My MCS is about 5.5 years old now, and I had to replace my low beam headlights over the weekend.

Question: My car has daytime running lights turned on, so my high beams are on at 50% whenever I drive during the day. Those bulbs have yet to burn out, but now both of my low-beam bulbs have burned out. What's up with that?

And, if you've ever replaced your Mini's headlight bulbs, can you believe how flimsy the bulb-holding device is? I expected something a lot slicker than just a wire to hold the bulb in place.

 

Running any kind of lamp at 50% greatly increases lifespan. So the highbeam bulbs are going to last a very long time, even though they are ON with DRL.

Not sure of the run life of the halogens, but the xenons on my almost 7 year old MINI still shine like new.

Mark

 

Why not use really bright bulbs for low beams and run them at 50%, too!

The Owner's Manual says the Xenons should last "a long, long time" and that it is unlikely they'll need to be replaced. Apparently that's a job best done by the dealer due to the high voltage involved.

5 Years seems about right for halogens. When I went to Pep Boys for new bulbs their guy told me the "super bright" Sylvania bulbs last about a year, or a quarter as long as stock bulbs due. I decided to split the difference and get some somewhat brighter bulbs that last about 2 years. We'll see tonight if I like them.

They are supposed to project light further down the road, not just look brighter because of the color temperature. Not a huge gamble since 2 bulbs cost $22 as opposed to one BMW bulb for $32.