We picked up a CM off the lot, and it doesn't have the xenon headlights. I thought it would still be ok, but I admit that the headlights aren't as bright as I'd like them to be.

Has anyone tried better bulbs, or any other options to improve the headlights? What bulb does the CM take?

 

Take a look at:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ifference.html

 

You could add driving lights.

Dave

 

there are HID upgrade kits for just about every vehicle out there. Find out which bulb it is and start googleing!

Good place to start... http://www.hidxenonlights.com/

 

I spent a month researching lighting upgrades when I was looking for a used R60 because preowned xenon All4s are few and far between. I was lucky and found the car I wanted, but the most knowledgeable person I found was Daniel Stern of Daniel Stern Lighting. To go to his website just put a dot com at the end of that company name.
He's very experienced and a nice guy. Just send him an email and outline your specific circumstances and he'll get back to you in a few days. However, he's not a fan of aftermarket HID kits...

 

Before getting HID upgrade kits for many dollars, I'd start with a reputable bulb manufacturer's brighter bulb. Forget anything you can buy at any auto parts chain--they aren't better.

The ones I would suggest are the OSRAM Silverstar (absolutely not to be confused with Sylvania Silverstar!) +50% lamps. They are still 55W but output 50% more light (allegedly). They are also the same color temperature as standard halogens (3200K) instead of "whiter/bluer" (4000k). They're reasonably priced and the ones I have in my 2001 miata projectors have last many years. Just be sure to handle them with a clean paper towel to keep fingerprints off them.

Also, you might be able to find Philips equivalent. I believe they are called "VisionPlus" and should have similar specs (+50%, NOT whiter).

I've purchased them a few times from www.suvlights.com but their site appears to be undergoing maintenance at the moment.

Matt

 

I was the original poster in the thread referenced by ghamma above (in my former identity).

Most aftermarket Halogen replacement bulbs are off the Kelvin scale temperature-wise, leaving your MINI looking like a high-schooler's Honda Civic with blindingly blue headlights.

Sadly, the HID replacement kits are generally even worse, and don't play well with our cars' brains.

The reality is - Halogen headlights will never be as bright or as powerful as the MINI's Xenons. However, the replacement Sylvania Silverstar Ultra H13 (9008) bulbs I put in are a noticeable improvement.

I had Xenons on my R56, and I loved 'em. When I bought my Countryman S "off the lot" last November, it had pretty much everything I wanted (less Xenons), so I "settled" for Halogens. It wasn't a deal-breaker for me.

Others here have said the Sylvania's don't last very long. I haven't had mine long enough to give that a fair test.

 

I've asked Daniel Stern for some guidance; thanks for the tip!

I'm looking to see if I can find quality H13 bulbs that are higher wattage than the standard 65/50 now.

 

I used Sylvania SilverStars in two of my previous non-Xenon autos -- loved em, especially for the brighter output -- but be prepared to pay a little more and have a shorter lifespan.

http://www.sylvania.com/en-us/produc...ce-series.aspx

 

I'm good with my halogens...... Sorry; I don't get a thrill out of $500 extra lights. The "inferior" lighting of halogens don't bother me in the least. But it's OK if others need the xenons, but I don't.

 

There is also an old trick that RAF pilots used. They ate toast with blueberry jam before night flights. It turns out that there is a chemical in blueberries that improves your night vision!

Dave

 

I'm still researching bulb changes, but it's not looking like there are many options. I'll get some pics of the new bulbs installed for future reference.. right after I make my mind up which bulb to try.

 

Ok, here is what NOT TO DO! Do not try the higher wattage H8 and H13 bulbs - because they are very low quality bulbs. Against all advice, I tried them. The beam pattern was unacceptable to me, and I took the bulbs out after 10 minutes.

Now I've ordered the Philips bulbs that Daniel Stern recommended.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00480KPLW/...60_cs_sce_dp_1

Hopefully these bulbs will be a positive experience. Pics to come of the difference the new bulbs make, if possible.

 

Can someone explain why HID kit is not recommended? Even with a Canbus error correcting module, will it cause problems with our electrical system? Also, I notice with the standard halogen on our CM, there is a clean cutoff line, is that from the lightbulb itself, or from the reflecting housing?

 

http://www.danielsternlighting.com/t...nversions.html

I am not an expert by any means, but the above page is an excellent explanation about the subject.

 

I contacted Daniel Stern last week. Got a quick reply from him, recommending the Philips
bulbs which I picked up from Amazon for $31.48/pair. Installed them this afternoon and just took the CM out for a night spin. Definitely noticed an increase in brightness with the new bulbs....