Hi all,

Just bought a 2002 Cooper and the night drive back let me know that the lights are shocking!

Is this a common complaint or are mine in need of some attention?

The LHS main beam is pointed at the ground too. How do I adjust them?
What bulbs are recommended? Nightbreakers?
Are hid kits worh it? What about spots?

It is common for the headlamp self-leveling system motors to stop working and one or both lights to get stuck in the down position. If working, when first starting the car, facing a wall and then switching on the headlights, you should see both beams move up and re-set their position slightly.
More:
http://www.mini2.com/forum/maintenance-mini-care/149622-drivers-headlight-not-self-levelling.html

Mab01uk.
Cheers dude.

Seems both(or at least the LHS one) is toast then.
Is there any way of manually hacking it without replacing the entire unit?

You can maybe try but most seem to end up fitting a new or good secondhand unit, or fixing them in the up position......

Mine have always been poor but i recently changed to Xenon HD7's and they havbe made a massive difference

I'd put money on the self levellers being ok. Sounds like somebody let your bonnet slap down, which throws the lights out of adjustment.... will fail an NCT so better to bring the car to a proper mechanic and have them adjusted correctly. And always close the bonnet carefully!!!

As for the strength of the beam, I had the same problem. Upgraded the bulbs to Osram Nightbreakers for the dips and philips Xtreme Power for the headlights and the light out of them is better than my Audi now.

Good Luck