MINI2

rfinprc · Apr 5th, 2003, 01:36 PM

The latest thread about rear fogs brings to minsd what I think is a more important problem -- the single, dim, backup light. Compared to most other cars I've driven, this light does very ittle to light the way in reverse.

Anybody else in the dark?

cooper4us · Apr 5th, 2003, 01:54 PM

Hmmmm, well to be honest I have never used the reverse backup light for the purpose of "seeing" back when I am going in reverse at night. The purpose of backup lights is to alert other drivers and pedestrians of your intention of backing up the vehicle.

I have a 2001 Chevy Impala with 2 big rear mounted backup lights and they don't do much to illuminate the way back there but they do attract attention to other motorists.

I personally don't see a problem with the MINI's single back up light and it works the wau it should.

Too many silly compliants...rear fog lights and now the intensity of the rear back up ight...what's next?

The MINI is the shortest car in the American road. If you are so concerned about rear illumination at night, then the park Distance control gizmo, I think does a better job at preventing a mishap than a back up light.

Just my humble opinion...not need to flame.

EBMCS03 · Apr 5th, 2003, 04:30 PM

Ya the back up light does dittly squat... my moms volvo is amazing! its like having headlights with the reverse lights... its great... but ya i just live with it. hehehe

Dark Silver S · Apr 5th, 2003, 11:47 PM

Actually, the MINI reversing light is much brighter than the TWO reversing lights on my custom van. I've thought about adding truck loading lights to the van, so I can see to back into my garage. The MINI light is quite adequate. One could always install a higher watt bulb, but the manual says that "the dealer" is the only one that can change the reversing bulb.

MiniMan7 · Apr 6th, 2003, 12:08 AM

As cooper4us said, I think the reverse light is more of a signal to other drivers that you're reversing. Just think how crazy it would be in parking lots if there were no reverse lights on cars, and people just started backing out...

Dark Silver S · Apr 6th, 2003, 01:12 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by SCooperS
Actually, the MINI reversing light is much brighter than the TWO reversing lights on my custom van. I've thought about adding truck loading lights to the van, so I can see to back into my garage. The MINI light is quite adequate. One could always install a higher watt bulb, but the manual says that "the dealer" is the only one that can change the reversing bulb.

Like they pay attention to lights? I even had one jerk pull into a parking stall while I was backing in! I've thought seriously about installing a strobe light on the back, like they use on school buses and fork lifts.

MiniMan7 · Apr 6th, 2003, 01:31 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by SCooperS
Like they pay attention to lights? I even had one jerk pull into a parking stall while I was backing in! I've thought seriously about installing a strobe light on the back, like they use on school buses and fork lifts.

There will always be the odd idiot that never pays attention to the reverse lights. I think the strobe idea may be alittle intense.

Dark Silver S · Apr 6th, 2003, 10:17 AM

Hey, take my parking spot, and I get a little intense. I just about tore that guy's face off. <steam>

But a small strobe would be neat.

MiniMan7 · Apr 6th, 2003, 10:21 AM

The real question is, Did you get the parking spot in the end?

Thefreddo · Apr 6th, 2003, 05:21 PM

I guess cooper4us and MiniMan7 can drive any old way they want, but I'm glad they don't back up at night near where I live, and I hope all the kids near them walk defensively. I personally need to see where I'm going when I back up my MINI just as much as I need to see when I drive forward.

The redwood trees around my house couldn't care less whether or not they can see me. My MINI's backup light really doesn't put out enough light to even tell it is on sometimes, and only when I shift out of reverse can I see that it had been on.

EBMCS03 · Apr 6th, 2003, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MiniMan7
The real question is, Did you get the parking spot in the end?

I wouldnt want it in the end if i had to fight for it... who knows what the other driver will do to your car if he was ****ed... key it pop some tires... dent it... Eeeeek Or i'm just too paranoid.

Better be safe than sorry.

SPOT light for reverse light.. now we're talking... GET OUT OF MY WAY!!! MINI COMMING THROUGH BACKWARDS that is heheheh

cooper4us · Apr 6th, 2003, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Thefreddo
I guess cooper4us and MiniMan7 can drive any old way they want, but I'm glad they don't back up at night near where I live, and I hope all the kids near them walk defensively. I personally need to see where I'm going when I back up my MINI just as much as I need to see when I drive forward.

The redwood trees around my house couldn't care less whether or not they can see me. My MINI's backup light really doesn't put out enough light to even tell it is on sometimes, and only when I shift out of reverse can I see that it had been on.

1) MINI is the shortest car on the US market.
2) You should have opted for the $300 Park Distance control feature.

tip · Apr 6th, 2003, 09:08 PM

They are not designed to cast enough lite to aid in your reversing manouver. Its only disigned to indicate to other drivers that the car is in reverse, Period. Always has been and always will be. you want lite to back up with put a driving lite in the back off the car which is activated when you put the car in reverse.

tip · Apr 6th, 2003, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MiniMan7
As cooper4us said, I think the reverse light is more of a signal to other drivers that you're reversing. Just think how crazy it would be in parking lots if there were no reverse lights on cars, and people just started backing out...

Transport trucks in Canada and the US only have a small reverse lite on the tractor part and no reverse lite on the trailer, to indicate the vehicle is in reverse. Because of this the a truck will use there 4 way flasher to indicate potential danger to people approuching.

I still have people drive walk or try to drive there cars behind me when reversing a truck when they can clearly see the 4 ways going and the truck is reversing. I never understand why people do this?

MiniMan7 · Apr 6th, 2003, 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by UCSDxB0i
...

SPOT light for reverse light.. now we're talking... GET OUT OF MY WAY!!! MINI COMMING THROUGH BACKWARDS that is heheheh

You could get a spot light, or you could get a beeping mechanism that beeps like the big trucks... as soon as you go in reverse.... BEEP... BEEP... BEEP... now thats more like it!

Dark Silver S · Apr 7th, 2003, 03:13 AM

Did I get the parking spot? NO! I berated the pr*ck heatedly as he walked away from me. I was sorely tempted to smash his headlights, but better sense prevailed. That was a number of years ago, and, as you see, it still bothers me.

Now, a spotlight or driving light on the back of my van would be one thing, but I can't feature that on the S. And, please, no beeper. My ambulance had that, and I was glad there was an off-switch for it. That's just an irritating noise.

Reversing lights are made to cast illumination, plain and simple. Four-way flashers are made to attract attention.

GordonD · Apr 7th, 2003, 11:07 PM

It's only since the 1960's that 'backing-up' lights were put on cars - I still remember the 1st time I ever saw one - it was on a jag.

Back in those days many of us drove classic minis etc and most young guys (as I was then) put a clear 'fog' light on the back bumper to act as a real back up light. It was supposed to be hooked in the reverse gear but some

people just had it on a switch which was useful for waking up the Yob who comes up behind and doesn't dip his high beams

Apr 5th, 2003, 01:36 PM	#1
rfinprc wherever you go... Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Cambridge, MA Local Time: 08:57 PM Posts: 1,554 Offline	Backup Light too dim? The latest thread about rear fogs brings to minsd what I think is a more important problem -- the single, dim, backup light. Compared to most other cars I've driven, this light does very ittle to light the way in reverse. Anybody else in the dark?

Apr 5th, 2003, 01:54 PM	#2 (permalink)
cooper4us MINI2 Master Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Florida Local Time: 08:57 PM Posts: 1,423 Offline	Hmmmm, well to be honest I have never used the reverse backup light for the purpose of "seeing" back when I am going in reverse at night. The purpose of backup lights is to alert other drivers and pedestrians of your intention of backing up the vehicle. I have a 2001 Chevy Impala with 2 big rear mounted backup lights and they don't do much to illuminate the way back there but they do attract attention to other motorists. I personally don't see a problem with the MINI's single back up light and it works the wau it should. Too many silly compliants...rear fog lights and now the intensity of the rear back up ight...what's next? The MINI is the shortest car in the American road. If you are so concerned about rear illumination at night, then the park Distance control gizmo, I think does a better job at preventing a mishap than a back up light. Just my humble opinion...not need to flame. '02 MINI Cooper CVT On Order: 2004 MCS (Est production date: 9/5/03)

Apr 5th, 2003, 04:30 PM	#3 (permalink)
EBMCS03 M5 Extraordinare! Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: So Cal Local Time: 06:57 PM Posts: 6,768 Offline	Ya the back up light does dittly squat... my moms volvo is amazing! its like having headlights with the reverse lights... its great... but ya i just live with it. hehehe EB/W MCS Arrived (3/26/03) SOLD 4/25/06

Apr 5th, 2003, 11:47 PM	#4 (permalink)
Dark Silver S Ultimate Stealth Machine Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Wilkes County NC Local Time: 07:57 PM Posts: 791 Offline	Actually, the MINI reversing light is much brighter than the TWO reversing lights on my custom van. I've thought about adding truck loading lights to the van, so I can see to back into my garage. The MINI light is quite adequate. One could always install a higher watt bulb, but the manual says that "the dealer" is the only one that can change the reversing bulb. Dark Silver S http://revorg.org/images/mmg.gif Now in Wilkes County NC

Apr 6th, 2003, 12:08 AM	#5 (permalink)
MiniMan7 Let's Motor. Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Hamilton, Ontario Local Time: 10:57 PM Posts: 2,891 Offline	As cooper4us said, I think the reverse light is more of a signal to other drivers that you're reversing. Just think how crazy it would be in parking lots if there were no reverse lights on cars, and people just started backing out... http://www.mini2.com/gallery/personal/16791/32165.jpg

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Apr 6th, 2003, 01:12 AM	#6 (permalink)
Dark Silver S Ultimate Stealth Machine Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Wilkes County NC Local Time: 07:57 PM Posts: 791 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by SCooperS Actually, the MINI reversing light is much brighter than the TWO reversing lights on my custom van. I've thought about adding truck loading lights to the van, so I can see to back into my garage. The MINI light is quite adequate. One could always install a higher watt bulb, but the manual says that "the dealer" is the only one that can change the reversing bulb. Like they pay attention to lights? I even had one jerk pull into a parking stall while I was backing in! I've thought seriously about installing a strobe light on the back, like they use on school buses and fork lifts. Dark Silver S http://revorg.org/images/mmg.gif Now in Wilkes County NC

Apr 6th, 2003, 01:31 AM	#7 (permalink)
MiniMan7 Let's Motor. Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Hamilton, Ontario Local Time: 10:57 PM Posts: 2,891 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by SCooperS Like they pay attention to lights? I even had one jerk pull into a parking stall while I was backing in! I've thought seriously about installing a strobe light on the back, like they use on school buses and fork lifts. There will always be the odd idiot that never pays attention to the reverse lights. I think the strobe idea may be alittle intense. http://www.mini2.com/gallery/personal/16791/32165.jpg

Apr 6th, 2003, 10:17 AM	#8 (permalink)
Dark Silver S Ultimate Stealth Machine Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Wilkes County NC Local Time: 07:57 PM Posts: 791 Offline	Hey, take my parking spot, and I get a little intense. I just about tore that guy's face off. <steam> But a small strobe would be neat. Dark Silver S http://revorg.org/images/mmg.gif Now in Wilkes County NC

Apr 6th, 2003, 10:21 AM	#9 (permalink)
MiniMan7 Let's Motor. Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Hamilton, Ontario Local Time: 10:57 PM Posts: 2,891 Offline	The real question is, Did you get the parking spot in the end? http://www.mini2.com/gallery/personal/16791/32165.jpg

Apr 6th, 2003, 05:21 PM	#10 (permalink)
Thefreddo MINI2 Regular Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: West Sonoma County, Local Time: 05:57 PM Posts: 55 Offline	I guess cooper4us and MiniMan7 can drive any old way they want, but I'm glad they don't back up at night near where I live, and I hope all the kids near them walk defensively. I personally need to see where I'm going when I back up my MINI just as much as I need to see when I drive forward. The redwood trees around my house couldn't care less whether or not they can see me. My MINI's backup light really doesn't put out enough light to even tell it is on sometimes, and only when I shift out of reverse can I see that it had been on. "Float like a butterfly, Sting like a bee" Izzi Knew What To Do

Apr 6th, 2003, 06:25 PM	#11 (permalink)
EBMCS03 M5 Extraordinare! Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: So Cal Local Time: 06:57 PM Posts: 6,768 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by MiniMan7 The real question is, Did you get the parking spot in the end? I wouldnt want it in the end if i had to fight for it... who knows what the other driver will do to your car if he was ***ed... key it pop some tires... dent it... Eeeeek Or i'm just too paranoid. Better be safe than sorry. SPOT light for reverse light.. now we're talking... GET OUT OF MY WAY!!! MINI COMMING THROUGH BACKWARDS that is heheheh EB/W MCS Arrived (3/26/03) SOLD* 4/25/06

Apr 6th, 2003, 09:08 PM	#12 (permalink)
cooper4us MINI2 Master Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Florida Local Time: 08:57 PM Posts: 1,423 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by Thefreddo I guess cooper4us and MiniMan7 can drive any old way they want, but I'm glad they don't back up at night near where I live, and I hope all the kids near them walk defensively. I personally need to see where I'm going when I back up my MINI just as much as I need to see when I drive forward. The redwood trees around my house couldn't care less whether or not they can see me. My MINI's backup light really doesn't put out enough light to even tell it is on sometimes, and only when I shift out of reverse can I see that it had been on. 1) MINI is the shortest car on the US market. 2) You should have opted for the $300 Park Distance control feature. '02 MINI Cooper CVT On Order: 2004 MCS (Est production date: 9/5/03)

Apr 6th, 2003, 09:08 PM	#13 (permalink)
tip Motor On! Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Toronto Local Time: 08:57 PM Posts: 830 Offline	They are not designed to cast enough lite to aid in your reversing manouver. Its only disigned to indicate to other drivers that the car is in reverse, Period. Always has been and always will be. you want lite to back up with put a driving lite in the back off the car which is activated when you put the car in reverse. BRG/W MCS

Apr 6th, 2003, 09:16 PM	#14 (permalink)
tip Motor On! Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Toronto Local Time: 08:57 PM Posts: 830 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by MiniMan7 As cooper4us said, I think the reverse light is more of a signal to other drivers that you're reversing. Just think how crazy it would be in parking lots if there were no reverse lights on cars, and people just started backing out... Transport trucks in Canada and the US only have a small reverse lite on the tractor part and no reverse lite on the trailer, to indicate the vehicle is in reverse. Because of this the a truck will use there 4 way flasher to indicate potential danger to people approuching. I still have people drive walk or try to drive there cars behind me when reversing a truck when they can clearly see the 4 ways going and the truck is reversing. I never understand why people do this? BRG/W MCS

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Apr 6th, 2003, 10:37 PM	#15 (permalink)
MiniMan7 Let's Motor. Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Hamilton, Ontario Local Time: 10:57 PM Posts: 2,891 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by UCSDxB0i ... SPOT light for reverse light.. now we're talking... GET OUT OF MY WAY!!! MINI COMMING THROUGH BACKWARDS that is heheheh You could get a spot light, or you could get a beeping mechanism that beeps like the big trucks... as soon as you go in reverse.... BEEP... BEEP... BEEP... now thats more like it! http://www.mini2.com/gallery/personal/16791/32165.jpg

Apr 7th, 2003, 03:13 AM	#16 (permalink)
Dark Silver S Ultimate Stealth Machine Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Wilkes County NC Local Time: 07:57 PM Posts: 791 Offline	Did I get the parking spot? NO! I berated the prck heatedly as he walked away from me. I was sorely tempted to smash his headlights, but better sense prevailed. That was a number of years ago, and, as you see, it still bothers me. Now, a spotlight or driving light on the back of my van would be one thing, but I can't feature that on the S. And, please, no beeper. My ambulance had that, and I was glad there was an off-switch for it. That's just an irritating noise. Reversing lights are made to cast illumination, plain and simple. Four-way flashers are made to attract attention. Dark Silver S* http://revorg.org/images/mmg.gif Now in Wilkes County NC

Apr 7th, 2003, 11:07 PM	#17 (permalink)
GordonD MINI2 Master Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Mississauga, Ont, Ca Local Time: 09:57 PM Posts: 781 Offline	It's only since the 1960's that 'backing-up' lights were put on cars - I still remember the 1st time I ever saw one - it was on a jag. Back in those days many of us drove classic minis etc and most young guys (as I was then) put a clear 'fog' light on the back bumper to act as a real back up light. It was supposed to be hooked in the reverse gear but some people just had it on a switch which was useful for waking up the Yob who comes up behind and doesn't dip his high beams aka KWKSLVR Member: Southern Ontario MINI Club BMW Club of Canada - Trillium Chapter

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