MINI2

dirchy · Jun 5th, 2004, 03:26 PM

Sorry if this has been covered somewhere, I didn't find it if it has.

I work for the British Army in Germany and am waiting for my MCS which should be built in early July (according to the dealer). One of my options is the Chilli pack with the Xenons, I have been advised by the dealer I need the standard european lights as well. This is costing me £225 extra.

So my Question is can I switch the Xenons to a Euro mode like my current 1989 320i or do i really need the Euro lights?
I can't get away with sitckers, as the car has to pass a BFG light test which doesn't allow them.

Cheers

Dirchy

paa100 · Jun 5th, 2004, 04:50 PM

£225 seems very cheap.

I paid £700 for a pair of Xenons to switch from my lights to UK spec ones - just the lamps!

They are not switchable.

dirchy · Jun 5th, 2004, 07:29 PM

£225 is for standard continental lights, the xenons will sit in a box in the basement.
So a big chunk of my chilli pack will be pointless!

paa100 · Jun 5th, 2004, 11:10 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by dirchy

£225 is for standard continental lights, the xenons will sit in a box in the basement.
So a big chunk of my chilli pack will be pointless!

Worth a few quid on ebay though.

Not getting Chilli might be an idea though - aftermarket wheels may be a better bet - less common, less harsh, not run-flat!

Do the maths.......

Damo · Jun 6th, 2004, 10:13 AM

Is the to replace the lights complelty. Does this mean if I go on the Continent I need to get new lights

paa100 · Jun 6th, 2004, 10:18 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Damo

Is the to replace the lights complelty. Does this mean if I go on the Continent I need to get new lights

No!

you just need to mask them with tape (or AA stickers) if you are visiting.

If you move and want to register the car then you need to get new headlamps that throw the beam the other way...

Damo · Jun 6th, 2004, 10:20 AM

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh Makes more sense. Would be better if they did the same as the 3 series though, just open the bonnet and flick a switch on the back and hey presto, the lights shine the other way! Here's hoping the new ones will be like this

paa100 · Jun 6th, 2004, 12:13 PM

Would have saved me 700 quid!

rentagas · Jun 6th, 2004, 10:34 PM

I asked this question of the BMW technical bloke Shaun (Very very helpful and a nice bloke to boot) at the motor show, he did not know the answer so he phoned BMW. The new lights (july build) ARE switchable but only internally so it's a dealer change. the high voltages in gas discharge headlights means that it would be dangerous to DIY.
The gendarmes may be fooled by bits of black tape but it does not work because unlike normal headlights the lens is deep within the lamp mechanism. In france at least it is illegal to dazzle oncoming traffic, gas discharge lights are 30% brighter than normal lights so putting pretend tape on the lights is not an option.
My dealer did not know and told me a complete load of rubbish as well when I asked them.

Damo · Jun 7th, 2004, 01:06 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by rentagas

I asked this question of the BMW technical bloke Shaun (Very very helpful and a nice bloke to boot) at the motor show, he did not know the answer so he phoned BMW. The new lights (july build) ARE switchable but only internally so it's a dealer change. the high voltages in gas discharge headlights means that it would be dangerous to DIY.
The gendarmes may be fooled by bits of black tape but it does not work because unlike normal headlights the lens is deep within the lamp mechanism. In france at least it is illegal to dazzle oncoming traffic, gas discharge lights are 30% brighter than normal lights so putting pretend tape on the lights is not an option.
My dealer did not know and told me a complete load of rubbish as well when I asked them.

I thought Xenons were 100% to 200% brighter, and that the Xenon Gas filled Halogens where 30% to 50% brighter

rentagas · Jun 7th, 2004, 10:16 AM

My point is that they ARE brighter and that therefore if not converted you are that much more likely to be picked up in france. The xenons on my golf and citroe.n cannot be adjusted so they are a problem. Xenons cannot be adjusted with black tape but it shows you made an effort

paa100 · Jun 7th, 2004, 10:19 AM

I will just leave them switched off to keep the French Police happy.

dirchy · Jun 7th, 2004, 07:43 PM

thanks for the info Rentagas, I will speak to Park Lane direct instead of going through their rep over here. Will save me a few quid and I'll actually have use of the lights I am paying extra for.

The car will be exported, and registered in Germany so it has to pass a light test and the stickers won't go through.

with regard to dropping the chili pack, and getting different wheels etc I would if I was going to keep it for more than a year. However we get to buy the cars tax free over here and there is a "buy back" option after 1 year (subject to terms and conditions), thus I get the car for a year for the cost of the interest on my loan and the delivery charge.

I just need to get my name down 6 months in advance for the next one!

dirchy · Jun 25th, 2004, 09:43 PM

Quick update - got a reply after the third time of asking from the mini.co.uk website. Basically they are switchable and I've got it in writing now. The relevant paragraph is below.

"Dear Mr Birch

Thank you for e-mail enquiry regarding the Xenon headlamps. I can confirm that the Xenon headlamps are adjustable, however we do not recommend that they be adjusted by anyone other than MINI Service or a workshop employing trained personnel. Any adjustments made should be done to the specifications issued by the manufacture of your MINI."

If anyone wants the full email letme know and I will forward it.

induct · Oct 22nd, 2005, 04:38 PM

[quote=rentagas] The new lights (july build) ARE switchable but only internally so it's a dealer change. the high voltages in gas discharge headlights means that it would be dangerous to DIY.
QUOTE]

I really bought this post back.

I'm sure that one can have a fiddle within the headlamp and inderstand how to flip/switch them from RHD-LHD/LHD-RHD

ALD0 · Oct 22nd, 2005, 04:46 PM

[quote=induct]

Quote: Originally Posted by rentagas

The new lights (july build) ARE switchable but only internally so it's a dealer change. the high voltages in gas discharge headlights means that it would be dangerous to DIY.
QUOTE]

I really bought this post back.

I'm sure that one can have a fiddle within the headlamp and inderstand how to flip/switch them from RHD-LHD/LHD-RHD

Yes they are very easily switchable-pm me ur email address and ill send u a picture tonight.

MikeTango75 · Oct 22nd, 2005, 06:47 PM

It's really easy to switch them over and doing so has the desired effect. Worked a treat for me in France recently. I got my information from this thread....

http://www.mini2.com/forum/mini-cooper-s/96483-xenon-headlights-help-please.html

joeker · Aug 1st, 2006, 11:34 PM

Joined this forum to be able to email a request to Interceptor for pics of xenon switch/lever location. Many thanks Interceptor. Not many mini qualified mechanics know if/how xenons are switchable.

ALD0 · Aug 2nd, 2006, 08:36 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by joeker

Joined this forum to be able to email a request to Interceptor for pics of xenon switch/lever location. Many thanks Interceptor. Not many mini qualified mechanics know if/how xenons are switchable.

No probs, glad you got it sorted in the end.

Jun 5th, 2004, 03:26 PM	#1
dirchy Dirchy A Brit in Germany Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Bergen Local Time: 01:44 AM Posts: 52 Offline	Are Xenons Switchable?? Sorry if this has been covered somewhere, I didn't find it if it has. I work for the British Army in Germany and am waiting for my MCS which should be built in early July (according to the dealer). One of my options is the Chilli pack with the Xenons, I have been advised by the dealer I need the standard european lights as well. This is costing me £225 extra. So my Question is can I switch the Xenons to a Euro mode like my current 1989 320i or do i really need the Euro lights? I can't get away with sitckers, as the car has to pass a BFG light test which doesn't allow them. Cheers Dirchy

Jun 5th, 2004, 04:50 PM	#2 (permalink)
paa100 MINI2 Master Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Forest of Dean Local Time: 11:44 PM Posts: 1,330 Offline	£225 seems very cheap. I paid £700 for a pair of Xenons to switch from my lights to UK spec ones - just the lamps! They are not switchable. WhatCar? Claim: “As hot hatches go, it’s hotter than a blacksmith’s armpit.”

Jun 5th, 2004, 11:10 PM	#4 (permalink)
paa100 MINI2 Master Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Forest of Dean Local Time: 11:44 PM Posts: 1,330 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by dirchy £225 is for standard continental lights, the xenons will sit in a box in the basement. So a big chunk of my chilli pack will be pointless! Worth a few quid on ebay though. Not getting Chilli might be an idea though - aftermarket wheels may be a better bet - less common, less harsh, not run-flat! Do the maths....... WhatCar? Claim: “As hot hatches go, it’s hotter than a blacksmith’s armpit.”

Jun 6th, 2004, 10:18 AM	#6 (permalink)
paa100 MINI2 Master Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Forest of Dean Local Time: 11:44 PM Posts: 1,330 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Damo Is the to replace the lights complelty. Does this mean if I go on the Continent I need to get new lights No! you just need to mask them with tape (or AA stickers) if you are visiting. If you move and want to register the car then you need to get new headlamps that throw the beam the other way... WhatCar? Claim: “As hot hatches go, it’s hotter than a blacksmith’s armpit.”

Jun 6th, 2004, 12:13 PM	#8 (permalink)
paa100 MINI2 Master Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Forest of Dean Local Time: 11:44 PM Posts: 1,330 Offline	Would have saved me 700 quid! WhatCar? Claim: “As hot hatches go, it’s hotter than a blacksmith’s armpit.”

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Jun 5th, 2004, 07:29 PM	#3 (permalink)
dirchy Dirchy A Brit in Germany Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Bergen Local Time: 01:44 AM Posts: 52 Offline	£225 is for standard continental lights, the xenons will sit in a box in the basement. So a big chunk of my chilli pack will be pointless!

Jun 6th, 2004, 10:13 AM	#5 (permalink)
Damo MINI2fosi My Classifieds Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: MINItorque.com Local Time: 11:44 PM Posts: 10,526 Offline	Is the to replace the lights complelty. Does this mean if I go on the Continent I need to get new lights

Jun 6th, 2004, 10:20 AM	#7 (permalink)
Damo MINI2fosi My Classifieds Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: MINItorque.com Local Time: 11:44 PM Posts: 10,526 Offline	Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh Makes more sense. Would be better if they did the same as the 3 series though, just open the bonnet and flick a switch on the back and hey presto, the lights shine the other way! Here's hoping the new ones will be like this

Jun 6th, 2004, 10:34 PM	#9 (permalink)
rentagas MINI2 Master Join Date: Mar 2004 Local Time: 11:44 PM Posts: 1,388 Offline	I asked this question of the BMW technical bloke Shaun (Very very helpful and a nice bloke to boot) at the motor show, he did not know the answer so he phoned BMW. The new lights (july build) ARE switchable but only internally so it's a dealer change. the high voltages in gas discharge headlights means that it would be dangerous to DIY. The gendarmes may be fooled by bits of black tape but it does not work because unlike normal headlights the lens is deep within the lamp mechanism. In france at least it is illegal to dazzle oncoming traffic, gas discharge lights are 30% brighter than normal lights so putting pretend tape on the lights is not an option. My dealer did not know and told me a complete load of rubbish as well when I asked them.

Jun 7th, 2004, 01:06 AM	#10 (permalink)
Damo MINI2fosi My Classifieds Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: MINItorque.com Local Time: 11:44 PM Posts: 10,526 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by rentagas I asked this question of the BMW technical bloke Shaun (Very very helpful and a nice bloke to boot) at the motor show, he did not know the answer so he phoned BMW. The new lights (july build) ARE switchable but only internally so it's a dealer change. the high voltages in gas discharge headlights means that it would be dangerous to DIY. The gendarmes may be fooled by bits of black tape but it does not work because unlike normal headlights the lens is deep within the lamp mechanism. In france at least it is illegal to dazzle oncoming traffic, gas discharge lights are 30% brighter than normal lights so putting pretend tape on the lights is not an option. My dealer did not know and told me a complete load of rubbish as well when I asked them. I thought Xenons were 100% to 200% brighter, and that the Xenon Gas filled Halogens where 30% to 50% brighter

Jun 7th, 2004, 10:16 AM	#11 (permalink)
rentagas MINI2 Master Join Date: Mar 2004 Local Time: 11:44 PM Posts: 1,388 Offline	My point is that they ARE brighter and that therefore if not converted you are that much more likely to be picked up in france. The xenons on my golf and citroe.n cannot be adjusted so they are a problem. Xenons cannot be adjusted with black tape but it shows you made an effort

Jun 7th, 2004, 10:19 AM	#12 (permalink)
paa100 MINI2 Master Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Forest of Dean Local Time: 11:44 PM Posts: 1,330 Offline	I will just leave them switched off to keep the French Police happy. WhatCar? Claim: “As hot hatches go, it’s hotter than a blacksmith’s armpit.”

Jun 7th, 2004, 07:43 PM	#13 (permalink)
dirchy Dirchy A Brit in Germany Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Bergen Local Time: 01:44 AM Posts: 52 Offline	thanks for the info Rentagas, I will speak to Park Lane direct instead of going through their rep over here. Will save me a few quid and I'll actually have use of the lights I am paying extra for. The car will be exported, and registered in Germany so it has to pass a light test and the stickers won't go through. with regard to dropping the chili pack, and getting different wheels etc I would if I was going to keep it for more than a year. However we get to buy the cars tax free over here and there is a "buy back" option after 1 year (subject to terms and conditions), thus I get the car for a year for the cost of the interest on my loan and the delivery charge. I just need to get my name down 6 months in advance for the next one!

Jun 25th, 2004, 09:43 PM	#14 (permalink)
dirchy Dirchy A Brit in Germany Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Bergen Local Time: 01:44 AM Posts: 52 Offline	Quick update - got a reply after the third time of asking from the mini.co.uk website. Basically they are switchable and I've got it in writing now. The relevant paragraph is below. "Dear Mr Birch Thank you for e-mail enquiry regarding the Xenon headlamps. I can confirm that the Xenon headlamps are adjustable, however we do not recommend that they be adjusted by anyone other than MINI Service or a workshop employing trained personnel. Any adjustments made should be done to the specifications issued by the manufacture of your MINI." If anyone wants the full email letme know and I will forward it.

Oct 22nd, 2005, 04:38 PM	#15 (permalink)
induct MINI2 Regular Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Berks & Surrey Local Time: 11:44 PM Posts: 70 Offline	[quote=rentagas] The new lights (july build) ARE switchable but only internally so it's a dealer change. the high voltages in gas discharge headlights means that it would be dangerous to DIY. QUOTE] I really bought this post back. I'm sure that one can have a fiddle within the headlamp and inderstand how to flip/switch them from RHD-LHD/LHD-RHD

Oct 22nd, 2005, 04:46 PM	#16 (permalink)
ALD0 Hacked the IBUS Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Cheshire Local Time: 11:44 PM Posts: 9,202 Offline	[quote=induct] Quote: Originally Posted by rentagas The new lights (july build) ARE switchable but only internally so it's a dealer change. the high voltages in gas discharge headlights means that it would be dangerous to DIY. QUOTE] I really bought this post back. I'm sure that one can have a fiddle within the headlamp and inderstand how to flip/switch them from RHD-LHD/LHD-RHD Yes they are very easily switchable-pm me ur email address and ill send u a picture tonight. http://www.becardsmart.org.uk/

Oct 22nd, 2005, 06:47 PM	#17 (permalink)
MikeTango75 MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Cambridge Local Time: 11:44 PM Posts: 86 Offline	It's really easy to switch them over and doing so has the desired effect. Worked a treat for me in France recently. I got my information from this thread.... http://www.mini2.com/forum/mini-cooper-s/96483-xenon-headlights-help-please.html

Aug 1st, 2006, 11:34 PM	#18 (permalink)
joeker MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Essex Local Time: 12:44 AM Posts: 2 Offline	Xenons Switchable Joined this forum to be able to email a request to Interceptor for pics of xenon switch/lever location. Many thanks Interceptor. Not many mini qualified mechanics know if/how xenons are switchable.

Aug 2nd, 2006, 08:36 AM	#19 (permalink)
ALD0 Hacked the IBUS Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Cheshire Local Time: 11:44 PM Posts: 9,202 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by joeker Joined this forum to be able to email a request to Interceptor for pics of xenon switch/lever location. Many thanks Interceptor. Not many mini qualified mechanics know if/how xenons are switchable. No probs, glad you got it sorted in the end.

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