AUSTRALIAN HEADLIGHT PROBLEMS - reply here.

[cityclinic]

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]

I know eltel has has problems for ages.

[IML337]

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]

fair enough

[swamos]

Mine haven't played up

[ottonove]

mine's good so far

[MickyD]

mine are good too.... so far

/me runs off to touch a piece of wood

[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.

[cityclinic]

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]

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]

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]

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

Coop's

[IML337]

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]

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]

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.