[MINIALEX]

I want to get the clear rear lights and the 3rd brake light for my cooper and have a couple of questions?

1) I heard talk of BMW remaking them with reflectors fitted inside them so you didn't need the extra reflectors, can anyone confirm or deny this and also does anyone have the part numbers for these and also the clear side repeaters?

2) How easy is the 3rd brake light to fit as I have the Chilli spoiler, can i do this myself or not and what is involved?

Thanks for your help,

MINIALEX

[Minty]

hi mate,

i think that with the chilli spoiler, you will have to lift it slightly to get the old one out/new one in. i believe it is glued quite well...and bolted, but it only needs lifting a few mil.

these might help:
http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthrea...+light+spoiler
http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthrea...ighlight=clear

[olerud400]

The spoiler is reasonably easy to move the few millimeters necessary to get the light in and out. I didn't do it this way, but i recommend having a second person to help you...just makes it easier.

If memory serves, below are the steps (and tools you need.

1) Use a credit card or something thin around the light to break any glue up. This will allow you to pull out the light.

2) Open the boot. Unscrew the three retaining screws that hold the light in with a torx bit (t20 i believe).

3) remove the center plug (there are three) that plug holes used to access the spoiler bolts. I used a pocketknife to get in between the plug and the metal. be careful here to not scratch anything.

4) Use a 10mm extra-long socket to remove or loosen the nut attached to the center bolt that holds the spoiler on tight. (There is also glue)

5) Close the boot. This is where it's a little tough. Try to loosen the light in the housing on its own. Once you can move it a little. Now you can push the spoiler up and slide the light out. The spoiler is reasonably flexible so you can use a fair amount of force.

6) Unplug the old (red) light from the car...it's just a simple two or three pin (I forget) connector. Not compilcated.

7) Clean the area around where the light is. This area gets dirty and this is a good chance to clean it up.

8) Plug in the new lightMake sure the light works. (key!)

9) Slide the new light into the hole vacated by the old light. Make sure it's a nice tight fit. You will have to hoist the spoiler up again to slide it in. Double check that it is in straight and fits properly.

10) Open the boot back up. Screw in the torx screws through into the light...this will ensure it stays in tight.

11) Using the ratchet, tighten the nut back onto the center bolt and put the plug back in the hole.

12) You should be DONE!

Thanks to Mickey for providing some of this information for me in a PM about a month ago

Any question or comments, just drop me a PM. I'd post pictures to show what I mean but I didn't do it when I swapped my lights and now my car is super dirty from a trek through the snow the last couple days.

[R1]

I was talking to my dealer yesterday and the parts dep. told me if I wanted the rear clear lights, I would have to buy the reflector kit as well. This is because 2 customers who have had the clear lights fitted have been pulled by the local police for not having a reflector fitted!!

It seems they have wised up to this because of the "Nova Boys" fitting them. One of the guys has been nicked 3 times now, and the third time he had to get his MINI an MOT cert and take to the Police station within 21 days to prove it would pass one!!
He's now put the standard lights back on!

I saw a MINI with the clear lights and the reflectors fitted!! It looked terrible!!

[flipper]

I read somewhere on here that Mini are bringing out a new type of rear cluster that only has the indicator section clear

[lightbody]

I have to say that I think it looks much worse with the clear rear lights. So did the old Mini... the number of teenagers cars you see about with clear rear lights which shine pink when they're on is amazing!

[olerud400]

I agree that the clear lights look pretty bad...except for the clear third brake light (ie what i did).

The clear third brake light blends in beautifully with the white roof. I haven't had any problems with the law...though maybe (if I remember) when I bring it for inspection in 2 years I'll put the red one back in.

[Dom]

I think I'll disagree on the clear lights looking 'Nova' ish... ours are don't look so cheap and don't shine up pink

Dom

[MrMini748]

Hi All

I think I'll have to go with Dom on this one, I agree on the vast majority of cars with clear rears they look crap, including the Classic Mini with the pinky/purple tinge (in fact it looked kinda like a gay-pride Mini from the back) but I think the way the New Mini Lights are designed that the clears look exceptionally cool!

Especially on a black (like mine) or silver Mini!

I'm seriously considering opting for them I think the black, white and chrome look perfectly suit my all black Mini ONE without any sudden splashes of orange and red!

Pat

[Minty]

R1,

they are meant to have the reflectors fitted, certainly if the dealer fits them, but they cant force you to fit them yourself, its up to you.

what i intend to do...for MOT, is use some of the reflectors from the inside door trim, break of the tabs, and stick them to the black trim at the bottom of the rear bumper. she be legal, and not look too cack, and then i can take them off again too

[monsta]

Quote:

Originally posted by Dom
ours are don't look so cheap

they definitely aren't cheap

[arnoldtown]

Can anyone help?

I've been looking through all the related threads trying to find a picture of a Cooper with clear rear lights plus the standard reflectors, which I understand have to have part of the rear bumper cut outto be fitted. Don't much fancy this but would like to see what it looks like before I go ahead with alternative reflectors. From what I've read nobody seems to rate the standard reflectors.

Cheers


Phil

[JTL]

I did this job myself, it only takes about 10 mins. I also have the chilli spoiler but found no need to lift it at all, all I needed to do was to unbolt the light using the correct torx driver pop it out using a credit card to remove the small amount of mastic for the light and then disconnect the three pin plug and insert the new one, insallation exact process exact reverse of removing the old one.

When you are changing the rear clusters though be careful no to overtighen the one bolt that holds these in place or you could damage the cluster and the retaining clips on the side of the cluster will pop out. The fininshed cluster should be just flush may 0.5mm further in than the edge of the car.

Good luck!