Hello Everyone.

I'm keen to have a set of spot lights fitted to my R53 MCS. I spoke to my local dealer about it yesterday, and they've said that in order to fit the spots they need to replace/strengthen the pneumatic supports on the bonnet as they're adding the additional weight of the lamps.

I can understand their reasoning, but I can't really see the lamps are that heavy?

Either way, this brings parts and labour up to around £600 + VAT, which seems just a little excessive.

I'm not competent or confident enough to fit these myself, so that's not really an option.

Has anyone else has these dealer fitted? Does that cost sound reasonable to you?

Thanks.

Robert

Here are some fitting instructions in pdf files below.........any good mechanic should be able to follow these for much less than the MINI Main Dealer cost if you supply the parts:
http://www.mini-madness.com/pdf_files/instructions/4_lamp_Lighting_instruction.pdf

http://www.motoringfile.com/howto/Driving_Lights_902.pdf

NewMiniStuff:
NewMINIStuff.com (http://www.newministuff.com/new/shop.php?action=productshow&id=572)

I can't claim any knowledge about fitting spot lamps but the parts list for retrofitting lamps to a R53 MCS does include an item 51237064485 "Hood damper, reinforced" of which two are required (see attachment).

However the UK list price for those dampers is £9.16 and they will each take under 30 seconds to fit, so those aren't the reason why your dealer is quoting £600 - or at least they aren't a valid reason. One would have to think that fleecing the punters is the main reason....

Stronger hood struts are a perfectly reasonable idea - the lamps hang off the front of the bonnet where they will have a big effect on the force required to hold the bonnet open, so £18 not to get your head chopped off when checking the oil seems a good deal.

Thanks Angib - It's nice to have confirmation that the struts should be done, thank you.

Perhaps i'll re-aproach the dealer and ask them to clarify where the money is being spent.

Thanks.

Robert

I am looking to do the same.
My local dealers are offering two lights fitted for £499 I got them to price at £328 and no mention of any bonnet supports etc.

I thought I might fir 4 lights (2 BMW and 2 clear lens) for this configuration I have an offer just to fit for £60 (4 lights) although a distance away from home.

More local a price of £165 and they advised against 4 lights because of over heating problems. No mention of bonnet though ex BMW fitters.

You can get them fitted for less the BMW if you shop around.

Hope that helps

Bentoby

Thanks Bentoby,

That sounds very good, I'd be happy to pay around the £300 - £400 for parts and fitting, perhaps I'll shop around and see what I can find.

Thanks.

Robert

On Gen 1 cars if you have Xenon lights then you need the uprated struts for halogen lights you do not.

If BMW / MINI fit your light then they will wire them up to the BCU and you will need them coded.

If you go aftermarket it will be cheaper - try here for options

Mikey is a top guy

NewMINIStuff.com (http://www.newministuff.com/new/shop.php?action=products&cat=1)

Hi Snowie,

I have 1st gen with Xenon so that would explain the need for struts, thanks.

I'll try and get in touch with Mikey, unfortunately I'm on the south coast so they're not even remotely close by, ideally I need to find a non-BWM dealer with sold Mini experience near me.

Thanks.

Robert

You could buy the kit including the wiring loom and fit them yourself. It is not a difficult job.

I did my own using a full BMW / MINI kit and then got the dealer to code them. If you use Mikey's kit you will not need any coding just a splice into the main beam wiring cable

Hi there,

Just bought a set of these for our R53 MCS from Mike at newministuff and need a bit of advice.

If I follow the instructions for fitting the brackets, I am going to end up with the ends of the self-tapping screws showing behind the lights on the bottom two holes - is that right? I am inclined to use rivets if that's the case as that would better (but still a bit rubbish).

Any advice appreciated!

Thanks,

Ross.