[TomH]

I am thinking of adding xenons to the spec of my new 05 Cooper. From everything I have read, it sounds like they should provide better visibility at night (outside town at least). But I really really don't like the look of the new 05 xenons. I find them too "Close Encounters", and I don't think they fit in with the look of the MINI.

However I have seen posts from people who love the look of the new 05 xenons and are eager to get their hands on some... so an obvious thought occurs... I could spec the xenons, and then find someone who wants to swap them for some 04 xenons.

Does anyone know for sure whether it is possible to swap the 05 xenons with the more conventional looking 04 xenons?

I have found one thread on here which says that it is possible, but I vaguely remember another thread that said it wasn't (something about the shape being slightly different).

And if they are the same size, is it even feasible to swap them over myself, or is it a job that a dealer should do? What about the high-voltage circuitry, is it safely tucked away inside the headlight unit or what?

[Paul]

They're the same dimensions and fittings. There's already an '04 out there been seen with '05 lights, and I've been told by someone very much in the know that it's 100% possible.

[TomH]

Thanks. That's good to know.

Anyone got any idea whether it is a possible DIY job or something that only a dealer should attempt?

[TomH]

Perhaps it was the rear lights I was thinking of that are supposed to be a slightly different shape...

[Damo]

Wish I had the new lights, but I'd want the dealer to do it, and I can't afford that expense at the moment

[mikeythemini]

Would love to but will have to wait till I find a written off 05 model cos they are so dear new

[TomH]

Hmmm... I wonder how much a dealer would charge to swap the xenon lights between an 04 and an 05 MINI.

I know that the cost of converting to xenons (as opposed to speccing them with a new car) is pretty high... maybe a lot of that is labour costs.

[Damo]

Quote: Originally Posted by mikeythemini

Would love to but will have to wait till I find a written off 05 model cos they are so dear new

He's offerin to supply the new xenons for the old ones, straight swap, you could do it couldn't you Mr MINI2 Electrician?

[mikeythemini]

Will have a look at mine in the morning next to an 05 model & see what kind of a job it is (do you think the customer will notice )
Its a new model (cabrio) in for old model clear rears as it is

[Damo]

Quote: Originally Posted by mikeythemini

Will have a look at mine in the morning next to an 05 model & see what kind of a job it is (do you think the customer will notice )
Its a new model (cabrio) in for old model clear rears as it is

Ahhh well pity I can't afford to pay a Dealer for a swap...you may get a bargain there mate....depends if you really want to keep what RedUn described as a "really gay colour"

You not thinking of tradin in yet?