[minigolf]

I'm thinking of getting a Mini Cooper S and because that damn option list is so long I was wondering if I'd regret it if I didn't opt for xenon headlights?

Have you got them, and are they $1100 better than the stock headlights?



Cheers Liam

[hairyhen]

get them- u wont regret it.

and apparently the stock headlights are pap...

[Bilbo Baggins]

You do realise that it is only, what we in the USA call, the low beam that is Xenon. The high, or main beam, is regular halogen. So it is only one of the beams that changes for the $1100Aus.

I selected them for my '02MCS and I thouroughly enjoy them. It is really kewl to see them find their own level every time they are turned on. Is that worth $1100? That is a question that you must answer for yourself.

When mine was delivered I was VERY under impressed with the performance of the Xenon beams. They did not seem to throw a beam for **it. After some gentle fiddling with the elevation adjustment I was able to greatly improve my night vision with the low beams. The main or high beams were always fantastic.

The adjustment is very subtle. I only had to turn the adjustment screw 2.5 facets of the screw head or less than 1/2 of one turn. A full 1/2 turn, or 3 facets, was too much and had the lights aiming up into the oncoming traffic or into the mirrors of the cars in front.

With the Xenons one has to be very responsible about the glare they produce and make sure that ones headlights are properly aimed so that oncoming traffic is not "dazzled" or blinded by the very bright Xenon light.

Enjoy.

[m1n130]

I have the Xenon's and find them seriously cool I am not sure about this though, but I think the headlight washer bit is Xenon lights only ? That in itself is fun to play with

[tip]

Xenons are the future. In time when the price comes down all cars will have them. They last longer than halogen bulbs and run on half the electricity. They also put out twice as much lite as halogen lite. Halogen has gone as far as it can go, the future is in Xenon technology. Pay the cash you will not regret it.

Charles

[David-MCS]

Quote:

Originally posted by minigolf
... xenon headlights...are they $1100 better than the stock headlights?



Cheers Liam

I don't have my MCS yet; but at least here in the US, they don't cost $1100. Mine will come as part of the "Sport Package", which (for $1250) includes the: 17" S-lite wheels, Performance Run-flat tires, Front Fog Lamps, and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC). And, as noted by someone else, the Xenon lights also include the auto-leveling & Power Washer features.

Bottom line: if you buy the Sport Package, the Xenon lights are MUCH less than $1100 (the "value" of DSC, S-lites, and foglamps is a SEPARATE discussion )

[IML337]

It's worth the money just to see them come on every time you turn the switch, and to show off your retractable headlight washers...

Go on Liam, you know it makes sense

[BrettH]

Liam,

I have MCS with the stock standard lights, call me stupid, but I think they are pretty good. Granted I don't have the flashy retractable headlight washers, but I also don't need to fill my washer reservoir as often.

Basically everyone is different, I couldn't justify the extra $$ myself, I put the money into extras such as Leather seats, sunroof, MFSW (which I consider a must).

Halogen lights aren't that bad, they still do the job well enough.

Cheers Brett.

[leejones]

My Xenons worked correctly for about 3 months - everything has been replaced and they still don't work right. The car goes in for the 4th tme this Thursday.

Lee

[minigolf]

Cheers Brett, if I do opt for an MCS there will definitely be some options that I'll want but have to sacrifice. I get a bit scared starting with a $40K car and getting up to $50K before it's even left the lot. If I can driveaway for around $48K with most of my "desired" options and not too much damage on paying out the GTI I'll be happy.

[IML337]

Quote:

Originally posted by minigolf
If I can driveaway for around $48K with most of my "desired" options and not too much damage on paying out the GTI I'll be happy.

Spoken like a man who's already made up his mind

There's a great thread about options in this forum actually. The xenon's are a bit disappointing when driving on unlit country roads in the night - the beam is quite short. The hi-beam is great though.

I think with some slight aiming up they'd be perfect, as was described above

[warped]

If you want great open road driving ... go the additional driving lights, they work in conjunction with high beam and they are capable of stunning wildlife at about 500m

I am amazed at the light output of my car when I have all the lights running ... with highbeams and fogs on I have a total of 8 forward facing lights Just make sure you don't forget to turn your highbeams off for approaching traffic ... I driven past a pedestrian who was physically covering his head with both arms because the lights were so bright

[minigolf]

Quote:

Originally posted by IML337
Spoken like a man who's already made up his mind

Mmm, I'm still a bit undecided at this stage, but I'm yet to drive an MCS so that may change things.

[Harry Morant]

I love them - worth every cent. No problems at all.

[swamos]

Mate, we have xenon's, and I think they are worth the money. Once you get used to them, you take them for granted. I then hop in our Toyota Vienta, and think that you're driving with the parkers on Honestly, I always thought the lights on our Toyota were good. Now I realise they're crap.

The headlight washers are the ultimate **** too. At night you wash your windscreen, and next thing there are these great big streams of blue spray washing over each side of the bonnet

This is what a Brisbane MINI owner thought a while back.

[erichui]

defintely a must for me