Driving lights?

"TheTurbochargedSquirrel" (thatsquirrel) 09/16/2016 at 19:17 • Filed to: None

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So I am looking at different options for adding driving lights to the Mini. Why? Because rallycar. I would like to mount a pair of lights in the hood grill where the base of the stripes would be if my car had stripes. I can get brackets which mount to the hood and protrude through the grill for about $60. My issue is which lights to mount on the brackets.

The first option is PIAAs solution. Turner Motorsport sells a kit (or rather still has a couple of discontinued kits in stock) which includes a pair of PIAA 540 driving lights and the brackets to mount them to the Mini. They are 1/8in larger in diameter (5 1/8 in vs 5 in) than the optional factory Mini lights (which cost over $600 to install) and feature a much larger lens. I like the way they look but would like something slightly larger. They do not however come with solid protective covers and instead use the branded grill over the lights commonly seen on truck lights. The kit is also $325.

The other option I found are Hella 500s. These are much cheaper at ~$60 for a pair on amazon. They are a little over 6.4 inches in diameter (163mm) and may be a hair large for the car. They do however come with proper protective covers.

Both kits come with a wiring harness and other components needed to install them in the car. Personally though I think I would prefer something with a 5.5-6in diameter. I would like to be under $200 installed (I will be doing the install my self) and they will mostly be for looks, though they will get used from time to time. Does Oppo have any ideas for lights that are around 5.5-6in in diameter or should I just say screw it and grab a pair of the Hellas?

S65 > TheTurbochargedSquirrel 09/16/2016 at 19:26

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HELLA!HELLA!HELLA!

vicali > TheTurbochargedSquirrel 09/16/2016 at 19:28

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I’m a Hella fan; these are 700ff on the Forester..

and four 5ooff across the Tacoma;

They are bright, legal (55w), and cheap. If they catch a rock it’s $25 for a single lamp.. And if you were interested there are a ton of retro-fit vids out there putting higher watt/ HID bulbs in too.

TheTurbochargedSquirrel > S65 09/16/2016 at 19:32

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That’s perfect. Too bad I don’t have a classic Cooper.

S65 > TheTurbochargedSquirrel 09/16/2016 at 19:34

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My X-type is too a real Jaguar > TheTurbochargedSquirrel 09/16/2016 at 19:45

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Seeing all the Hella suggestions reminds me I haven't watch Cannon Ball Run in a long time.

TheTurbochargedSquirrel > vicali 09/16/2016 at 21:24

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How have they held up over time? Any chipping or scratching?

Nick Has an Exocet > TheTurbochargedSquirrel 09/17/2016 at 00:40

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Which model is the mini and how do you like it? It’s insanely cheap to buy an early S with a blown head gasket and I’m tempted.

vicali > TheTurbochargedSquirrel 09/17/2016 at 09:33

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None, the 500's were on my rally project before;

No chip, scratches, or anything.. They are probably 5 or 6 years old now..

LimitedTimeOnly @ opposite-lock.com > TheTurbochargedSquirrel 09/17/2016 at 10:35

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I understand that you like the round style auxiliary lights, but I’ve been wondering why someone adding lights wouldn’t go with LEDs? Are they significantly more expensive? Not street legal? Just a different aesthetic?

I have done no research, and it shows.

TheTurbochargedSquirrel > Nick Has an Exocet 09/17/2016 at 10:48

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I have a 2004 R50 Cooper and I love it. It has tons of character and is a riot to drive. I would be concerned about buying one with a blown head gasket though as that indicates the possibility that it wasn’t maintained properly. These are not Toyotas and you need to keep up with maintenance to keep them reliable. If it has a solid service history and the gasket is the only issue, go for it. If it doesn’t have a solid history I would avoid it and look for one in better shape.