MINI2

Oldpaint · Sep 8th, 2004, 10:30 PM

I was thinking of purchasing the clear third brake light (the one in the roof). My thinking is that it would blend in with the white roof. The pictures I've seen of it look fine, but can I get an opinion from those of you who have actually seen them? Does it look tacky to you? Does it look (for lack of a better word) proper? Does it still look good when the brakes are on? Would you recommend it?

nylo · Sep 8th, 2004, 10:50 PM

ive got a clear 3rd brake light. i do also have the clear lights though, so it would look pretty silly otherwise. check out my gallery, the pics of the back end should show up the brake light- don't think it looks tacky at all!

stryder · Sep 9th, 2004, 01:25 AM

I had one by itself on my MC (IB/W) It looked very good, but there wasn't a spoiler. I'm debating doing it on my MCS due to the spoiler. Mostly since the light isn't near as visible with the spoiler, except maybe to cars behind me, but I care more about people walking around the car's opinion.

It looks pretty much the same as the red one when lit, because all the LEDs just turn red. When its off, it blends into the roof.

CooperSAZ · Sep 9th, 2004, 04:23 AM

If I can inject one point that you might be interested in...

The clear brake lights are a pretty cool thing. But as of about two years ago, Arizona DPS / City Police started cracking down on us Arizona people because those who had clear lights also had clear bulbs. In the Arizona code (driving laws), it specifies that a car MUST have at least "two" red lights for brake lights so that people behind them know that the car in front of them is braking. Not sure what your local laws/regs state, but it may be something to consider if you go further than the cyclops brakelight in the center.

Hope this helps! And good luck deciding!

ChrisBray · Sep 9th, 2004, 08:57 AM

Really happy with my clear 3rd brake light.

There's a picture in my gallery of my BRG coop with white roof and light installed. I thought the same as you about the red repeater when I ordered a white roof. Luckily managed to get one off ebay for £8!! but it was off a private seller and haven't seen one since.

Definately do it!!

NightFox · Sep 9th, 2004, 11:00 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by stryder

Mostly since the light isn't near as visible with the spoiler, except maybe to cars behind me

Isn't that the idea of brake lights?

stryder · Sep 9th, 2004, 11:39 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by NightFox

Isn't that the idea of brake lights?

Yes, but without the spoiler, you have this huge red light looking out of place on a white roof. If you have a clear one, it blends in much better, except when braking. With the spoiler, its not as obvious there's a red light hidden in the white somewhere.

mikeythemini · Sep 9th, 2004, 12:51 PM

Got one in my online shop at £15 brand new

mini-chik · Sep 9th, 2004, 02:09 PM

I think the clear lights (all 3) look brilliant. That's definitely going on my list! Damn my list just keeps getting bigger.

Do it!

joeinitaly · Sep 9th, 2004, 02:22 PM

I think they look cool, but have seen many times where the red LEDs look more pink than red. Anyone solve this, or is there a good manufacturer that has solved it?

stryder · Sep 9th, 2004, 10:49 PM

The LEDs look pretty red when you look at them at the correct angle (like in a car following you) If you look at them off angle, the white of the plastic makes them look kinda pink. Its not very noticible in my view, but if you're picky about colors, I could maybe see it.

I don't think there's any manufacturer who makes the 3rd light besides the MINI one, though someone could probably do it custom, if you're willing to pay.

Oldpaint · Sep 10th, 2004, 11:46 AM

All the input was helpful. I'll go for it.

Hat · Sep 10th, 2004, 11:57 AM

how easy is it to fit?

joeinitaly · Sep 10th, 2004, 12:05 PM

I do not know about the third light, but the other two are pretty easy. One nut, one socket, and two clips.

stryder · Sep 11th, 2004, 01:32 AM

If you don't have a spoiler, the 3rd light is easy to fit, just need a torx screwdriver. If you do have one, do a search for brakelight and spoiler or something similar, and you should find hints for squeezing the light past the spoiler.

mgemie · Sep 14th, 2004, 01:40 AM

How easy is the 3rd brake light to fit? Is it just a case of removing the three screws at the top inside of the boot lid and slotting the clear light in place of the original?

Rich_IX · Sep 14th, 2004, 02:07 AM

I was going to get a clear rear lights but someone told me they are illegal?
Is this true?

Rich_IX · Sep 14th, 2004, 02:08 AM

Love the gearstick nob mgemie!

MickyD · Sep 14th, 2004, 04:22 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by mgemie

How easy is the 3rd brake light to fit? Is it just a case of removing the three screws at the top inside of the boot lid and slotting the clear light in place of the original?

yes, I just did it then

went and got the light from my dealer (ended up being AU$115, though they'd said $90 yesterday,

), and went and did it in the carpark at work. took all of 5 minutes.

MickyD · Sep 14th, 2004, 12:29 PM

here you go, a picture for you:

Sep 8th, 2004, 10:30 PM	#1
Oldpaint Domestic Motor Pool Chief Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Tralfamadore Local Time: 06:51 PM Posts: 1,014 Offline	Opinions sought on the Clear Third Brake Light I was thinking of purchasing the clear third brake light (the one in the roof). My thinking is that it would blend in with the white roof. The pictures I've seen of it look fine, but can I get an opinion from those of you who have actually seen them? Does it look tacky to you? Does it look (for lack of a better word) proper? Does it still look good when the brakes are on? Would you recommend it? everything you know is wrong gnorw si wonk uoy gnihtyreve

Sep 9th, 2004, 01:25 AM	#3 (permalink)
stryder Sponsor/Moderator/Other Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Cleveland Local Time: 06:51 PM Posts: 3,267 Offline	I had one by itself on my MC (IB/W) It looked very good, but there wasn't a spoiler. I'm debating doing it on my MCS due to the spoiler. Mostly since the light isn't near as visible with the spoiler, except maybe to cars behind me, but I care more about people walking around the car's opinion. It looks pretty much the same as the red one when lit, because all the LEDs just turn red. When its off, it blends into the roof. Attached Thumbnails Magic 8-ball was correct. All be in awe of Magic 8 ball.

Sep 9th, 2004, 04:23 AM	#4 (permalink)
CooperSAZ All 4 wheels pointed down Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: In the Desert....... Local Time: 04:51 PM Posts: 656 Offline	If I can inject one point that you might be interested in... The clear brake lights are a pretty cool thing. But as of about two years ago, Arizona DPS / City Police started cracking down on us Arizona people because those who had clear lights also had clear bulbs. In the Arizona code (driving laws), it specifies that a car MUST have at least "two" red lights for brake lights so that people behind them know that the car in front of them is braking. Not sure what your local laws/regs state, but it may be something to consider if you go further than the cyclops brakelight in the center. Hope this helps! And good luck deciding! My 2005 MINI Cooper S

Sep 9th, 2004, 08:57 AM	#5 (permalink)
ChrisBray MINI2 Regular Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Manchester Local Time: 12:51 AM Posts: 74 Offline	Really happy with my clear 3rd brake light. There's a picture in my gallery of my BRG coop with white roof and light installed. I thought the same as you about the red repeater when I ordered a white roof. Luckily managed to get one off ebay for £8!! but it was off a private seller and haven't seen one since. Definately do it!! Dink Dank Doo!

Sep 9th, 2004, 11:00 AM	#6 (permalink)
NightFox Happy Happy Joy Joy Join Date: Jun 2004 Local Time: 11:51 PM Posts: 130 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by stryder Mostly since the light isn't near as visible with the spoiler, except maybe to cars behind me Isn't that the idea of brake lights? NightFox http://nogginthenog.co.uk/misc/nfmini.jpg Oct 04 = ‘05 MCS (Black over BEP) :: Graco Cosmic (Urban Cool) :: BébéConfort Loola/Creatis (New Oxygen)

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Sep 8th, 2004, 10:50 PM	#2 (permalink)
nylo Swig & pass, swig & pass! My Classifieds Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Bangor, Norn Iron Local Time: 11:51 PM Posts: 19,418 Offline	ive got a clear 3rd brake light. i do also have the clear lights though, so it would look pretty silly otherwise. check out my gallery, the pics of the back end should show up the brake light- don't think it looks tacky at all!

Sep 9th, 2004, 11:39 AM	#7 (permalink)
stryder Sponsor/Moderator/Other Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Cleveland Local Time: 06:51 PM Posts: 3,267 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by NightFox Isn't that the idea of brake lights? Yes, but without the spoiler, you have this huge red light looking out of place on a white roof. If you have a clear one, it blends in much better, except when braking. With the spoiler, its not as obvious there's a red light hidden in the white somewhere. Magic 8-ball was correct. All be in awe of Magic 8 ball.

Sep 9th, 2004, 12:51 PM	#8 (permalink)
mikeythemini I can't get no sleep My Classifieds Join Date: May 2002 Location: Capital of Culture Local Time: 11:51 PM Posts: 9,438 Online	Got one in my online shop at £15 brand new Lakes Tour 2008 coming soon Are you ready for Lakes 2008 - details soon

Sep 9th, 2004, 02:09 PM	#9 (permalink)
mini-chik Need I say more? Join Date: Aug 2004 Local Time: 11:51 PM Posts: 36 Offline	I think the clear lights (all 3) look brilliant. That's definitely going on my list! Damn my list just keeps getting bigger. Do it!

Sep 9th, 2004, 02:22 PM	#10 (permalink)
joeinitaly International Merrymaker Join Date: May 2003 Location: Standin' on a corner Local Time: 01:51 AM Posts: 431 Offline	I think they look cool, but have seen many times where the red LEDs look more pink than red. Anyone solve this, or is there a good manufacturer that has solved it? I'd be lost if I had somewhere to be!

Sep 9th, 2004, 10:49 PM	#11 (permalink)
stryder Sponsor/Moderator/Other Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Cleveland Local Time: 06:51 PM Posts: 3,267 Offline	The LEDs look pretty red when you look at them at the correct angle (like in a car following you) If you look at them off angle, the white of the plastic makes them look kinda pink. Its not very noticible in my view, but if you're picky about colors, I could maybe see it. I don't think there's any manufacturer who makes the 3rd light besides the MINI one, though someone could probably do it custom, if you're willing to pay. Magic 8-ball was correct. All be in awe of Magic 8 ball.

Sep 10th, 2004, 11:46 AM	#12 (permalink)
Oldpaint Domestic Motor Pool Chief Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Tralfamadore Local Time: 06:51 PM Posts: 1,014 Offline	Thanks All the input was helpful. I'll go for it. everything you know is wrong gnorw si wonk uoy gnihtyreve

Sep 10th, 2004, 11:57 AM	#13 (permalink)
Hat ITS RAINNIN' SIDEWAYS My Classifieds Join Date: Oct 2002 Local Time: 11:51 PM Posts: 15,920 Offline	how easy is it to fit?

Sep 10th, 2004, 12:05 PM	#14 (permalink)
joeinitaly International Merrymaker Join Date: May 2003 Location: Standin' on a corner Local Time: 01:51 AM Posts: 431 Offline	I do not know about the third light, but the other two are pretty easy. One nut, one socket, and two clips. I'd be lost if I had somewhere to be!

Sep 11th, 2004, 01:32 AM	#15 (permalink)
stryder Sponsor/Moderator/Other Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Cleveland Local Time: 06:51 PM Posts: 3,267 Offline	If you don't have a spoiler, the 3rd light is easy to fit, just need a torx screwdriver. If you do have one, do a search for brakelight and spoiler or something similar, and you should find hints for squeezing the light past the spoiler. Magic 8-ball was correct. All be in awe of Magic 8 ball.

Sep 14th, 2004, 01:40 AM	#16 (permalink)
mgemie Dude with a MINI Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Nottingham Local Time: 11:51 PM Posts: 194 Offline	How easy is the 3rd brake light to fit? Is it just a case of removing the three screws at the top inside of the boot lid and slotting the clear light in place of the original? 2004 IB/IB MINI

Sep 14th, 2004, 02:07 AM	#17 (permalink)
Rich_IX Official Pimp of Mini2 My Classifieds Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Midget Strip Club Local Time: 11:51 PM Posts: 4,213 Offline	I was going to get a clear rear lights but someone told me they are illegal? Is this true?

Sep 14th, 2004, 02:08 AM	#18 (permalink)
Rich_IX Official Pimp of Mini2 My Classifieds Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Midget Strip Club Local Time: 11:51 PM Posts: 4,213 Offline	Love the gearstick nob mgemie!

Sep 14th, 2004, 04:22 AM	#19 (permalink)
MickyD MINI2 Master Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Melbourne, Australia Local Time: 10:51 AM Posts: 3,628 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by mgemie How easy is the 3rd brake light to fit? Is it just a case of removing the three screws at the top inside of the boot lid and slotting the clear light in place of the original? yes, I just did it then went and got the light from my dealer (ended up being AU$115, though they'd said $90 yesterday, ), and went and did it in the carpark at work. took all of 5 minutes.

Sep 14th, 2004, 12:29 PM	#20 (permalink)
MickyD MINI2 Master Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Melbourne, Australia Local Time: 10:51 AM Posts: 3,628 Offline	here you go, a picture for you:

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