I really want to add driving lamps to my MCS, I think they look way cool and at $500 they seem expensive, but not too far over the top. BUT, I just found out I'll get nailed another $500 for installation. (I also found out I'll have to pop an extra $130 to have four mud-flaps installed ...that seems insane.)

I'm on a tight budget and will probably have to drop the sunroof to spring for the driving lamps. I've been debating the sunroof from the get-go because I simply don't use it that often and if it rattles, squeaks or creates any wind noise I'll be very unhappy.

Given that the car has Xenons the addition of driving lamps seems solely an aesthetic addition. Is it? Or will I be glad I have them?

This may be one of those questions that only I can answer (lamps verses sunroof), but I'd appreciate your take on it. I hate to sound so superficial, but its really important to me that the car look just right and I love the way the front end looks with driving lamps.

Maybe I can just add some after-market ones myself?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

dean.

 

Hey Dean,

My vote is for the sunroof but Im sure you probably already knew that!

 

If your car spec is perfect for you except the driving lights, just wait, buy them later and install them with some help. Should not be too difficult.

 

Dean I got the PIAA 540 (Mini kit) for around $255 w/$125 for installation so I would say get the sunroof & go aftermarket on the driving lights for sure

I dunno how much you will use them. It depends on how much night driving you do & what roads. My low-beam Xenons are fine for most roads but in Alabama we have plenty o back hibeam-worthy country roads & my driving lights really do come in handy when I travel down them at night.

p.s...you will prob need a different mounting bracket for an 07

 

Agree with inomis - driving lights, mudflaps too, are something you can add anytime. So if you have a tight budget just do it later, and you'll have more options to chose from than just those lights (and install prices) from the dealer. But sunroof you have to order with original purchase.

There have been a lot of comments on wind noise for sunroofs. If you know that will bother you, skip it. I have a sunroof on my current car. At 10 yrs, it started leaking, and totally ruined the car for me. I will never take that risk again.

 

Driving lights are much cheaper than the MINI branded ones and the hourly rate for installation is relatively high at the dealer.
I think you can get Driving Lights (not MINI branded) even with install for between 1/4 and 1/2 of the prices you mentioned.
Try doing a search here on NAM -- driving lights -- in either generation MINi section there are lots of alternatives.

 

My opinion, save your money for now,dont get either, sunroof is very iffy due to the wind noise factor and the OEM lights are an absolute ripoff. Buy some aftermarket ones later on.!!

 

Oh I forgot,
on the sunroof I chose not to get it. I don't have one now and do not feel I'll miss it.
I also had a set amount that I would not go over. I figured $850 for the sunroof (outside of a pkg) would be better spent on other stuff. That was my thinking.

 

I think I did know that. How is the sunroof? Any wind noise or rattles?

This seems like a sensible alternative.

Thanks everyone !

dean.

 

Nope still good to go. Quiet as can be when closed.

 

Then that's the ticket. I'll keep the sunroof and add after-market driving lights later on.

Thanks much for the help !

dean.