[ned78]

I'm after a set of rear lights to spruce up my R53 facelifted Works. I had my heart set on a set of black Altezza lights, but they recently discontinued the facelifted version of the lights due to 'quality issues'. I would very much love a set of these, as my own car is black, and I'm making an attempt to dechrome as much of the vehicle as possible, but no where seems to have even left over stock of the post facelifted versions. I've also looked at Mikey's LED rear lights, but even his black ones have chrome in them, and the lights inside themselves look a bit plasticky.

So, does anyone have any suggestions? I'm attaching a picture of the Altezza lights in the hopes it might spark some ideas in all you MINI2'ers!

[ScottyBoy]

How about having a go youself as i have hear,



cost me £12 for a can of tinting spray.....


Scott

[ned78]

Not really into that look either Scottyboy230, as I see too many Civics and Corsas around with that effect over here in Ireland. They do suit your car, but it's more the lexus style with a complete black surround that I'm after.

[ScottyBoy]

Very true, but thats the complete oposite i didnt go for lexus style, they should stay on a lexus lol

[lucachiarelli]

I have the lexus lights with black background on my 06 mcs i got them from minisport.

[lucachiarelli]

Minisport dont have black ones anymore.
Lohen have them though. Here is a link to them.
Lohen.co.uk - Track & Fast Road Performance for your New Mini - Online Shop

[ned78]

Quote: Originally Posted by lucachiarelli (original)

I have the lexus lights with black background on my 06 mcs i got them from minisport.

Thanks Lucachiarelli, but I'm confused a little. Your car is 2006, mine is 2005, so they're both facelifted. However, there's a difference in the lighting clusters. I've attached a photo of my cluster, and your attachment. In my tail light, I have a reverse light at the bottom (The clear light), where is it on yours? It looks like your cluster has a fog light at the bottom, like a pre-facelift car ...

[mikeythemini]

The position of the reverse/fog doesn't matter as changes can be made

[ned78]

How so Mike?

[Paul]

Wiring adaptor or DIY. Either way is pretty easy.

[ned78]

Oh, you mean by relocating the reverse light down to where the single fog light is in the middle of the bumper? Not ideal I guess, but it would work ...

[Paul]

Yep. Even easier if you have an early car and go for later lights as you can get "clear" foglights that will light up red and go in the housing already in place for the reverse light.

[minicabrio]

My favourite ones at the moment are these (attached)

They're LED Tail Lights - saw them on a car on the Isle of Wight run and they look great!!

Mikey sells them NewMINIStuff.com

[mikeythemini]

Thanks - he doesnt like them though - not sure if you have seen them in the flesh though? I really like them - have them on mine, quality is spot on & the look stunning when you follow a car with them on

[ned78]

I do like them, but its the Chrome that turns me off, even the black ones have the chrome surround.

[Cooooooperslad]

i dont like the LED rear lights because the lit up area looks too big and ugly, shame they arnt in a ring design

[Streeters]

Ned, I've just read this and was thinking of doing the same thing (spooky eh), although I have a black n chrome thing going on , The Lohen lights in black dont appear to have chrome so that me be the way forward. Quite a good price to methinks.
I like blacklights on a black car, the others stick out like a sore thumb.
Lucachiarelli Your car looks amazing by the way

[ned78]

I took Paul and Mikey's advice, and fitted the prefacelift lights to my facelifted car. I needed to order two new bulb holders for prefacelift lights, and a new reverse light housing for the bumper. Both the bulb holders, and the reverse light came with bulbs. If you're trying to locate the reverse wire on the post facelift lights to relocate it, it's blue and yellow.

Photos soon, but they look quite nice indeed.

[ned78]

Well, here's the photo of my new lamps, which weren't the easiest to install. They're pre facelift lights on a post facelift car, but thankfully there's now less chrome on my car. Also installed at the same time was a PDC kit, which also ended up being a right royal pain in the arse. But both are neatly done now!

[Rakey]

hmm, actually Owen I'm not a huge fan of aftermarket lamps, but those do actually suit your car with it being black and those having a black background.

Good choice mate