Posted below is the installation guide for the driving lamps my MA sent me. It looks pretty straightforward. I'm going to try to install these myself once the kit comes in.

 

Did you guys notice that the installation is only 1.25 hours. The old kit took 2.5 hours.

 

Thanks for the file. Let us know how it goes. Especially if the directions need further explanation. I want to do this myself as well when the car comes.

 

did you also notice that they allow themselves an extra 30 mins to diagnose mechanical problems and an hour for electrical problems.....hope that's not at the customers expense!

 

Most likely.. considering my dealer is charging A LOT for installation.

 

Yeah thats about what mine quoted. I way wave the install guide around anyway, just so as he knows that I'm "in the know".

 

Wow I was just quoted 2.5 hours install. I will be doing them myself also.

 

Thanks, aznqtboy984. My MA said he would send me the instructions but now he won't need to.

I plan to put the lights on my self too. No way I want somebody messing with my new car.

 

Hey, maybe we can install them together

 

You bet! You come down and we will do them both at the same time at my place. It will be more fun that way. I own a machine shop but we will not likely need it.

Cheers

 

I'm picking my set up tomorrow. I'll be doing mine as well. Too bad we aren't closer it would be cool to do them together. Either of you going to the Dragon?

 

Do let us know how the install goes. Morristown MINI has the lights and install parts for $371.60, which is a bit of a discount. I always wanted driving lights, but couldn't install them on the 2002 MINI. Take pictures of the install!

 

Interesting that the installation and cabling diagram has a silouette of an R50.

Also interesting that the pushbutton is "not for US cars". Hmmm...

 

How much does the Kit cost if you buy it from the dealership and install it yourself. ??

 

I bought my kit from Classic MINI which gives NAM members 20% discount. It includes chrome driving lamps, installation kit w/ pre cut grille and brackets, and the switch w/ creme white colorline. Grand total: $420.

 

Quite friendly. No tax. Excellent shipping charges (they have a thread/contact in the vendor area of the forums).

Came about 25% less than buying it locally (371.60$ + shipping).

The only things to be aware when ordering are:
1. black driving lights vs silver driving lights (different codes);
2. color-matched left dashboard panel (6 variants) at $110.00 MSRP vs standard (basic) left dashboard panel/switch at $65.00 MSRP.

Now - with that PDF posted in this thread - I might be installing it myself (there is no drilling/grille modifying like in the old retrofit kit).

Still - aside being charged MSRP locally - what upsets me the most is that they charge 2.5-3 hours at 100$/hour for a 1.0-1.25 hour job.

If anyone in the IN area wants to get to a driving lights install party (I'm a neophyte) - I'm all for it. The PDF is pretty concise.

MMM

 

Thanks for that information, looks like that I will be able to handle that job myself no problem. BTY. Take special note of the statement on page 8 about ESD. This is very important as these cars are full of electronic modules that can be fried just by you touching the bare wire. Make sure that you ground yourself to the frame periodically to discharge any builtup charge from your body. Also try and avoid touching the bare wires if at all possible.! You can also use a wrist grounding strap available at any electronic store.

 

Others on this forum have reported the lights only working with the high beams, but quoted from the document on page 16 :


Anyone notice this?

 

yep, i noticed that!

 

I read that too. I figure I'll have to wait until someone installs them and explains it, because I don't know what they are talking about in the instructions.

 

They come on only with the high beams.

Heck, "driving lights" used to be how you'd drive all the time, *dimming* your lights when oncoming traffic would approach. That's stuck in the lingo, especially in the UK, where "main beams" or "high beams" or "driving beams" all mean the same thing -- what we call only the "high beams" in the US.

More info at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Headlamp