MINI2

cityclinic · Jul 15th, 2004, 08:37 AM

Anybody in "Australia" who has experienced a problem with their headlights please reply here ASAP. One of our Sydney Dealers is preparing a report for BMW in the hope we can solve this issue once and for all.

As the problem (not turning on) in most cases is intermittant, Dealers are failing to find a fix. Even after changing Lights, Control Boxes, Wiring looms etc the problem in some cases returns.

If you have an issue or have had an issue that is now fixed or hasn't been duplicated we want to hear from you.

Reply to this thread and we'll contact you with details by PM.

Regards

Brad

Boo · Jul 15th, 2004, 09:47 AM

I know eltel has has problems for ages.

IML337 · Jul 15th, 2004, 10:04 AM

eltel's problem was a little different and he has halogens... his problem was also fixed

We're concerned with xenon lights being singularly intermittent (if that makes sense - only one will work at a time).

Boo · Jul 15th, 2004, 10:39 AM

fair enough

swamos · Jul 15th, 2004, 01:02 PM

Mine haven't played up

ottonove · Jul 15th, 2004, 03:41 PM

mine's good so far

MickyD · Jul 15th, 2004, 11:42 PM

mine are good too.... so far

/me runs off to touch a piece of wood

Dutchy · Jul 16th, 2004, 12:24 AM

I've had quite a few problems with mine not turning on - although the left light has never failed, the right one has sometimes needed three of four goes. Generally turning the the headlights off and then back on will get it going again - so it's not a blown globe!
This has happened for the past six months and due to no MINI dealer here in Darwin I haven't had it looked at. I have got a service due in a 5000kms, so a BMW service provide will take a look.

cityclinic · Jul 16th, 2004, 01:41 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Dutchy

I've had quite a few problems with mine not turning on - although the left light has never failed, the right one has sometimes needed three of four goes. Generally turning the the headlights off and then back on will get it going again - so it's not a blown globe!
This has happened for the past six months and due to no MINI dealer here in Darwin I haven't had it looked at. I have got a service due in a 5000kms, so a BMW service provide will take a look.

Thats exactly how mine started . . . now it doesn't go on at all first go (left side). I have noticed if I drive for a few k's then try again it works. This tends to suggest something is loose. So far, like IML337 they can't locate the cause hence a need to get as many people with the problem in Aus together so we can get MINI Aus to have a serious look at the issue.

I'll PM you with what we need.

Regards

Brad

eltel · Jul 16th, 2004, 09:55 PM

I have halogens in my Jun02 build MCS.

I have had problems since at least Sep 03 and have had the car in for at least 7 attempts to identify and rectify the problem. I was and still am extremely frustrated at how long it has taken to have this problem resolved.

My problem is that the LHS (Passenger's side) light does not level properly and is 90% of the time pointing down to the road. This is a dangerous and frustrating situation. I do (sorry - let me rephrase that - I did) most of my 'fun' driving early on Sunday mornings and without proper road lighting, it's no longer 'fun'. In fact trying to get this and some other things fixed has really taken the fun part out of the equation of owning a MINI. Just talking about this subject makes me feel ill - I am so upset about it.

I no longer drive the car, my son drives it. It has now been over a week since we got it back after the last attempt to fix it, so I'm not exactly sure yet if it is really fixed.

Attempts so far involve (not including the 2 attendances to try to convince service dept that there was a problem)
1. Removing and reseating the lights
2. Recrimping the connectors
3. Replacing the headlights
4. Replacing the BCM
5. Replacing or doing something else (yawn)
6. Replacing the BCM again (new design available apparently)
At this point they were running out of ideas, so BMW suggested that my wiring loom be replaced.
7. Pull the car apart to replace the wiring looms, a bit of a stuffup when the replacement wiring loom didn't fit ('04 loom ordered for an '02 car), put it all back together.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it won't happen again.

This problem may be very different from what is happening with your Xenons.

At this stage I'm not saying that it's been fixed, although I would be very surprised if there's anything left that could be replaced - except the whole car - mmm, that's possible.

cityclinic · Jul 16th, 2004, 10:08 PM

Hi Terry,

I didn't realise the same problems were occuring with halogens. I will change the thread to anybody who has had or is having headlight problems. I'll PM you for some more details. I do know everybody at MINI Aus is aware of your issues and as you say it is extremely frustrating when they can't identify and fix it.

GO COOP"S · Jul 17th, 2004, 08:05 AM

Mine have been fine, but one of the front fog lights died the other day

Coop's

IML337 · Jul 18th, 2004, 02:43 AM

After my car spending at week at the dealer I still had only one headlight yesterday

Waiting to hear what BMW Germany come back with...

TRELO · Jul 18th, 2004, 06:48 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by GO COOP"S

Mine have been fine, but one of the front fog lights died the other day

Coop's

light bulbs are covered under warranty

coriander · Jul 20th, 2004, 06:14 AM

I have xenon lights and I've noticed that there is a residue on the inside of the plastic lens. It is not condensation. With the lights on, there is a hazy appearance to the lens. The dealer is supposed to get back to me with regards to an inspection by BMW technical person.

poki · Oct 30th, 2004, 02:09 PM

Keep us updated with your progress Coriander. My xenons are doing the same thing. Haven't gotten around to doing anything about it yet.

Welcome to Mini2.

kad · Oct 30th, 2004, 04:43 PM

I have been having a problem with my headlight not coming on at all. The interior, rear and park lights all come on, but no matter how many times to turn them on and off, the headlights refuse to come on. The only way to get them to come on is to turn the car completly off, turn the lights off and start again. This always fixes the problem. This happened to me tonight and happens about once a month (very random).

FYI - I have a 03 MC with halogens.

IML337 · Nov 6th, 2004, 06:48 AM

I've had my left xenon headlight TOTALLY REPLACED and the problem hasn't happened since. Seems like replacement is the only option (as I told the dealer five visits ago grrrr

)

Dutchy · Nov 7th, 2004, 09:12 PM

I took my car into a BMW contractor here in Darwin and they said they replaced.....something - maybe a control unit???
It worked for about a week, and then the problem came back. I'll have to take it back in again.

IML337 · Nov 7th, 2004, 09:59 PM

sounds like the control module in the drivers side footwell - I've had a new one of those put in too, and it made no difference. You need to get a whole new headlight, it's the only fix, as you'll see others in mini2 mention also.

Jul 15th, 2004, 08:37 AM	#1
cityclinic MINI2 Master Join Date: Nov 2002 Local Time: 05:09 PM Posts: 1,432 Offline	AUSTRALIAN HEADLIGHT PROBLEMS - reply here. Anybody in "Australia" who has experienced a problem with their headlights please reply here ASAP. One of our Sydney Dealers is preparing a report for BMW in the hope we can solve this issue once and for all. As the problem (not turning on) in most cases is intermittant, Dealers are failing to find a fix. Even after changing Lights, Control Boxes, Wiring looms etc the problem in some cases returns. If you have an issue or have had an issue that is now fixed or hasn't been duplicated we want to hear from you. Reply to this thread and we'll contact you with details by PM. Regards Brad Last edited by cityclinic : Jul 16th, 2004 at 10:10 PM.

Jul 15th, 2004, 09:47 AM	#2 (permalink)
Boo Sponsor and Widget Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Nth Beaches, Sydney Local Time: 05:09 PM Posts: 1,726 Offline	I know eltel has has problems for ages. The original SWORKS

Jul 15th, 2004, 10:04 AM	#3 (permalink)
IML337 saving the world Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Singapore Local Time: 05:09 PM Posts: 2,495 Offline	eltel's problem was a little different and he has halogens... his problem was also fixed We're concerned with xenon lights being singularly intermittent (if that makes sense - only one will work at a time). Last edited by IML337 : Jul 15th, 2004 at 10:25 AM.

Jul 15th, 2004, 10:39 AM	#4 (permalink)
Boo Sponsor and Widget Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Nth Beaches, Sydney Local Time: 05:09 PM Posts: 1,726 Offline	fair enough The original SWORKS

Jul 16th, 2004, 12:24 AM	#8 (permalink)
Dutchy MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Nelson Bay N.S.W Local Time: 06:09 PM Posts: 284 Offline	I've had quite a few problems with mine not turning on - although the left light has never failed, the right one has sometimes needed three of four goes. Generally turning the the headlights off and then back on will get it going again - so it's not a blown globe! This has happened for the past six months and due to no MINI dealer here in Darwin I haven't had it looked at. I have got a service due in a 5000kms, so a BMW service provide will take a look. Sadly INIMINI is gone, but never forgotten.

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Jul 15th, 2004, 01:02 PM	#5 (permalink)
swamos MINI Traitor Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Brisbane, Australia Local Time: 05:09 PM Posts: 4,353 Offline	Mine haven't played up

Jul 15th, 2004, 03:41 PM	#6 (permalink)
ottonove Black MCS Join Date: Apr 2004 Local Time: 05:09 PM Posts: 13 Offline	mine's good so far

Jul 15th, 2004, 11:42 PM	#7 (permalink)
MickyD MINI2 Master Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Melbourne, Australia Local Time: 05:09 PM Posts: 3,064 Offline	mine are good too.... so far /me runs off to touch a piece of wood

Jul 16th, 2004, 01:41 AM	#9 (permalink)
cityclinic MINI2 Master Join Date: Nov 2002 Local Time: 05:09 PM Posts: 1,432 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Dutchy I've had quite a few problems with mine not turning on - although the left light has never failed, the right one has sometimes needed three of four goes. Generally turning the the headlights off and then back on will get it going again - so it's not a blown globe! This has happened for the past six months and due to no MINI dealer here in Darwin I haven't had it looked at. I have got a service due in a 5000kms, so a BMW service provide will take a look. Thats exactly how mine started . . . now it doesn't go on at all first go (left side). I have noticed if I drive for a few k's then try again it works. This tends to suggest something is loose. So far, like IML337 they can't locate the cause hence a need to get as many people with the problem in Aus together so we can get MINI Aus to have a serious look at the issue. I'll PM you with what we need. Regards Brad

Jul 16th, 2004, 09:55 PM	#10 (permalink)
eltel MINIstry of Fun Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Eastern Suburbs, Mel Local Time: 05:09 PM Posts: 1,522 Offline	I have halogens in my Jun02 build MCS. I have had problems since at least Sep 03 and have had the car in for at least 7 attempts to identify and rectify the problem. I was and still am extremely frustrated at how long it has taken to have this problem resolved. My problem is that the LHS (Passenger's side) light does not level properly and is 90% of the time pointing down to the road. This is a dangerous and frustrating situation. I do (sorry - let me rephrase that - I did) most of my 'fun' driving early on Sunday mornings and without proper road lighting, it's no longer 'fun'. In fact trying to get this and some other things fixed has really taken the fun part out of the equation of owning a MINI. Just talking about this subject makes me feel ill - I am so upset about it. I no longer drive the car, my son drives it. It has now been over a week since we got it back after the last attempt to fix it, so I'm not exactly sure yet if it is really fixed. Attempts so far involve (not including the 2 attendances to try to convince service dept that there was a problem) 1. Removing and reseating the lights 2. Recrimping the connectors 3. Replacing the headlights 4. Replacing the BCM 5. Replacing or doing something else (yawn) 6. Replacing the BCM again (new design available apparently) At this point they were running out of ideas, so BMW suggested that my wiring loom be replaced. 7. Pull the car apart to replace the wiring looms, a bit of a stuffup when the replacement wiring loom didn't fit ('04 loom ordered for an '02 car), put it all back together. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it won't happen again. This problem may be very different from what is happening with your Xenons. At this stage I'm not saying that it's been fixed, although I would be very surprised if there's anything left that could be replaced - except the whole car - mmm, that's possible. Last edited by eltel : Jul 16th, 2004 at 11:01 PM.

Jul 16th, 2004, 10:08 PM	#11 (permalink)
cityclinic MINI2 Master Join Date: Nov 2002 Local Time: 05:09 PM Posts: 1,432 Offline	Hi Terry, I didn't realise the same problems were occuring with halogens. I will change the thread to anybody who has had or is having headlight problems. I'll PM you for some more details. I do know everybody at MINI Aus is aware of your issues and as you say it is extremely frustrating when they can't identify and fix it.

Jul 17th, 2004, 08:05 AM	#12 (permalink)
GO COOP"S Lost in space Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: On the move Local Time: 05:09 PM Posts: 595 Offline	Mine have been fine, but one of the front fog lights died the other day Coop's http://www.mini2.com/gallery/personal/17926/38683.jpg MC-007 with ejector seat.

Jul 18th, 2004, 02:43 AM	#13 (permalink)
IML337 saving the world Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Singapore Local Time: 05:09 PM Posts: 2,495 Offline	After my car spending at week at the dealer I still had only one headlight yesterday Waiting to hear what BMW Germany come back with...

Jul 18th, 2004, 06:48 AM	#14 (permalink)
TRELO Banned Join Date: May 2003 Location: Pulled over by Cops Local Time: 05:09 PM Posts: 875 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by GO COOP"S Mine have been fine, but one of the front fog lights died the other day Coop's light bulbs are covered under warranty

Jul 20th, 2004, 06:14 AM	#15 (permalink)
coriander MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Nov 2002 Local Time: 06:09 PM Posts: 5 Offline	I have xenon lights and I've noticed that there is a residue on the inside of the plastic lens. It is not condensation. With the lights on, there is a hazy appearance to the lens. The dealer is supposed to get back to me with regards to an inspection by BMW technical person. Coriander MCS

Oct 30th, 2004, 02:09 PM	#16 (permalink)
poki Whatev. Join Date: Sep 2003 Local Time: 06:09 PM Posts: 2,445 Offline	Keep us updated with your progress Coriander. My xenons are doing the same thing. Haven't gotten around to doing anything about it yet. Welcome to Mini2.

Oct 30th, 2004, 04:43 PM	#17 (permalink)
kad MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Mar 2004 Local Time: 05:09 PM Posts: 42 Offline	I have been having a problem with my headlight not coming on at all. The interior, rear and park lights all come on, but no matter how many times to turn them on and off, the headlights refuse to come on. The only way to get them to come on is to turn the car completly off, turn the lights off and start again. This always fixes the problem. This happened to me tonight and happens about once a month (very random). FYI - I have a 03 MC with halogens.

Nov 6th, 2004, 06:48 AM	#18 (permalink)
IML337 saving the world Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Singapore Local Time: 05:09 PM Posts: 2,495 Offline	I've had my left xenon headlight TOTALLY REPLACED and the problem hasn't happened since. Seems like replacement is the only option (as I told the dealer five visits ago grrrr )

Nov 7th, 2004, 09:12 PM	#19 (permalink)
Dutchy MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Nelson Bay N.S.W Local Time: 06:09 PM Posts: 284 Offline	I took my car into a BMW contractor here in Darwin and they said they replaced.....something - maybe a control unit??? It worked for about a week, and then the problem came back. I'll have to take it back in again. Sadly INIMINI is gone, but never forgotten.

Nov 7th, 2004, 09:59 PM	#20 (permalink)
IML337 saving the world Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Singapore Local Time: 05:09 PM Posts: 2,495 Offline	sounds like the control module in the drivers side footwell - I've had a new one of those put in too, and it made no difference. You need to get a whole new headlight, it's the only fix, as you'll see others in mini2 mention also.

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