Do Rally Lights really help?

[Thuma]

Hi all, just got my production number for August build for September delivery for DS/B MCS. I'm going to put rally lights on the car, but want to hear from folks who have them if they really help illuminate. I believe it also fills up the last toggle slot since I'm getting sport pack? So....do the dang things work well??

[BruceK]

Quote:

Originally posted by Thuma
Hi all, just got my production number for August build for September delivery for DS/B MCS. I'm going to put rally lights on the car, but want to hear from folks who have them if they really help illuminate. I believe it also fills up the last toggle slot since I'm getting sport pack? So....do the dang things work well??

I don't know how well they illuminate, but I think it is fair to say that most people choose to get them because they like the style statement they make, more than for any additional lighting they might provide.

Sorry to tell you that buying the lights will not fill the "missing" toggle switch. Your dealer will instead install a separate toggle switch to power the lights in the flat plastic panel underneath the steering wheel.

The MINI's toggle switches are actually part of a complete switch bank, which is either a 3 switch bank, or a 4 switch bank, or a 5 switch bank, or a 6 switch bank (the 6 switch bank is not available on cars being sold in the US/Canada ) The banks are complete units. Individual, factory-style toggle switches are not just added to the bank.

[GMINI]

Hate to ask, but what the heck does that switch under the steering wheel look like. Any photos? Not too psyched about anything looking aftermarket on my new car.

(Aug build too, last of the 2002s.)

[Keith]

Here is a picture of the switch for the rally lights:


It really has no impact as it does not get noticed - you can't even see it when driving which means you grope under the dash to turn the lights on. Not really as much of a problem as it sounds.

[Thuma]

I do like the look of the rally lights on the regular Coopers cause of the chrome grill. They look a bit goofy on the chili red S though I think, just clashing with the body colored grill. I would be spending the 600 or so US dollars on them for the light, not just for looks. I had read on other posts about the banks of toggle switches, but I guess I just kept hoping the rally lights were the "one" add on toggle light". I live in Florida, so it's not like I'll ever need the winter package, but I guess I'm toggle and switch obsessed cause I almost ordered it! Yikes! I need therapy. I've seen ENTIRELY too many James Bond Movies. But, if anyone out there can attest to the night driving enhancement of the RALLY LIghts, I'd love to hear it. They are linked to the high beams, so it's not like they'd be on that much under normal driving I suppose anyway. That would be another aruguement for them being mostly fashion statements. I guess I'm just getting old (36) and liked the idea of not have to strain my ancient eyes at nighttime. Any more feedback about their actual effectiveness?
thanks again!

[Thuma]

Ok..so what is the one toggle switch that is not possible to get filled in the US?

[MINIAC]

The US doesn't get rear fog lights or the toggle associated with them.

[bigbaddaboom]

I thought the rally lights came on at the same time as the full beam?

[Keith]

They do - but they also use the switch. They are on when the main beam is on AND the switch is on. That way you can have the main beam without the lights.

As for night driving - they do add significantly to the main beam. The coverage is both wider and brighter with the lights and headlights on. It is as though there is twice as much light available - probably because there is

[bigbaddaboom]

Oh! that's rather neat then...thanks