MINI2

yellow peril · Oct 31st, 2006, 02:41 PM

I'm just working out the spec for the Cooper S I'm planing to order shortly and was wondering what the Bi-Xenon Headlights are like.

Can anyone who has them on their current car tell me of they're really worth forking out £460 for? If I decide to have the 17inch wheels I'll end up with them anyway through the chilli pack but I can't decide on that until I test drive the car on the launch weekend. All feedback gratefully received!

Hat · Oct 31st, 2006, 02:43 PM

you can't get bi-xenons on the current cars - only the low beam is xenon on those cars that have it specced, the high beam is standard halogen. they should be very good

KPKalle · Oct 31st, 2006, 02:43 PM

Bi-Xenons aren't available on the current model MINI. I guess you'll only get help from someone with another car that has them fitted.

popey · Oct 31st, 2006, 03:59 PM

I know i few people who have them them and there fantastic well worth every penny. They all say they wouldn't have a car without them now.

AidenL · Oct 31st, 2006, 04:08 PM

I have them on my current BMW - hard to go back to halogens after bi-xenon

yellow peril · Oct 31st, 2006, 04:40 PM

Thanks guys, that's been helpful. I hadn't realised the Bi-Xenons weren't available on the current model. Can't wait for my test drive!

ttocs · Nov 1st, 2006, 11:06 AM

I have them on my Merc, great things, you can see so much more. Wouldn't go back to halogens without a fight.

Freddo · Nov 11th, 2006, 04:43 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by yellow peril (original)

I'm just working out the spec for the Cooper S I'm planing to order shortly and was wondering what the Bi-Xenon Headlights are like.

Can anyone who has them on their current car tell me of they're really worth forking out £460 for? If I decide to have the 17inch wheels I'll end up with them anyway through the chilli pack but I can't decide on that until I test drive the car on the launch weekend. All feedback gratefully received!

Is´t Bi-Xenon included in the cooper s chilipak in UK? They are in sweden, but not for the cooper though ..

Tigger, Eeyore & Roo · Nov 11th, 2006, 05:24 PM

Bear in mind that the halogen equiped R56 only has a single bulb and reflector bowl per side, rather than the twin bulb and reflector of the current MINI. This means that the performance of the standard headlamps should be well down on the current ones and going the bi-xenon route is likely to be essential.

Tigger.

Sowellman · Nov 11th, 2006, 07:47 PM

Any ideas on whether bi-Xenon headlights provide any better cutting power in fog vs. conventional lamps?

Olly. · Nov 11th, 2006, 10:53 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Sowellman (original)

Any ideas on whether bi-Xenon headlights provide any better cutting power in fog vs. conventional lamps?

Yes they are much better in fog.

Sowellman · Nov 11th, 2006, 11:20 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Olly. (original)

Yes they are much better in fog.

Then, is it overkill to install both bi-Xenon AND foglights?

popey · Nov 11th, 2006, 11:42 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Sowellman (original)

Then, is it overkill to install both bi-Xenon AND foglights?

I was told that the idea with fog light is that because they are low to the ground it reduces the amount of light that reflects back off the fog.

jjmyers · Nov 12th, 2006, 02:08 AM

got bi xenon's on our range rover sport and pourschem there amaxing!

Deutsch · Nov 12th, 2006, 02:25 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Tigger, Eeyore & Roo (original)

Bear in mind that the halogen equiped R56 only has a single bulb and reflector bowl per side, rather than the twin bulb and reflector of the current MINI. This means that the performance of the standard headlamps should be well down on the current ones and going the bi-xenon route is likely to be essential.

Tigger.

Why essential??? You could just as well replace the halogen bulb w/ bright whites and have the same effect of xenon gas. Keep in mind that the Xenons are expensive to replace should they go bad, and nothing lasts forever.

popey · Nov 12th, 2006, 02:55 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Deutsch (original)

Why essential??? You could just as well replace the halogen bulb w/ bright whites and have the same effect of xenon gas. Keep in mind that the Xenons are expensive to replace should they go bad, and nothing lasts forever.

Personally I can’t find any conventional bulbs that work like Xenon’s (tried loads for my Z3 & Fiat Coupe). Once you have them you won’t go back, so I’m told. I’ve used a car with them a few times and they are fantastic, the difference is like a torch compared to a light house..... if you get what I mean

Also won’t they be covered by warranty?

Deutsch · Nov 12th, 2006, 05:09 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by popey (original)

Also won’t they be covered by warranty?

The white lights, no??? I do understand that there are many positive benefits of having xenons, but there are negatives as well, as with anything else.

Tigger, Eeyore & Roo · Nov 12th, 2006, 07:20 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Deutsch (original)

Why essential??? You could just as well replace the halogen bulb w/ bright whites and have the same effect of xenon gas. Keep in mind that the Xenons are expensive to replace should they go bad, and nothing lasts forever.

Unlike the existing MINI, on the new one as soon as you select main beam you will loose the dipped beam. If you live and drive in a rural area, like we do, this is completely unacceptable. (Oh, I already use much brighter bulbs, legal ones - of course

, on both dipped and main beam)

I have used normal Xenons (with halogen main beam) before, but I understand that Bi Xenons use one lamps with two different beam patterns for dipped and main beam. Although this still doesn't sound perfect I would still expect this to be much better than the simplified, single lamp, halogens now being fitted to the R56.

Having said that, if you live and drive at night mostly in town, or busy roads, where main beam isn't used very often, then this isn't so important as it is to us.

Tigger.

popey · Nov 12th, 2006, 01:08 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Deutsch (original)

The white lights, no??? I do understand that there are many positive benefits of having xenons, but there are negatives as well, as with anything else.

According to my dealer my Xenon's are covered by the warranty so thats happy days for me

.

I thought Bi-Xenon's where better than Xenon's????????????

And Xenon's i don't think are an expensive option........ have a look at Sat Nav - TV - Bluetooth ££££££££££££££

Olly. · Nov 12th, 2006, 01:49 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by popey (original)

According to my dealer my Xenon's are covered by the warranty so thats happy days for me

.

I thought Bi-Xenon's where better than Xenon's????????????

And Xenon's i don't think are an expensive option........ have a look at Sat Nav - TV - Bluetooth ££££££££££££££

Agreed Xenons are £700 on the golf GTI

Oct 31st, 2006, 02:41 PM	#1
yellow peril MINI2 Regular Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Chichester, W Sussex Local Time: 05:23 AM Posts: 103 Offline	Bi-Xenon headlights? I'm just working out the spec for the Cooper S I'm planing to order shortly and was wondering what the Bi-Xenon Headlights are like. Can anyone who has them on their current car tell me of they're really worth forking out £460 for? If I decide to have the 17inch wheels I'll end up with them anyway through the chilli pack but I can't decide on that until I test drive the car on the launch weekend. All feedback gratefully received!

Oct 31st, 2006, 02:43 PM	#3 (permalink)
KPKalle Knight of the Round Table Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Midhurst, Sussex Local Time: 06:23 AM Posts: 21,177 Offline	Bi-Xenons aren't available on the current model MINI. I guess you'll only get help from someone with another car that has them fitted. Global Moderator

Oct 31st, 2006, 04:08 PM	#5 (permalink)
AidenL Nice TTs......... Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: On The Coast........ Local Time: 06:23 AM Posts: 42,147 Offline	I have them on my current BMW - hard to go back to halogens after bi-xenon *Global Moderator*

Nov 11th, 2006, 05:24 PM	#9 (permalink)
Tigger, Eeyore & Roo May '08: Bye bye Mini2... My Classifieds Join Date: May 2004 Location: Kernow, near England Local Time: 06:23 AM Posts: 4,512 Online	Bear in mind that the halogen equiped R56 only has a single bulb and reflector bowl per side, rather than the twin bulb and reflector of the current MINI. This means that the performance of the standard headlamps should be well down on the current ones and going the bi-xenon route is likely to be essential. Tigger. May 08: No longer posting on Mini2. In future I can always be contacted HERE

Nov 11th, 2006, 07:47 PM	#10 (permalink)
Sowellman MINI2 Regular Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Oregon Local Time: 10:23 PM Posts: 230 Offline	Bi-Xenon vs. fog Any ideas on whether bi-Xenon headlights provide any better cutting power in fog vs. conventional lamps?

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Oct 31st, 2006, 02:43 PM	#2 (permalink)
Hat cook pass babtridge My Classifieds Join Date: Oct 2002 Local Time: 06:23 AM Posts: 15,800 Offline	you can't get bi-xenons on the current cars - only the low beam is xenon on those cars that have it specced, the high beam is standard halogen. they should be very good

Oct 31st, 2006, 03:59 PM	#4 (permalink)
popey Wants an Audi My Classifieds Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Blackpool Local Time: 06:23 AM Posts: 1,428 Offline	I know i few people who have them them and there fantastic well worth every penny. They all say they wouldn't have a car without them now.

Oct 31st, 2006, 04:40 PM	#6 (permalink)
yellow peril MINI2 Regular Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Chichester, W Sussex Local Time: 05:23 AM Posts: 103 Offline	Thanks guys, that's been helpful. I hadn't realised the Bi-Xenons weren't available on the current model. Can't wait for my test drive!

Nov 1st, 2006, 11:06 AM	#7 (permalink)
ttocs MINI2 Master Join Date: Sep 2006 Local Time: 06:23 AM Posts: 3,677 Offline	I have them on my Merc, great things, you can see so much more. Wouldn't go back to halogens without a fight.

Nov 11th, 2006, 04:43 PM	#8 (permalink)
Freddo MINI2 Regular Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Sweden Local Time: 05:23 AM Posts: 257 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by yellow peril (original) I'm just working out the spec for the Cooper S I'm planing to order shortly and was wondering what the Bi-Xenon Headlights are like. Can anyone who has them on their current car tell me of they're really worth forking out £460 for? If I decide to have the 17inch wheels I'll end up with them anyway through the chilli pack but I can't decide on that until I test drive the car on the launch weekend. All feedback gratefully received! Is´t Bi-Xenon included in the cooper s chilipak in UK? They are in sweden, but not for the cooper though ..

Nov 11th, 2006, 10:53 PM	#11 (permalink)
Olly. Overboosting..... Join Date: Sep 2003 Local Time: 06:23 AM Posts: 3,492 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Sowellman (original) Any ideas on whether bi-Xenon headlights provide any better cutting power in fog vs. conventional lamps? Yes they are much better in fog.

Nov 11th, 2006, 11:20 PM	#12 (permalink)
Sowellman MINI2 Regular Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Oregon Local Time: 10:23 PM Posts: 230 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Olly. (original) Yes they are much better in fog. Then, is it overkill to install both bi-Xenon AND foglights?

Nov 11th, 2006, 11:42 PM	#13 (permalink)
popey Wants an Audi My Classifieds Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Blackpool Local Time: 06:23 AM Posts: 1,428 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Sowellman (original) Then, is it overkill to install both bi-Xenon AND foglights? I was told that the idea with fog light is that because they are low to the ground it reduces the amount of light that reflects back off the fog.

Nov 12th, 2006, 02:08 AM	#14 (permalink)
jjmyers MINI2 Newbie My Classifieds Join Date: Sep 2006 Local Time: 06:23 AM Posts: 43 Offline	got bi xenon's on our range rover sport and pourschem there amaxing!

Nov 12th, 2006, 02:25 AM	#15 (permalink)
Deutsch MINI2 Regular Join Date: Oct 2006 Local Time: 09:23 PM Posts: 67 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Tigger, Eeyore & Roo (original) Bear in mind that the halogen equiped R56 only has a single bulb and reflector bowl per side, rather than the twin bulb and reflector of the current MINI. This means that the performance of the standard headlamps should be well down on the current ones and going the bi-xenon route is likely to be essential. Tigger. Why essential??? You could just as well replace the halogen bulb w/ bright whites and have the same effect of xenon gas. Keep in mind that the Xenons are expensive to replace should they go bad, and nothing lasts forever.

Nov 12th, 2006, 02:55 AM	#16 (permalink)
popey Wants an Audi My Classifieds Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Blackpool Local Time: 06:23 AM Posts: 1,428 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Deutsch (original) Why essential??? You could just as well replace the halogen bulb w/ bright whites and have the same effect of xenon gas. Keep in mind that the Xenons are expensive to replace should they go bad, and nothing lasts forever. Personally I can’t find any conventional bulbs that work like Xenon’s (tried loads for my Z3 & Fiat Coupe). Once you have them you won’t go back, so I’m told. I’ve used a car with them a few times and they are fantastic, the difference is like a torch compared to a light house..... if you get what I mean Also won’t they be covered by warranty?

Nov 12th, 2006, 05:09 AM	#17 (permalink)
Deutsch MINI2 Regular Join Date: Oct 2006 Local Time: 09:23 PM Posts: 67 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by popey (original) Also won’t they be covered by warranty? The white lights, no??? I do understand that there are many positive benefits of having xenons, but there are negatives as well, as with anything else.

Nov 12th, 2006, 07:20 AM	#18 (permalink)
Tigger, Eeyore & Roo May '08: Bye bye Mini2... My Classifieds Join Date: May 2004 Location: Kernow, near England Local Time: 06:23 AM Posts: 4,512 Online	Quote: Originally Posted by Deutsch (original) Why essential??? You could just as well replace the halogen bulb w/ bright whites and have the same effect of xenon gas. Keep in mind that the Xenons are expensive to replace should they go bad, and nothing lasts forever. Unlike the existing MINI, on the new one as soon as you select main beam you will loose the dipped beam. If you live and drive in a rural area, like we do, this is completely unacceptable. (Oh, I already use much brighter bulbs, legal ones - of course , on both dipped and main beam) I have used normal Xenons (with halogen main beam) before, but I understand that Bi Xenons use one lamps with two different beam patterns for dipped and main beam. Although this still doesn't sound perfect I would still expect this to be much better than the simplified, single lamp, halogens now being fitted to the R56. Having said that, if you live and drive at night mostly in town, or busy roads, where main beam isn't used very often, then this isn't so important as it is to us. Tigger. May 08: No longer posting on Mini2. In future I can always be contacted HERE

Nov 12th, 2006, 01:08 PM	#19 (permalink)
popey Wants an Audi My Classifieds Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Blackpool Local Time: 06:23 AM Posts: 1,428 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Deutsch (original) The white lights, no??? I do understand that there are many positive benefits of having xenons, but there are negatives as well, as with anything else. According to my dealer my Xenon's are covered by the warranty so thats happy days for me . I thought Bi-Xenon's where better than Xenon's???????????? And Xenon's i don't think are an expensive option........ have a look at Sat Nav - TV - Bluetooth ££££££££££££££

Nov 12th, 2006, 01:49 PM	#20 (permalink)
Olly. Overboosting..... Join Date: Sep 2003 Local Time: 06:23 AM Posts: 3,492 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by popey (original) According to my dealer my Xenon's are covered by the warranty so thats happy days for me . I thought Bi-Xenon's where better than Xenon's???????????? And Xenon's i don't think are an expensive option........ have a look at Sat Nav - TV - Bluetooth ££££££££££££££ Agreed Xenons are £700 on the golf GTI

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