[mikeythemini]

A quick guide to bulbs you can change

Headlights; Non xenon models
Easy to change, 1 bulb does both dip & main beam unlike the older R53 model
You can increase the light output by fitting xenon enhanced bulbs. These are legal & e marked. Typically giving 50% more light. 2 types in stock
Osram Silverstar; a white light, clear when off NewMINIStuff.com
Powerbulbs; slight blue tint, blue when off NewMINIStuff.com

Front sidelights; all models.
Easy to change, the factory ones look very yellow
Osram halogen; brighter & whiter NewMINIStuff.com
Powerbulb halogen; not as bright, purple light
LED; very bright white, not e marked

Front indicators; only models with clear indicator lenses (std on Cooper S, optional on other models)
Easy to change, factory ones make the clear lens look orange. 2 types stocked.
Silvatec; silver when off, orange when on. Slightly dimmer than standard bulbs but e marked & legal NewMINIStuff.com
Osram diadem; slight blue tint when off, orange when on. As bright as standard bulbs & e marked. NewMINIStuff.com

Rear indicators; only models with clear indicator lenses
Easy to change, factory ones make clear lens look orange. 2 types stocked
Silvatec; silver when off, orange when on. Slightly dimmer than standard bulbs but e marked & legal NewMINIStuff.com
Osram diadem; slight blue tint when off, orange when on. As bright as standard bulbs & e marked. NewMINIStuff.com

Side repeaters; only on models with clear lenses
Easy to change, factory ones show orange dot in lens
Silvatec; silver when off, orange when on. Slightly dimmer than standard but e marked NewMINIStuff.com

Door puddle lights.
Easy to change.
Osram halogen; give a brighter light to show more pavement NewMINIStuff.com

[hayesl]

Hi Mikey

I got the bulbs - cheers for sending them so quickly.

I've changed the front and rear indicators (fronts through the circular hatch in the wheel arch, rears through the side cubby holes in the boot) and I've changed the front sidelights (through the lower circular hatch in the wheel arch).

However, the only way I can see to change the sidelights is by having tiny hands and reaching down from under the bonnet. Alas my hands are too big! Is there another way to change the sidelight bulbs - you mention it as being easy, so I'm hoping there is!

[hayesl]

Aha! Sussed it out in the end. Slide the whole side repeater assembly towards the front of the car. Once it's come away, you can rotate the bulb holder out from the rest of it and change the bulb very easily. Easier than the rest of them in fact.

Quick and effective mod for the R56 and under £50 for the whole lot. Cheers Mikey.