17 replies to this topic

[mab01uk]

Could this mean a suitable Xenon headllight kit could be produced for the classic Mini?

 

"The main difference as compared to the MINI xenon headlamps available ex-works is the reduced light flux of 2,000 lumen. This makes it possible to install the headlamps without retrofitting the headlamp cleaning system and using manual range control. By contrast, the 35-watt xenon headlamps available as an optional extra can only be fitted with an automatic height control function due to legal specifications."

Globally unique: increased safety when driving at night with retrofit 25-watt xenon headlamp.
MINI is now the world's first automobile manufacturer to offer a retrofit xenon headlamp with an output of 25 watts and manual height adjustment. This gives owners of a MINI, MINI Clubman, MINI Convertible, MINI Coupé and MINI Roadster a low-cost option to add a highly effective and efficient light source to their car at a later stage. In terms of quality, luminosity and range, the retrofit headlamps are identical to the xenon light available for MINI as a special equipment feature ex-works. They also offer a much longer service life and lower energy consumption than the standard halogen lamps. Another new addition to the range of exterior accessories is the LED daytime running light, likewise designed for retrofit. An innovative solution both technologically and visually, it comes in the form of a combined fog light, side light and daytime running light in full LED.

https://www.press.bm...item=node__2318

 

[james962]

Interesting. Will have to seen when further information is released.

[jaydee]

Never liked xenon headlamps, will never swap halogen for xenon. Cant beat philips x-treme halogen bulbs.

I know they use less current and they're fashionable these days, but i find them so awful and no way, they're annoying for other drives.

[Frisco]

Cant beat philips x-treme halogen bulbs.

 

 

What? Proper xenons are massively better than anything halogen

[mini.30]

You just can't compare manufacturer genuine HID headlights with any halogen type lights, the HID's are in a different league. Ebay special HID's on the other hand . . . . !!

[alicetheauto]

Does this mean a whole new era of bmw drivers not dipping their stupidly bright headlights. In my opinion they should be illegal on all cars and people should slow down if the road is too dark.

[Shukran]

Does this mean a whole new era of bmw drivers not dipping their stupidly bright headlights. In my opinion they should be illegal on all cars and people should slow down if the road is too dark.

 

If we listened to this type of opinion we would still have the 4 mph speed limit and the red flag guys. It is called progress Alice. As for the BMW tw@s what can one say?

[alicetheauto]

How so mate? Ok, the bmw bit was slightly uncalled for but my opinion still stands. Any after market kits willooften be seen as styling mods, and they are unnecessary. They cause real danger to oncoming traffic if left on by mistake , especially to cars lower than normal like the classic mini. I struggle to see how that is the same as the bloke with the flag. High power bulbs are illegal for a reason.

[Frisco]

Fitting HIDs into cars like classic minis is nearly always completely illegal. A retrofit into a BMW mini is different though as they will have the self leveling suspension/lights and the light washers etc.

You cant compare the two. One is a proper factory bit of kit and the other is a bloke in his driveway with a chinese kit from ebay. The factory stuff isn't a danger and once all cars have them there won't be a problem with people being blinded. Better lights make driving safer so it's not unnecessary IMO

[Ethel]

I reckon nowadays cars are made to sell first and function second. The average buyer makes simplistic comparisons so it would be difficult to sell a car without power steering, even if it's totally unnecessary, and more gears and airbags equate to more desirable.

 

For headlights, brighter is equated to better, the fact they are totally redundant where street lights cast light further ahead without shadows; they dazzle other road users and you can often see more when your pupils aren't pinpricks to cope with a super bright beam that must be limited in size. The technology is good, but it should have been developed primarily for energy saving - of course no one would pay the premium for an occasional mpg increase.

 

Followed a new Jag yesterday, the LED tail lights were painful, all as bright as the brake lights and far brighter than old style bulbs.

[Frisco]

They are better. Saying they are redundant where street lights are in place is like saying they are redundant during the day or when the car is parked. They make it easier to see when driving on unlit roads so you have more chance of seeing a pedestrian etc which makes them safer.

Airbags are the same, they save lives so why shouldn't people buy a car that's better equipped with them? They are safer so are more desirable if safety is on your checklist when buying a car.

[jaydee]

Its a system that actually works when done properly, take in example BMW, Mercedes, Audis.

Fiats and smart cars, instead, with their xenons are a nightmare for any other driver who happens to be in front of them.

 

As for headlights brightness, maybe its just me, but i find really annoying that i can see only in their flashing range, then its the deepest darkness outside the range. I find halogens much smoother. Its not a matter of how much light you get out of the bulbs, its how the bulbs deliver the light.

I think each light have to be choosen accordingily in respect of their application, most of the times this doesnt happen and theyre choosen just 'for fashion'. Think about angel eyes on minis.

All my illumination bulbs are led. My sidelights are leds aswell.

But dont like xenon headlamps and wouldnt even think of using led rear lights. I'm going to switch the halo bulbs in my fog lights for xenons as an experiment though, but thats a totally different pattern and use.

[Ethel]

Airbags only save lives when they are activated in a big enough impact. If they give the driver a false sense of invincibility, or are just one aspect of the "road tank" mentality that sees drivers cocooning themselves in steel which may make accidents more survivable for them but increases the danger to everyone on the outside.

 

You'll only see those pedestrians if they are  caught in your headlights, I've never experienced any difficulty seeing out to my braking distance with boring old halogens on full beam, but my experience has been you can see more in the shadows with old fashioned sealed beams because the contrast & beam cut off is less pronounced. The problem with Hids is the light source intensity is always around double that of halogens, even when you have no use for it. 

[Frisco]

Yeah, I don't agree. Airbags make accidents more survivable and xenons make it easier to see at night and I completely fail to see how either of those are a bad thing. 

 

We may as well do away with seat belts in that case to scare people into driving slower

[alicetheauto]

Frisco, there is an idea that indeed having no seatbelt will save lives. People feel vulnerable without seatbelts so drive like the vicars wife. If no one had seatbelts it would potentially make roads safer. I work in a high end cycle shop and it is the same with cycle helmets. People feel much safer with a helmet on, so take more risks and have more accidents. They are more survivable, but happen more often.
Brighter headlights not necessary for the majority of cars in the UK in my opinion.