I wanted the white turn signal option, because the word is that the "fried egg" headlight look is aesthetically undesirable. Unfortunately, somehow I just confirmed that my build, which I'm told was just completed, includes orange turn signals, and not white. The car is essentially in process of being shipped, and it is not changable at this point.

First of all I'd light some opinions from as many sources as possible about the orange turn signal on the headlight (and opinions about the back light as well, I guess). Also I'd like to know if anyone has any idea what can be done to change that out, if I'd like. The dealer seemed to think it might be impossible (short of buying a new headlights).

Thanks.

- R

 

Do searchs in the threads here on NAM, MINI2 (and other MINI forums). I think MINI2 has lots of info because the cars there are on the street and solutions are already available.
There has been expensive discussions on the matter on the yellow/orange turn signal ront, back, side.
There apparently are many options.

 

Do YOU find it undesirable? If not, keep 'em. If you cared about what other MINI owners think would you necessarily be buying an R56? There have been people here on NAM that have suggested the majority of current owners dislike the car in general. Not that I necessarily buy that, or mean to start that argument... but who are you buying the car for? You, right? Who cares what anyone else thinks.

There are solutions to change them or alter their appearance... but at what cost? $100, $200, $300? Is it worth it to you? It was BARELY worth it to me to pay $100 to have the factory do it. Any more and I'd live with fried eggs, personally.

 

I would think that some color cars will look better with white and some better with yellow IMO.
I'm getting a Yellow S so in my opinion yellow turn lights is the better choice. Again this is a personal choice.
If someone thinks they look like egg yoke well the yokes on them.

 

This is one of those issues that makes no difference to me. If you want to change them, go ahead, but I've never thought that they spoiled or made a car's looks.

 

+1 i hate the R56 but why does it matter what i think or anyone else thinks as long as you like it.

 

I think both look good and am grateful that they aren't fitting red indicators at the rear, like Audi do, on US spec cars.

 

Wait until it turns up in case the confusion is over the bulb colour. Even the white lens lamps have an orange bulb in them and give an egg yolk effect. The only option is to replace the bulb with a silver one that flashes orange (assuming that's legal where you are).

Before and after pics of my R56 below (it has the white lenses as these are standard on the MCS here).

White lens, orange bulb "Before" Pic



White Lens, silver bulb "After" pic

 

Try http://www.bimmian.com/MN. They sell the silver replacement bulbs (and some really cool custom badge letters).

 

Does it really matter what anyone else thinks? It's your car, decide for yourself what looks good to you and mod accordingly.

 

this is the first mod that every new owner does in the uk barr none

 

True, i changed mine before i even left the dealership.

 

But, honestly, who in the U.S. even looks at that? I've asked dozens of people how they feel about the color of the turn signal lights and to a person they've said they never had paid attention to that detail. Every one said they didn't realize there was even a choice in the matter.

For some reason, people in the U.K. have a different way of looking at a car and the fried-egg look is bothersome for them.

But I have heard that the yellow signals weigh an ounce more than the white ones, so if you're putting your Mini on the track, it could make a big difference in handling.

 

Which turn signal is brighter/more visable?

 

Probably the orange one. Silver bulbs do appear slightly less bright.

 

Too much traffic here in Houston--I'll go with the eggs...

 

Another thing to mention is that instead of purchasing replacement yellow bulbs behind the clear lens you can just lightly "fog" them with some silver spray paint. They will look silver until lit. They won't be as bright but having done this before, it works quite well and you may not be able to tell any reduced brightness.

 

mine are going blue to suit the colour of my new r56

 

Funny you should mention that, generally, I am soooooo glad I ordered a 2006 late last summer instead of waiting for a 2007. Yet of the changes they have made to the 2007, the integrated headlamp/turn-signal is one of the few that I actually like. There are so many more valid reasons to NOT like the 2007 that getting hung-up on the headlights seems trivial(!)