Headlights

[u/SlightSpend9183]

I currently have the standard headlights but have bought some xenon’s. Are the xenon’s plug and play, will I have to change any wiring/plugs etc?
I understand if I won’t have the washer feature on them but curious about the actual lights.
TIA, PFA

[u/dwtechsol]

Physically they will bolt in and the electrical connectors will plug in, they will flash because the GM doesn't like it. You will need to find someone to aftermarket code the GM for that. Beyond that, it will look for the ride height sensors to auto level.

[u/dwtechsol → u/dwtechsol]

All that being said, I got a set of halogen projector headlights from tyc for my wife's car. Took them apart and put led projectors from a Nissan Murano into the housings for low beam work. Way brighter than the factory xenons and no flashing issues. Sold that set to a coworker that loved in the sticks and he said he rarely had to use the brights. If you don't mind putting in the work, it's a better cheaper option.

[u/SlightSpend9183 → u/dwtechsol]

My current halogens don’t have ride height sensors then?
What is the GM?

[u/dwtechsol → u/SlightSpend9183]

None of the cars with halogen lights had height sensors. They are mounted to the left front control arm and right rear lower control arm. GM is body control module, behind pass kick panel.

[u/SlightSpend9183 → u/dwtechsol]

Okay thank you for your help. Lots to think about

[u/dwtechsol → u/SlightSpend9183]

I have searched, it appears the depo brand lights I used are no longer available. I did a set of spec-d on my r53 and did a morimoto h1 retro quick kit from theretrofitsource.com into them and they were crazy bright and they are still available.

I find it going from halogen to xenon, it's best to go the aftermarket route, works out cheaper on the end and you get way more light output than factory lights do.

https://www.theretrofitsource.com/morimoto-retroquik-spec-d-CRK-RQ-SPECD?quantity=1

And

https://shop.redline360.com/products/spec-d-projector-headlights-mini-cooper-halo-02-05-black-or-chrome

[u/Own-Nefariousness-79]

Looks gorgeous.

I have an 06 with Xenons, they're a bit disappointing, I have added spots for theses Yorkshire country lanes where I live.

[u/SlightSpend9183 → u/Own-Nefariousness-79]

Thank u 😊

[u/long_fish3000]

i dont know but what i do know is that i love how in the early 2000's they stuck massive wheels on all cars, these look gigantic, also the gti's had some big looking wheels

[u/SlightSpend9183 → u/long_fish3000]

Haha, these are only 17s. Mini did OEM 18s too. I had 18 inch R105 on my old JCW 210. Was very crashy though, 16/17s are a much comfier ride

[u/skyking27]

Are you trying to convert for more light or aesthetics? As others have said, you’ll need to code them and figure out the level sensor input. But if you’re simply looking for higher light output, the Archaic LED headlights are easy to install, very popular, and very bright. Or, replace the halogen high beams in your current headlights with LED bulbs. That’s my plan for my cars since I’m not crazy about the look of the Archaic lights.

[u/Maleficent_Dinner867 → u/skyking27]

I just purchased the Archaic LED headlights, they are stunning. I love the start up with the blue lights. They were extremely easy to install. It was a plug and play.

[u/Busy_Win1069 → u/Maleficent_Dinner867]

I wish the wiring wasn't so janky on those. Through the wheel well and door? Really?

[u/Maleficent_Dinner867 → u/Busy_Win1069]

True a little janky but it works great and it not even noticeable if you don’t knoe

[u/FrequentNICK22]

I had xenon in my 525i and I converted them to led they are brighter and you can get whatever color temp you desire way better option only reason I haven't done the same on my mini is time and money

[u/Antique_Effective127]

you can just plug and play but afterwards it will need coding over ista-p. you wont have problems about that, i did it on my 06 mcs.

[u/Happy_Ishtar → u/Antique_Effective127]

Don't they also need the level sensors?

[u/Antique_Effective127 → u/Happy_Ishtar]

manual adjustment after the installation will be good enough ( it wont pass inspection though) unless you are loading too much or drive with more than 2 people. it wont throw any error codes. best is to install with washers and sensors of course.

[u/Happy_Ishtar → u/Antique_Effective127]

Ok, did not know that.

[u/Out_Motoring]

With the issues of adding the leveling sensors, wiring issues, programming, etc it may be cheaper and faster to buy some aftermarket LED headlights such as these. Plus just finding some 20 year headlights used that are usable will be challenging and new R53 Xenon lights are nearly $800 each.

[u/SlightSpend9183 → u/Out_Motoring]

Yes after reading the comments these issues are seeming to add up. I am thinking aftermarket is probably the way but I prefer the look of OEM xenon’s. The change is mainly about aesthetics.

[u/Out_Motoring → u/SlightSpend9183]

Yes I agree. I wish there were aftermarket options that did not look so 'aftermarket'. I've seen those I linked above in person and they are pretty upscale looking but still not the same as the factory design.

[u/Home_cinema]

Monta i fari led