Halogen Headlights - Orange Indicator Lenses - Clear :) (DIY Guide)

[JpMcC]

If like me you didn’t spec the orange indicator lenses when buying your R56 I’m sure you have often kicked yourself, however fear not anymore.

Having read different reports from people who said it wasn’t possible and other who said it was I decided to give it a go and I thought I would post my results.

Tools Required:
- 8-10mm spanner
- t25 Torx Screwdriver
- Flat Head Screwdriver

1: Here is a pic of my R56 Cooper with the Orange Indicator lenses in the headlights ...


2: Unfortunately it is impossible to do this mod without removing the headlight from the vehicle, fear not though this is not as daunting as it may seem. The Headlights are held on with 4 bolts (marked with the circles on the Pic Below)


3: The next job is to completely remove the wiring loom from the headlight (see below)


4: Once both headlights have been removed you should be left with the following:


5: Now we need to get at the awful orange indicators, first job is to remove the rubber covering from the headlight (sorry about the poor pic quality here)


6: Now you’ll need to gain access to the orange lenses, to do this you must remove the indicator bulb and wiring module, this is held onto the headlight using 2x T25 Torx Screws (Marked with white circles on the pic)


7: Once removed you will be able to see the Indicator lenses in all its glory.


8: Now the bit we have been waiting for, to remove the orange indicator, the lense is held on with 2 clips (white circles on pic), I found it best to prise the clips out using a small flat head screwdriver, and to pop the lense out just place your thumb through the hole and push hard. The lense will fall out into the headlight.




9: To get the lenses out, just move the headlight around, there is a gap at the bottom and the orange indicator lense will just slide out.




10: The next job is to change the bulbs, you will need to get a set of bulbs which are silver in colour but flash orange, other wise you will not have the proper legal requirement for indicator lenses at the front of your car. The bulbs can be obtained from the MINI2 Sponsor New MINI Stuff.


11: Once you have all the above steps completed just do the steps in reverse and put all the items back in their proper place. Re-Connect the main wiring loom back into the headlights and replace the bolts. Once all that is completed you should be left with a fantastic new set of “clear” indicator lenses




Although this may seem quite a bit of work it took me approx 30min to complete the mod and refit the headlights and I didnt have any instructions to work from.

All of the above is guide to help others change the indicator lenses on the halogen headlight on their MINI and anyone that follows the guidelines does so at their own risk and I take no responsibility for anything which may go wrong whilst following the guidline

[ShaunSheep]

Brilliant 'how to' guide JP!
Think you'll make quite a few people very happy by posting this

And it makes such a difference to the look of the car - great job, looks ace!

[Troy]

Nice job there!

You reckon this will work on the Xenon units too?

Now to find a cure for the rear lights!! Although the orange has grown on me!

[JpMcC]

Quote: Originally Posted by Troy (original)

Nice job there!

You reckon this will work on the Xenon units too?

Now to find a cure for the rear lights!! Although the orange has grown on me!

I am unsure about the Xenon units but I cant imagine there will be much difference.

Having taken the rear lights apart it's not possible, better to keep your eyes on ebay or I think NewMINIStuff sell the set

[Troy]

I'm planning to do what Adam has done and tint the front lights, in which case it won't make a difference I wouldn't have thought.

Do the rears come out? I was thinking some red spray or vinyl, instead of white. Might look better with the rest of the light unit.

[I love MINI, Laura]

SO MUCH BETTER! Great work there! Looks brilliant. God, hate those orange lenses!

[andrewcregan]

Great job JP.
The car looks miles better

[nylo]

Quote: Originally Posted by ShaunSheep (original)

Brilliant 'how to' guide JP!
Think you'll make quite a few people very happy by posting this

And it makes such a difference to the look of the car - great job, looks ace!

^^^ What she said!

Good to see you've finally done this JP, it looks sooooo much better Look forward to seeing it in the metal

[keano619]

Thanks alot JP
Saved me £220 to get some new headlights fitted

Keane

[118]

excellent job there looks great

[Sportspack Mark]

Looks cracker JP!

May be a help to me in a while!

[vickietots]

Excellent job! Looks soooooo much better! Also a great write up!

[Sportspack Mark]

JP do you know how much a set of new rear lights are that have the clear indicator part?

[Troy]

Quote: Originally Posted by Sportspack Mark (original)

JP do you know how much a set of new rear lights are that have the clear indicator part?

Check on NewMINIStuff.com

I think they are around £150.

[JpMcC]

Quote: Originally Posted by Sportspack Mark (original)

Looks cracker JP!

May be a help to me in a while!

Ohh do I smell an R56 coming your way soon???

As troy posted Mikey sells the set of rear lights with the clear indicator lenses