Darkness and rain upon us in Oregon- my R56 halogen headlights are terrible and I'm looking for improvements. I don't really want to go with the "rally" look, and I want more light when using just low beams. I'm really looking for low beams that project better, or replacements for the factory fog lights to convert to driving lights that will stay on with low beams. I tried the Sylvania Silverstar bulbs.
I've seen the Xenon conversions which look like what I want. Some confusion about whether I can do this with an '09: MiniUSA shows them available but my dealer said I need a module switch out..$$$. ECS shows them for 09/2009 on. Anyone done this to an '09? How much improvement?
Thanks

 

While I can't comment on how much improvement, I can say that our '12 came with xenon lights and I like them. Considering how much an upgrade costs, I would actually call ECS or WMW and ask them about the upgrade. Those guys seem to know all things Mini..

 

Hello,

Below is the factory Xenon retrofit kit. 63102347698 & 63102347700 : The output is very good and miles better then the halogen headlights. For pre 9/2009 you will need special codeing / work at a shop that can code for MINI. All the info is in the link. Post 9/2209 cars just need flashed after install by a MINI dealership. Thanks

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...rofit-kit.html

 

I installed the Mini Retrofit lights on my wife's 1/09 R56S - Well worth it in my opinion. FAR superior to original halogens. Had to have the coding done by independent shop that is very familiar with Minis.


Put in the retrofit LED fogs too & very happy with them as well. No coding needed but not a project for the mechanically uninclined. No coding needed.

 

Pics ? Love the Xenons , I dont think I could ever go back to halogens.