You're not missing much if you dont have the headlamp washer system IMHO. Even though it's a mandated feature in the EU for xenon-equipped cars, I don't see much of a benefit and it's only one more thing you have to disconnect whenever you need to remove the headlight housings.

I have the washer system on mine. I have HIDs with adaptive light control.

That's a good point about keeping vials of yeast cool during transport.l

 

I really don't believe I have them. There's no nozzle in the arm that the door is attached to, nor are there any hoses or wiring going to that part of the headlamp when I look under the hood. I'm pretty sure the washer nozzles were a separate option.

 

Well, as always you can ask your dealer, but I think the washers are a legal requirement for Xenons.

 

It's only a legal requirement in Europe. I have two other cars that both have Xenon lights....neither have washers.

 

Also, it won't wash unless the headlights are on (at least in my '09 R55).

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I know the lights have to be on and it's only ever 5 times or so, but I really don't believe my car has the feature. Just sent an email to my MA to confirm.

 

Not all xenons have the headlamp washers hooked up. I have xenons but mine aren't and weren't hooked up from the factory.

 

Is it a mistake, or are were headlamp washers an extra option?

 

They are an option

 

That's a bummer. Annoying to have the doors there since they're completely non-functional.

 

I remember last year when I used the "build your own" function to figure out what options I wanted to order, first I added xenons but didn't add "the headlamp washer option. Then, after I selected "adaptive light control" I was forced to add headlamp washers. Im guessing that means they don't necessarily install them on US market cars unless you get that option with your xenons.

 

My theory is because its about 1°C.

 

On my car the Xenons were part of the "Sport Package" and the heated seats, mirrors, and washer jets were included in the "Cold Weather Package".

 

I have the cold weather package but not the sport package. I checked with my dealer. Headlamp washer nozzles were a $100 option that my car did not have. Oh well. Nothing I can do now. That's what happens when you buy from dealer stock.

 

There was a package that included them for no extra cost. But you did have to make sure that the dealer actually added that line item. He had to for mine.

As others have said, they only wash when you physically turn the lights on and then only every few squirts. I think there is some time functions also. It seems to almost always clean them first time I wash the window after turning on the lights if it has been a while since I last squirted. Also, daytime running lights do not seem to count as lights on for the headlight washers.

 

i confirmed with my dealer...my car does not have the washer jets.

 

I didn't realize that there are adjusters for the fog lights so that you can raise them up or down. There is no left/right adjustment.

As for the spare tire, you will want to do a test fit to make sure that your spare fits over your front brakes. If not, then you will need to put a rear tire on the front and your spare on the rear (in the event that you get a flat on the front). Detroit tuned also sells a spare for the MINI.

http://www.detroittuned.com/mini-cooper-spare-tire/

Have fun,
Mike

 

Lots of threads on replacing the RFT. I'm getting ready to replace mine. I thought about it a bit, and realized two things. One, I'm getting too old to change a flat tire. Two, when was the last time I actually used a spare? Decades ago. I carry a AAA card in my wallet..

 

I was told by the dealer that run flats are not supposed to be repaired if they are punctured. It is not real clear to me why this is so...

 

You can drive on run flats while flat up to 50 miles @ 50 miles per hour to get you somewhere safe. However if you do drive on a flat run flat tire it will damage the sidewall that you are basicly riding on and the tire will be ruined.
You can, however, repair a run flat that has gone flat as long as you don't drive on it flat and the puncture is 1" from the sidewall. Personaly I believe as long as the puncture is not in the sidewall it could probably still be repaired.
Most Mini owners who use run flats also carry a tire pump and pluging kit in their cars.
So if you get a flat don't drive on it and you then can fix it, otherwise it's just a throwaway tire.

 

The US dropped that requirement some time ago. They are an extra option on top of Xenons.

 

That's partly up to the shop, as it's a liability issue for them. They have to take your word for it that you haven't driven on them (or at least not enough to weaken them). I've known some shops that will, others won't.

 

True, but if you plug the tire yourself...

 

Damage to the side wall and the liability issue makes sense to me. I should look into a pump and plug set. Anyone have recommendation for a good inexpensive plug kit?

I rarely drive long distances from home so I have not been super concerned.

 

I had a small screw in the center of my one of my Continental run flat tires and Americas Tire will not repair. Took 1 week to get a new tire; they suggested getting certificates for refund, replacements which should cover a new tire every time one goes flat.