[Pepper-Cooper]

Ok now this thread might get moved, but I've posted it here 'cause I'm a bit baffled with the installation of the spot/driving lights on my MINI. I've downloaded an installation guide from MotoringFile.com for OEM MINI spots. Now in this guide, they mention having to install an additional switch in the interior, for switching on the spots. This is just a secondary switch, as they are actually activated when the high beams are activated - just a secondary switch to either have them actived when high beam is selected or not.

Was this done to anyone's car? Why can't they just be connected to the high beams? I really don't want the dealership to cut a hole in some part of the dashboard to have a switch installed. Further, in this guide there are so many wires and switch boxes and stuff are shown, but when you look at the diagram of this kit at the dealership, there aren't so many parts in this kit. Has this kit been simplified since the '01 year MINI's?

Further, I've also read (and I think it was somewhere on the the MINI2 forum) that when these spot/driving lights are activated with the high beams, the fog lights will switch off automatically? Why? ...and can this also be overcome? Furthermore the guide states that NO reprogramming is needed after the installation. Many times I've read here in forums that they need to be 'activated' by the dealership.

Now I'm very keen to have the dealership installed this kit for me. Cost of the kit is R2,140.00 (about £180) and R250.00 (about £22.00) for installation - which to me is cheap, but compared to the prices that's been mentioned here on MINI2 in forums, it's too cheap - thus I'm concerned.

Could anyone please be so kind and supply with the parts number for the OEM MINI spot/driving light kit. I just want to compare the number with the one at the dealership to see if it is indeed the same kit.

I would also like to know if the OEM kits have been changed to make the fixing brackets studier, so that when driving, the lights won't be shacking and causing the beam to go all over the place.

Thank you in advance...
Pepper-Cooper

[pocketrocketowner]

Well, what can I tell you, I had mine dealer installed, they installed the switch, it is a nice one, properly placed, period. Re the light sequence and what comes on (or not) and when, has to do with national rules, it is not like you are just allowed to blind everyone coming towards you, if you so choose.
If I was you, I would be grateful at the cheapness of the labor in south Africa and let the dealer install them properly, wire them properly so you can use them properly.
Hope this helps
Can't help you on the P/N by the way, hopefully someone will.

[PortRhombus]

im in the uk, i dont need to wire mine to an additional switch but i did for the sake of it. i have 2 spotlamp sets wired up and i can turn each set on or off with the high beams on individually.

its actually really easy to do, i placed my switches under the dash out of sight. the panel surrounding the steering column pulls down to get to it.

this switch breaks the wire which runs from the relay in your spotlamp loom and the conrol box located to the right of accelerater pedal under the interior trim (right hand drive car).

over hear it is a small brown wire which you place your switch.

this might help you.

[minimattblack]

Hi
Here is a link to an OEM installation this may help, this is the most comprehensive wiring diagram I've found. http://minimeet.co.uk/minitips.html

The question regarding the fog lights, these do not switch off when main beam activated, not sure where you picked that up from.

The fact that you mention that no re-programing required after installation mean that the lamps may not OEM. Or is this mentioned on your guide.

£22 is very cheap for the installation, this takes around 2 hrs for a BMW trained technician at £60+/hr

The fixing brackets are very sturdy when attached to the bonnet on OEM lights.

An additional switch can be put in series on the brown/white stripe wire that connects to the BC1 plug, this will be a manual off switch when main beam activated.

Hope you light up the sky soon.

Matt

[Pepper-Cooper]

Quote: Originally Posted by minimattblack

Hi
Here is a link to an OEM installation this may help, this is the most comprehensive wiring diagram I've found.
Thanks for all the input guys!

http://minimeet.co.uk/minitips.html

The question regarding the fog lights, these do not switch off when main beam activated, not sure where you picked that up from.

The fact that you mention that no re-programing required after installation mean that the lamps may not OEM. Or is this mentioned on your guide.

£22 is very cheap for the installation, this takes around 2 hrs for a BMW trained technician at £60+/hr

The fixing brackets are very sturdy when attached to the bonnet on OEM lights.

An additional switch can be put in series on the brown/white stripe wire that connects to the BC1 plug, this will be a manual off switch when main beam activated.

Hope you light up the sky soon.

Matt

Matt, thank you for the link. It seems that the kits did change over time. I also downloaded an official installation guide, but in the guide that you've given me, there's no additional switch installation in the dashboard. There's seem to be less parts in this kit than in previous. The old guide I downloaded, is dated 09/17/2002 - seems things have changed over time.

The dealership quoted me an installation price, not per hour rate. They looked it up on their system, and it spit out the quoted amount. I'm quite chuffed with the price, don't get me wrong... was just worried something might be missing.

Thanks again guys!