For those of you that are getting driving lamps installed:
-Do your dealers already have them in stock?
-The 2 colors offered: Black and Chrome -- Which do you prefer? Any pics to back up your decision?
-I've heard one NAM member that's said they work with the low beams. Can anyone confirm this?
-I've seen pictures where the bonnet stripes don't align with the driving lamps (see attached). Is the position of the driving lamps adjustable during installation?
-Lastly, did you notice that there are 3 parts to the driving lamp kit that have to be purchased -- at my dealer the driving lamps are $292, the install kit (incl. mounting brackets and pre-cut front grille) is $109, and the switch is $65 (or a colorline-matching one for $110). Grand total is $510 and that's not including installation!

Anyone have a picture of what the switch looks like? $110 for a switch means it must be a pretty damn good-looking switch!
Is this a DIY job?
Has anyone gotten a discount from their dealer on parts or labor?

 

Yesterday my husband and I went to test drive the new Mini. Afterwards we were chatting with our friendly Mini dealer and I mentioned that I was interested in getting the driving lamps. He said that the lamps along with the installation would cost almost a thousand dollars and weren't worth it in his opinion, at least not at the initial purchase, later on maybe. I like seeing the road as much as the next person but since I'll be getting the Xenon headlights, I don't really want to spend the scratch on the lamps right now.

 

I want driving lamps in the worst way ...not that I think I'll really need them along with the Xenons but I absolutely love the way they look.

They are indeed a $510 option and my dealer quoted a total of $995 installed ...so, I won't be getting my wish, at least not on the day of delivery.

I poked around this site a bit and found a vendor selling an after-market kit for about $300 that comes with a DVD on how to install them. So, that's the route I'm going to take ...I just can't pop $1K for two driving lights.

dean.

 

$1000?

Whoa... I may have to re-think it also. THe iPod installation also went up by quite a bit from what I was originally quoted, so hard to tell what the final damages will be. Plus the JCW Aero Kit... I'm starting to get nervous. :-)

 

I installed them on my 04(it took time but it went perfectly) and I can't imagine it would be much harderon the New MINI. I would buy the factory kit and do your own install. The dealer can print you off the factory instuctions if you can't find them online. I would be glad to help anyone close to my area install them.

 

That sounds like a good idea. Do you know of a way to get the factory kit at a discount ...or does it have to come from a dealer? Can it be purchased through a parts shop?

dean.

 

That's highway robbery. They're a $400 MSRP option. Which is itself robbery, but $600 for installation? $200-300 is more reasonable, but still in the robbery range.

 

Nope. They went up to $510 this year for the complete kit.

Installation is in the neighborhood of $350... plus tax on the package (depending what state you live in, of course).

Still very expensive.

 

I've just read in another thread that a special grille is needed to adapt the driving lights. That may make DIY difficult.

dean.

 

I am sure there will be aftermarket brackets/kits available in a few months. Any audio/video/aftermarket accessory store worth their salt should be able to do it for much less.

 

ClassicMINI gives NAM members a 20% discount.

 

Thanks.

dean.

 

I love the looks of the driving lights too, but no way on the price!
I'd rather just get aftermarket lamps and not bother hooking them up. They can match my scoop, non fuctioning -- except for looks!

 

For the DYI folks:

$292 Lights
$107.50 (installation kit with pre-cut grill)
$60 Switch
$459.50 Total (less discount)

 

Hello all,

$510 is a lot, but it looks good for the lamps. I went around the block because of the cost, but my MA took care of the installation so I'm only paying for the lamps! You are all right though about the increase of the Ipod installation!! Not happy about that!

MCS/B ordered 2/17....waiting patiently!!!

 

Maybe the hood struts are replaced too, adding to the costs? I have the factory driving lights wired to the parking light circuit, but the they have such a focused beam that they bother alot of oncoming traffic.If I adjust them down they are just a big spot of light in front of the car. Maybe the truckers don't like the idea of a small car having bumper mounted lights on (trucker busy bodies) ,but I get alot of high beam flashing with the drivers on.

 

You guys really oughta wait & get aftermarket lights. My PIAA 540 light kit (which included Mini brackets & the switch) ran $255 from Tire Rack & installation was $125. PIAA has a menu on their website where you can search for recommended installers by location. I think Hella has some lights that are even cheaper. I am sure in the very near future they will have a bracket that will work on the R56 if the current bracket doesn't

 

I emailed PIAA and they're not even aware that the 07 MINI mounting brackets are different than the R53s. It looks like it would be a while for an aftermarket kit for the r56s to come along.

 

They call for new struts if you also have the xenon lights, as they are heavier - shouldn't apply to new cars though, as the lights are no longer part of the bonnet. FWIW, I just installed mine, and the hood stays up fine without new struts - though I'll be keeping an eye on it.


Aye aye aye! Driving lights are supposed to be wired to the high beams. They are NOT designed to be used when there is oncoming traffic, for the reason you state above. You're blinding oncoming drivers, which is both impolite and potentially dangerous.

 

+1, There is no difference between bombarding oncoming traffic with your driving lights & not dimming your highbeams. Plus it is illegal in many states to have driving lights wired to be on w/low beams

 

i was under the impression they were $510 installed, when i asked my dealer about having them put on when my min arrived and he quoted me upwards of $900 i figured i could live without them.

 

I was under the same impression. It sucked when I found out the all-in number.

dean.

 

I'm sure there will be aftermarket brackets available soon, afterall they made them for the R53. Things become much cheaper plus with aftermarket brackets you DIY and use aftermarket lamps. My brackets for my R53 were $50 plus $150 for my PIAA 520's DIY too approx 1.5 hrs slowly and carefully............ patience