanks!!!
Anna
I just got my first Mini a few days ago! 2012, MCS BRGII.
I added the driving lights to the front because I like the look, but was very disappointed when I picked up the car and the dealer told me they only turned on when the high beams are also on. As someone who lives in the city, I would almost never be able to use my driving lights. :( Has anyone tried to re-wire the driving lights so they are not triggered by the high beam fuse? Has anyone tried to have the dealer do this for them? Looking for any suggestions on how to enjoy my driving lights a little bit more than just the retro look...
Thanks!!!
Anna
Driving lights are not intended to be used in city driving anyway. In my state driving AND fog lights have to be dimmed to oncoming and when approaching other cars from behind just as if they were high beams.
It not connected to the high beams you would have 2 switches to flip at the same time.
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 2
Please don't use them as regular lights in the city. I am regularly blinded by people who insist on driving with high beams during night AND day in Toronto - and these driving lights will have the same effect on other drivers.
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THis is where is sometimes gets real difficult to know what is right or wrong.
You will note that under Georgia Law two driving light is prohibited (see section d) But any dealer in GA will put on two driving lights and wire them in accordance with the way MINI has stated it should be done. So buying a new car straight off the lot with driving lights as a pre-purchase installed option will not meet Georgia Law.
Other states have different laws. So definitely check the laws in your state before rewiring or if you do be aware of the possible consequences.
Georgia Code - Motor Vehicles & Traffic - Title 40, Section 40-8-29
(a) Any motor vehicle may be equipped with not to exceed one spotlight, and no lighted spotlight shall be aimed and used upon any approaching vehicle. It shall be unlawful for any person except law enforcement officers and persons licensed under Chapter 38 of Title 43 to operate a spotlight from any moving vehicle on any highway or public roadway.
(b) Any motor vehicle may be equipped with not to exceed two foglights mounted on the front at a height not less than 12 inches nor more than 30 inches above the level surface upon which the vehicle stands and so aimed that when the vehicle is not loaded none of the high intensity portion of the light to the left of the center of the vehicle shall at a distance of 25 feet ahead project higher than a level of four inches below the level of the center of the light from which it comes.
(c) Any motor vehicle may be equipped with not to exceed one auxiliary passing light mounted on the front at a height not less than 24 inches nor more than 42 inches above the level surface upon which the vehicle stands, and every such auxiliary passing light shall meet the requirements and limitations set forth in this article.
(d) Any motor vehicle may be equipped with not to exceed one auxiliary driving light mounted on the front at a height not less than 16 inches nor more than 42 inches above the level surface upon which the vehicle stands, and every such auxiliary driving light shall meet the requirements and limitations set forth in this article.
(a) Any motor vehicle may be equipped with not to exceed one spotlight, and no lighted spotlight shall be aimed and used upon any approaching vehicle. It shall be unlawful for any person except law enforcement officers and persons licensed under Chapter 38 of Title 43 to operate a spotlight from any moving vehicle on any highway or public roadway.
(b) Any motor vehicle may be equipped with not to exceed two foglights mounted on the front at a height not less than 12 inches nor more than 30 inches above the level surface upon which the vehicle stands and so aimed that when the vehicle is not loaded none of the high intensity portion of the light to the left of the center of the vehicle shall at a distance of 25 feet ahead project higher than a level of four inches below the level of the center of the light from which it comes.
(c) Any motor vehicle may be equipped with not to exceed one auxiliary passing light mounted on the front at a height not less than 24 inches nor more than 42 inches above the level surface upon which the vehicle stands, and every such auxiliary passing light shall meet the requirements and limitations set forth in this article.
(d) Any motor vehicle may be equipped with not to exceed one auxiliary driving light mounted on the front at a height not less than 16 inches nor more than 42 inches above the level surface upon which the vehicle stands, and every such auxiliary driving light shall meet the requirements and limitations set forth in this article.
You will note that under Georgia Law two driving light is prohibited (see section d) But any dealer in GA will put on two driving lights and wire them in accordance with the way MINI has stated it should be done. So buying a new car straight off the lot with driving lights as a pre-purchase installed option will not meet Georgia Law.
Other states have different laws. So definitely check the laws in your state before rewiring or if you do be aware of the possible consequences.
4th Gear
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 408
Likes: 1
From: Florida
I'd prefer mine to be independent. I'm installing them by myself though. I bought the driving light set and the grill and bracket mounts...do I still need that universal wiring kit? Or do the driving lights come with the wiring needed?
5th Gear
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 603
Likes: 2
From: Minnesota
Depends on which driving lights you buy. Some come with the wiring kits, and others, you may have to buy wiring and relays and switches separate. I see you bought the lights and brackets already, so I'm guessing, therein lies the answer. Best of luck.
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