Xenons, 05 model year onwards

[Tigger, Eeyore & Roo]

I'd really like to know if these lights are any good.

Please would someone who uses them let me know what they are like?

Are they any good?

I would be particularly interested if you were used to using the pre '05 standard lights and can make a comparison with them?

Has anyone here gone to the expense of having them retro fitted to their pre '05 MINI?

Thanks in advance.

Tigger.

[Rakey]

I had Xenons on my 03 MCS, and they were great, really notice the difference between them and the standard lamps.

As for comparing the older v the newer, well I was regularly driving the GF's car which is an 05 and my old 03, and could see a difference, the new lamps are better still, they are more focused in the beam, the 03 just gave out a nice whiter light, but the new it seems to be more of a direct beam if you know what I mean.

Another consideration is that Xenons make you more visiable to other road users as well as making it easier for you see

[wildchild jules]

Like Rakey I had an 03 with Xenon's and then also have them on my new MCS that I picked up a week ago. I thought the Xenon's on my cooper were good but now on my new MCS they are fab. I was driving along a windy country road at night last week and didn't even feel like I needed my full beams. Also, when was showing my brother my new MCS his first comment was on how bright the lights seemed.

Not sure if I would change the old style ones for the new ones if I had kept my 03 Cooper but I do think the new Xenon's are probably better.

Hope this helps a bit!

[Paul]

The new lights are brighter than their previous incarnations. The halogens are much improved over the old halogens, and the Xenons also seem to produce better light than the old style halogens.

Still not sure on the styling though. They look cool, but not sure they suite the car, a bit fussy for my liking (the new halogens though, look much nicer).

[Kaelaria]

They are the best lights I have ever used on any car, period. They have a perfect pattern, super bright light that goes for ever (especially on high beam), have razor sharp edges, are aimed perfectly...driving my Mini at night is even better than driving during the day - the lights, the dash glow, roof open...can't be beat (maybe a cabrio )!!!

[beken]

I don't think I would ever buy another car without Xenons again. The ones on the MINI are great lights. I like the laser beam look and I've had a lot of good comments about them.
I like the self-leveling thing it does when I start the car too.

[tnoy66]

Never had xenons before, so I was unsure how good these would be.
I have to say they are fabulous
I think they look great both on and off
Definately worth speccin if anyones trying to decide

[Hmmmm]

Xenons: Best speccing decision yet - so bright and so so white. You'll definitely not regret getting them.

The razor sharp cut off takes a bit of getting used to - there is absolutely no light throw above the cut off point, so the road in front is amazingly well lit and then above or beyond this it is absolutely pitch black. This can be a little disconcerting (if it is very dark) when coming to the bottom of a dip or hill where you can only see a few metres of road in front of you - full beam and driving lights soon clear up that problem though!

[Hat]

love them. not had them before but i can't see me going back now. much better in wet gloomy conditions than halogens - much more concentrated beam

[dannyboy2005]

Old cars used reflector based technology, newer cars use the projector stlye etchnology as used in most new bmws.

Basically the light is projected, similar to a magnifying glass, on the newer models.

[MiniDaze]

Dannyboy...are you talking about the xenon's here or halogens?
Assuming the xenon's.

Encouraged that some say the halogens are better this year, too,
as I didn't add Xenon's to my Spec.
Sure hope the regular ones will be sufficient/decent ... :-\

[Kaelaria]

They are decent compared to other cars, but not even in the same league, sorry.

[paulr]

I specd them on my MCSa

[Paul]

Quote: Originally Posted by beken

I don't think I would ever buy another car without Xenons again. The ones on the MINI are great lights. I like the laser beam look and I've had a lot of good comments about them.
I like the self-leveling thing it does when I start the car too.

They level all the time you're driving.

[dino_smith]

This is the first car(54 MCS) we've owned with Xenons and they are excellent, a much brighter/whiter light on dip than standard lights.

The only slight complaint I have is that main beam isn't brilliant, the standard halogen bulbs are ok, but i find that down lanes and roads without cats eyes the forward visibility could do with improving.

I'm sure if I had spot light sit would help, but need to save up a bit before getting them.

however you look at it, the Xenons look much cooler than standard lights, the halo ring around the bulb is just the best