MINI2

cgolleho · Mar 2nd, 2006, 10:05 PM

Has anyone tried modifying their xenon projectors (05-06) to produce more color in the cutoff, like people do to Acura TSX projectors (among others)? For those of you foreign to the idea, it involves adding some kind of spacer (ie washers) inbetween the reflector and lense to slightly alter the focal point. I'm not inquiring about the legality (esp from you brit folks - I don't have to worry about inspections like you guys do) or warrantee issues, just if any of you have tried it. I think it would really make it look cool! I'm also thinking of doing the 6000k upgrade... my xenons just look sooo yellow compared to xenons on other cars (ie my TL), but thats another topic for another day.

Damo · Mar 2nd, 2006, 10:37 PM

I've got 6000k xenons, very nice

Much whiter.

cgolleho · Mar 3rd, 2006, 03:07 AM

OH MY GOD... I'm not thinkin anyone has done this before so I am all alone on this one... I bit the bullet, removed the drivers side headlight and disassembled it as much as I can... it is in the oven right now...

: aargh:

cgolleho · Mar 3rd, 2006, 04:08 AM

whooohooo i got it all taken apart, without much problem, now just gotta go find me some washers... stay tuned! i wish i had my camera to photograph the whole thing (maybe i can get the other side on film... at least then i'll know exactly what to do and not to do

)

cgolleho · Mar 3rd, 2006, 05:21 AM

i soooo have to get ahold of a camera... after you see the result you will undoubtedly tackle this project for yourself... don't worry, i'll go obtain a camera from a friend before i get started tomorrow so you all can share in my excitement. the colors! the colors! muhaha

i'm starving and super tired. oh and i need a shower real bad (sweat from mass adrenaline due to messing with a rediculously expensive part lol). i just got one side done but will do the other side tomorrow.

The_Bster · Mar 3rd, 2006, 06:05 AM

Hmmm... we're staying tuned.

moonshine · Mar 3rd, 2006, 07:18 AM

why...... it seems kinda pointless to be honest.

if you want to change the colour, go for 6000K bulbs ratherthan mess witth the optics is my opinion. the 6000k bulbs are much whiter and look perfect.

gerry

Damo · Mar 3rd, 2006, 10:49 AM

Got to agree with Monnshine

Duck360198 · Mar 8th, 2006, 03:30 AM

Typical responses from people who do not understand HID projectors. First of all, if you are putting anything 6K or higher, you are really reducing your light output which amounts to poorer visibility in the night time. For optimum output and whiteness, 4100K-4300K is the only way to go...and is OEM!

What the thread starter is talking about is when you see a (typically higher end) car coming towards you and the color changes from white to a brilliant blue when that car goes over any slight bump in the road. You are seeing a cutoff from the projector following the cars movements. The BMW 7 series and Nissan Maxima have AWESOME cutoffs. They use Hella Bi-xenon projectors. Correct me if I'm wrong, but the Mini has Bosch...which are notorious for not the best color. The cutoff color can be enhanced by bending the shield inside the projector itself. You won't have the straightest cutoff if you bend it TOO much, but more brilliant color.

I would love to see the result of this. It's a pretty difficult process and if the headlamps are easy to modify then by all means do it. If it's a pain, it probably isn't worth it. It's only for aesthetic purposes than function....but a true HID buff can appreciate an awesome cutoff.

just my two cents

ScienceGuy · Mar 8th, 2006, 04:14 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Duck360198

What the thread starter is talking about is when you see a (typically higher end) car coming towards you and the color changes from white to a brilliant blue when that car goes over any slight bump in the road.

That's a great way to draw attention to yourself, but any modification that distracts
oncoming drivers from the task of driving is a very bad idea in my opinion.

Pretty sparkly toys are fun, but they don't belong on responsible car owners vehicles.

cgolleho · Mar 8th, 2006, 05:57 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Duck360198

It's a pretty difficult process and if the headlamps are easy to modify then by all means do it. If it's a pain, it probably isn't worth it. It's only for aesthetic purposes than function....but a true HID buff can appreciate an awesome cutoff.

HA! Easy to modify? Not really. But in the end it will be worth it!

I soo wish I had my camera to show you all and make you jealous (dont say you wont be jealous until you see it, trust me on this one!)... muhahahaha!!! guess we'll just have to wait until thursday for the grand unveiling!

cgolleho · Mar 8th, 2006, 06:07 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by ScienceGuy

That's a great way to draw attention to yourself, but any modification that distracts
oncoming drivers from the task of driving is a very bad idea in my opinion.

Pretty sparkly toys are fun, but they don't belong on responsible car owners vehicles.

It's not like I'm adding strobe lights to the d*** headlights, I'm just improving upon what MINI supplied me with (...therefore making it more like the HID projectors on most other cars)

To those who arent familiar with the stock cutoff from the MINIs projectors, you probably wont be able to tell any difference, especially considering the fact that I am making them look more like what they are used to seeing from a xenon projector. So for those of you that then ask "so then whats the point?"... *I* will be able to recognize the improvement, and THATS ALL THAT MATTERS TO ME.

Jeez, I never thought this simple and MINOR change to my optics would spark such animosity towards my efforts.

TO EACH HIS OWN.

DaFlake · Mar 8th, 2006, 08:19 AM

cgolleho,

I don't think that you are getting the responses that you are looking for because most people are content with the way they look now. Your idea of doing this is intriguing, but many people are going to be leery of messing with the units in fear of breaking them. Personally I am interested in your results, but would not mess with it. Also, some countries have laws that forbid this (Germany for one) that could keep the vehicle from being registered. So, most folks won't mess with it.

I do like the fact that you have taken on the project and would love to see a write-up with pics on how and what you did.

wils · Mar 8th, 2006, 02:49 PM

i am also waiting for your great results

good on u for being so brave and can't wait for your results!!

wils

Damo · Mar 8th, 2006, 10:51 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Duck360198

Typical responses from people who do not understand HID projectors. First of all, if you are putting anything 6K or higher, you are really reducing your light output which amounts to poorer visibility in the night time. For optimum output and whiteness, 4100K-4300K is the only way to go...and is OEM!

From what I've read, 5400k is the optium light temperature, therfore 6000k is closer to that than the OEM that is again from what I've read less than 4000k

Duck360198 · Mar 9th, 2006, 01:50 AM

cgolleho isn't blinding people or anything like that. I think anyone who sees a car with anything OTHER than halogen is going to look because HID completely sets itself apart from halogen. Again, the BMW 7-series. You can see the bouncy blue and purple cutoff from so far away. It's dazzling...but it's not taking my attention away from the road at all.

The Mini has awesome output HID projectors...but the cutoff color is weak. He's just doing a slight adjustment to stand out just a bit more at night. I think what he's doing is awesome and I can't wait to see it. ANY exterior (or interior for that matter) mod is meant to get some sort of attention. This isn't any different, except it's taking more work. Is it worth it??? To each their own. I'd do it, only because I LOVE HID!

Assuming the whole process goes according to plan, no one will be able to see what he modified.

Duck360198 · Mar 9th, 2006, 01:55 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Damo

From what I've read, 5400k is the optium light temperature, therfore 6000k is closer to that than the OEM that is again from what I've read less than 4000k

Your 6000Ks are bluer, not whiter! The further you stray from 4100K-4300K the bluer you will get. There are 10000K HIDs which is just a shame. The output is horrible and extremely dangerous. Again, I know that OEM is 4100K-4300K. Anyone who understands HID SHOULD be able to tell you the same. I would be curious to see where you got your information from the 5400K because that's false.

I'm not trying to be jerky about this...I'm just trying to shed some light on a topic that many people need to be educated on. There is a general assumption that the higher kelvin temperature the better output....couldn't be further from the truth.

Mar 2nd, 2006, 10:05 PM	#1
cgolleho MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Omaha, Nebraska, USA Local Time: 05:51 PM Posts: 25 Offline	modify xenon projectors? Has anyone tried modifying their xenon projectors (05-06) to produce more color in the cutoff, like people do to Acura TSX projectors (among others)? For those of you foreign to the idea, it involves adding some kind of spacer (ie washers) inbetween the reflector and lense to slightly alter the focal point. I'm not inquiring about the legality (esp from you brit folks - I don't have to worry about inspections like you guys do) or warrantee issues, just if any of you have tried it. I think it would really make it look cool! I'm also thinking of doing the 6000k upgrade... my xenons just look sooo yellow compared to xenons on other cars (ie my TL), but thats another topic for another day.

Mar 3rd, 2006, 06:05 AM	#6 (permalink)
The_Bster Brrrp Brrrp!!! Join Date: Jul 2004 Local Time: 06:51 AM Posts: 287 Offline	Hmmm... we're staying tuned. Mr. Mini Addict ®. "I'm just a mini addict looking for my next fix... ..."

Mar 3rd, 2006, 07:18 AM	#7 (permalink)
moonshine MINI2 Senior Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Gourock, Scotland Local Time: 10:51 PM Posts: 606 Offline	why...... it seems kinda pointless to be honest. if you want to change the colour, go for 6000K bulbs ratherthan mess witth the optics is my opinion. the 6000k bulbs are much whiter and look perfect. gerry MINI Cooper, Chili Pack, Xenons, heated washers, MFSW, ASC+T,

Mar 8th, 2006, 08:19 AM	#13 (permalink)
DaFlake I miss my MINI Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Hanging on The Cape! Local Time: 06:51 PM Posts: 10,702 Offline	cgolleho, I don't think that you are getting the responses that you are looking for because most people are content with the way they look now. Your idea of doing this is intriguing, but many people are going to be leery of messing with the units in fear of breaking them. Personally I am interested in your results, but would not mess with it. Also, some countries have laws that forbid this (Germany for one) that could keep the vehicle from being registered. So, most folks won't mess with it. I do like the fact that you have taken on the project and would love to see a write-up with pics on how and what you did. Global Moderator

Mar 8th, 2006, 02:49 PM	#14 (permalink)
wils formerly known as wsw Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Melbourne, Australia Local Time: 08:51 AM Posts: 684 Offline	i am also waiting for your great results good on u for being so brave and can't wait for your results!! wils i got an exhaust because i wanted to make my car sound fast, but its not fast at all, so therefore i am a ricer....

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Mar 2nd, 2006, 10:37 PM	#2 (permalink)
Damo MINI2fosi My Classifieds Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: MINItorque.com Local Time: 11:51 PM Posts: 10,666 Offline	I've got 6000k xenons, very nice Much whiter.

Mar 3rd, 2006, 03:07 AM	#3 (permalink)
cgolleho MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Omaha, Nebraska, USA Local Time: 05:51 PM Posts: 25 Offline	OH MY GOD... I'm not thinkin anyone has done this before so I am all alone on this one... I bit the bullet, removed the drivers side headlight and disassembled it as much as I can... it is in the oven right now... : aargh:

Mar 3rd, 2006, 04:08 AM	#4 (permalink)
cgolleho MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Omaha, Nebraska, USA Local Time: 05:51 PM Posts: 25 Offline	whooohooo i got it all taken apart, without much problem, now just gotta go find me some washers... stay tuned! i wish i had my camera to photograph the whole thing (maybe i can get the other side on film... at least then i'll know exactly what to do and not to do )

Mar 3rd, 2006, 05:21 AM	#5 (permalink)
cgolleho MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Omaha, Nebraska, USA Local Time: 05:51 PM Posts: 25 Offline	i soooo have to get ahold of a camera... after you see the result you will undoubtedly tackle this project for yourself... don't worry, i'll go obtain a camera from a friend before i get started tomorrow so you all can share in my excitement. the colors! the colors! muhaha i'm starving and super tired. oh and i need a shower real bad (sweat from mass adrenaline due to messing with a rediculously expensive part lol). i just got one side done but will do the other side tomorrow.

Mar 3rd, 2006, 10:49 AM	#8 (permalink)
Damo MINI2fosi My Classifieds Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: MINItorque.com Local Time: 11:51 PM Posts: 10,666 Offline	Got to agree with Monnshine

Mar 8th, 2006, 03:30 AM	#9 (permalink)
Duck360198 MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Sep 2005 Local Time: 03:51 PM Posts: 13 Offline	Typical responses from people who do not understand HID projectors. First of all, if you are putting anything 6K or higher, you are really reducing your light output which amounts to poorer visibility in the night time. For optimum output and whiteness, 4100K-4300K is the only way to go...and is OEM! What the thread starter is talking about is when you see a (typically higher end) car coming towards you and the color changes from white to a brilliant blue when that car goes over any slight bump in the road. You are seeing a cutoff from the projector following the cars movements. The BMW 7 series and Nissan Maxima have AWESOME cutoffs. They use Hella Bi-xenon projectors. Correct me if I'm wrong, but the Mini has Bosch...which are notorious for not the best color. The cutoff color can be enhanced by bending the shield inside the projector itself. You won't have the straightest cutoff if you bend it TOO much, but more brilliant color. I would love to see the result of this. It's a pretty difficult process and if the headlamps are easy to modify then by all means do it. If it's a pain, it probably isn't worth it. It's only for aesthetic purposes than function....but a true HID buff can appreciate an awesome cutoff. just my two cents

Mar 8th, 2006, 04:14 AM	#10 (permalink)
ScienceGuy Got evidence? Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Plymouth, MN Local Time: 04:51 PM Posts: 193 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Duck360198 What the thread starter is talking about is when you see a (typically higher end) car coming towards you and the color changes from white to a brilliant blue when that car goes over any slight bump in the road. That's a great way to draw attention to yourself, but any modification that distracts oncoming drivers from the task of driving is a very bad idea in my opinion. Pretty sparkly toys are fun, but they don't belong on responsible car owners vehicles.

Mar 8th, 2006, 05:57 AM	#11 (permalink)
cgolleho MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Omaha, Nebraska, USA Local Time: 05:51 PM Posts: 25 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Duck360198 It's a pretty difficult process and if the headlamps are easy to modify then by all means do it. If it's a pain, it probably isn't worth it. It's only for aesthetic purposes than function....but a true HID buff can appreciate an awesome cutoff. HA! Easy to modify? Not really. But in the end it will be worth it! I soo wish I had my camera to show you all and make you jealous (dont say you wont be jealous until you see it, trust me on this one!)... muhahahaha!!! guess we'll just have to wait until thursday for the grand unveiling!

Mar 8th, 2006, 06:07 AM	#12 (permalink)
cgolleho MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Omaha, Nebraska, USA Local Time: 05:51 PM Posts: 25 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by ScienceGuy That's a great way to draw attention to yourself, but any modification that distracts oncoming drivers from the task of driving is a very bad idea in my opinion. Pretty sparkly toys are fun, but they don't belong on responsible car owners vehicles. It's not like I'm adding strobe lights to the d*** headlights, I'm just improving upon what MINI supplied me with (...therefore making it more like the HID projectors on most other cars) To those who arent familiar with the stock cutoff from the MINIs projectors, you probably wont be able to tell any difference, especially considering the fact that I am making them look more like what they are used to seeing from a xenon projector. So for those of you that then ask "so then whats the point?"... I will be able to recognize the improvement, and THATS ALL THAT MATTERS TO ME. Jeez, I never thought this simple and MINOR change to my optics would spark such animosity towards my efforts. TO EACH HIS OWN.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

Mar 8th, 2006, 10:51 PM	#15 (permalink)
Damo MINI2fosi My Classifieds Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: MINItorque.com Local Time: 11:51 PM Posts: 10,666 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Duck360198 Typical responses from people who do not understand HID projectors. First of all, if you are putting anything 6K or higher, you are really reducing your light output which amounts to poorer visibility in the night time. For optimum output and whiteness, 4100K-4300K is the only way to go...and is OEM! From what I've read, 5400k is the optium light temperature, therfore 6000k is closer to that than the OEM that is again from what I've read less than 4000k

Mar 9th, 2006, 01:50 AM	#16 (permalink)
Duck360198 MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Sep 2005 Local Time: 03:51 PM Posts: 13 Offline	cgolleho isn't blinding people or anything like that. I think anyone who sees a car with anything OTHER than halogen is going to look because HID completely sets itself apart from halogen. Again, the BMW 7-series. You can see the bouncy blue and purple cutoff from so far away. It's dazzling...but it's not taking my attention away from the road at all. The Mini has awesome output HID projectors...but the cutoff color is weak. He's just doing a slight adjustment to stand out just a bit more at night. I think what he's doing is awesome and I can't wait to see it. ANY exterior (or interior for that matter) mod is meant to get some sort of attention. This isn't any different, except it's taking more work. Is it worth it??? To each their own. I'd do it, only because I LOVE HID! Assuming the whole process goes according to plan, no one will be able to see what he modified.

Mar 9th, 2006, 01:55 AM	#17 (permalink)
Duck360198 MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Sep 2005 Local Time: 03:51 PM Posts: 13 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Damo From what I've read, 5400k is the optium light temperature, therfore 6000k is closer to that than the OEM that is again from what I've read less than 4000k Your 6000Ks are bluer, not whiter! The further you stray from 4100K-4300K the bluer you will get. There are 10000K HIDs which is just a shame. The output is horrible and extremely dangerous. Again, I know that OEM is 4100K-4300K. Anyone who understands HID SHOULD be able to tell you the same. I would be curious to see where you got your information from the 5400K because that's false. I'm not trying to be jerky about this...I'm just trying to shed some light on a topic that many people need to be educated on. There is a general assumption that the higher kelvin temperature the better output....couldn't be further from the truth.

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