2005 Xenon Headlight Question...first time asked!

[Rawhyde]

There is a lot of debate on whether the '05 Xenons or the older ones are preferred. I have noticed that all of this debate centers on the cosmetic appearance of the lamps, so I dare to pose a fresh and unique question...

Which version throws a better beam pattern?
Which version has less glare for oncoming motorists (or motorers as the case may be)?

Surely there's a curious soul out there that has access to both types of Mini and a dark road....

Most premium cars with xenon lamps use "projector style" lamps (like the '05 Mini, BMW's, etc) whereas the cheaper cars with xenons gravitate towards more conventional lamp designs with a xenon light source (Nissan Maxima, Altima, Lancer EVO, Focus, etc) Is there a real difference in these types of lamps or is it merely cosmetic?


Rawhyde

[Paul]

Cant give specific factual details, but from experience the new lights give better illumination than the old ones.

[Barnabas]

I've recently took delivery of my 04 MCS and the visiblity is excellent with the xenons. I couldn't care if the 05 xenons had better visiblity since the old ones are so good already.

[GTmini]

I've just got to say "wow"...I went to the Anaheim Auto Show yesterday and the new Xenon assembly looks pretty spectacular in person. I wasn't too sure about it in the photos, but definitely looks awesome. More excitingly, I'd imagine the new projector setup would also lay down a much nicer pattern (at least I really hope they do). That's the one thing about the Xenons in my '03...they're nice, but don't project nearly as well as many models in BMW's line alone. I've got a 325i loaner right now and I realized how much I miss the full, strong Xenon spread with that magnificent horizontal spread of white light that seeming reaches out to infinity.

If the '05 Xenons illuminate better, I'd definitely be quite interested in whether or not they're possible to retrofit onto an '03 and if so, how much it would cost.

[MattiCooperS]

Quote: Originally Posted by GTmini

I've just got to say "wow"...I went to the Anaheim Auto Show yesterday and the new Xenon assembly looks pretty spectacular in person. I wasn't too sure about it in the photos, but definitely looks awesome. More excitingly, I'd imagine the new projector setup would also lay down a much nicer pattern (at least I really hope they do). That's the one thing about the Xenons in my '03...they're nice, but don't project nearly as well as many models in BMW's line alone. I've got a 325i loaner right now and I realized how much I miss the full, strong Xenon spread with that magnificent horizontal spread of white light that seeming reaches out to infinity.

If the '05 Xenons illuminate better, I'd definitely be quite interested in whether or not they're possible to retrofit onto an '03 and if so, how much it would cost.

HERE HERE!!

i've got an '02 MCS which was specced before the Chili pack was put together, i've got everything in the Chili pack bar the xenons (heated lamp washers & self adjusting lights)

i'm about to buy a set of xenons from a rear shunted MCS and i would love to know how much better the '05 spec lights are. I do prefer these newer lights as they are more agressive looking but if they cost a bomb then i'll stick to my original plan

Cheers

Matti

[MickyD]

there's more to the retrofit than just the lights AFAIK.... there's also sensors in the rear suspension for the self levelling, and probably other stuff as well.

[ALD0]

I was driving behind a MINI with the new xenons and compared to mine the throw off more light. They also throw off more glare and are more characteristic to a Proper Xenon Projector bulb.

[Damo]

Yeah got to agree with Interceptor! The 05's give a bit more light, but glare more. But they look more like Xenon's that the 04's.

[huntmdwn]

I've got a 325i with the projector style xenons and they work tremendously well. Also, I know that people with BMWs like mine retrofit xenons all the time to cars without them--it can't be that hard (Actually, I think that MINI/BMW actually makes a retrofit kit now that I am thinking about it!)

Check out http://www.forum.e46fanatics.com These guys will probably be able to tell you how to go about retrofitting new lights! Hope I could help!

[SLEEPY_NOKKIE]

I have an 05 .. I gotta say that my MCS Xenon is brighter than my 01' 330CI and my 02' A4. So, I'm pretty happy about it.

[GTmini]

Yeah, my first introduction to driving a car with Xenons was my friend's old '01 BMW 325 and then his 540, so I guess my expectations were spoiled by them. Now that I'm temporarily back in the 325, I miss it. Maybe my MINI's Xenons just need to be aimed a little better, but I don't think it's that alone. Plus the '05 Xenons do look like quite a "nice piece of kit."

[ErikR]

What about those little jewel lenses around the projector? Do they add any kind of effect when the lights are on?

Erik

[SLEEPY_NOKKIE]

Quote: Originally Posted by ErikR

What about those little jewel lenses around the projector? Do they add any kind of effect when the lights are on?

Erik

[Hammer]

I haven't done a comparison, but my '05 MCS Xenons throw some SERIOUS light! I was on the way to an autocross early last month and blew by the guy pulling the trailer with all of the gear in it. When we got to the event he kept talking about how bright my lights were, while I was blowing past him.

[feverdiva21]

My 05 MCS Xenons are most impressive ... They seem to light up quite high and i did wonder about what glare they would cause other drivers. But as a driver i find them the doggies d d's..