12 replies to this topic

[Blumeanie]

I noticed that my MPI needs some new bulbs (tail lights and driving lights in the sportpack).

I am tempted to use some LED replacements for the tailights and the H3 bulbs in the driving lights. Nothing dramatic and no exotic colors for me - I would use bulbs that are warm like the incandescent versions.

I am mostly interested in the lower wattage needed by the LEDs - When using high beams and the spotlights, I can feel the alternator pulling more power from the engine.

Has anyone done LED replacements on Minis? Any insights or product suggestions?

Thank you!
 

 

 

[humph]

I have earlier versions of these and love them. What you need is fully integrated bulbs that either have a small controller, or none at all. There’s no room in the bowl for a large controller.  Classic car leds were brilliant, did both my cars completely with them.

 

https://www.classicc...t=8299353243743

With your being an MPI the law says that fitting the headlights will be a fail, see link. Daft really as there is little to no difference to much earlier minis.

 

https://www.gov.uk/g...amp-conversions

[Blumeanie]

I have earlier versions of these and love them. What you need is fully integrated bulbs that either have a small controller, or none at all. There’s no room in the bowl for a large controller.  Classic car leds were brilliant, did both my cars completely with them.

 

https://www.classicc...t=8299353243743

With your being an MPI the law says that fitting the headlights will be a fail, see link. Daft really as there is little to no difference to much earlier minis.

 

https://www.gov.uk/g...amp-conversions

Thank you for the reference @humph

 

I am only looking to do the running lights (back end only), and the fog / Driving lights in the front. (despite the fact that I believe I am far from the reach of the DVLA!!)
I don't want to touch the headlights as I enjoy the warm glow of the incandescent lights - as well as the cool 'city lights' which are rare to see in this part of the world.

 

Did you replace any H3 type bulbs? Thanks again!

[coopertaz]

would be worthwhile checking in your state as over here if you fit an LED lamp into a unit meant for a halogen it will be a fail.

[TeddytheSpoon]

I agree with the Classic Car LEDs suggestion - I've replaced virtually everything bar the front lights and they're ace. Only thing I haven't got around to is spotlights, but I know they make H3 replacements for those too.

But as mentioned, the trickier thing is working out what the law says you can or can't do. Generally here in the EU headlights have to be e-marked as a sealed unit, which if you want LEDs means your only option is to spend $$$. And I'm not sure they come in many other colours than the cool white. I don't know if the same applies to fogs and/or spots, though.

If you want to replace daytime running lights, what I'm planning to do down the line is to fit a switchback bulb in the indicator. It involves replacing the base, which in my SPI (and I believe your MPI too) can be subbed for a Defender tail light base, which is a dual filament and can therefore take a 12V feed from e.g. the alternator. That way you have DRLs when the engine is running, but without needing to use the inefficient candles that they call headlights!

[Blumeanie]

I used these bulbs for the red running lights / brake light replacements.
These are red LEDs.

They work great.
They are much brighter (and red-er) than the original incandecents - but do not change the look of the mini.


They are keepers.
.

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Edited by Blumeanie, 01 December 2024 - 04:41 PM.

[Blumeanie]

And these for the reverse (white) lights.
These really made a difference!

I now see lots of light while backing-up.

They are way bright and white (6000k) to look "classic", but I think it is quite good for reverse ligts. I'm keeping these too.

These would work with the turn signals too, and the brightness is great! But they hyperflash... (blink very fast due the low draw).

So I'm back to the incandecents there. I'm not too dissappointed as I like the gradual start and fade of the incandecents.


I have not yet found a good option for the H3s LED replacements (for the fog /driving lights at the front).
I'll update on those as I choose some.

(I will keep the headlights original)

I believe that the replacement of the above did help to slightly reduce the impact of turning on the 4 H3s all at once at idle.

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Edited by Blumeanie, 01 December 2024 - 04:50 PM.

[humph]

Sorry not replied to your question re H3s earlier. I have bought, but not fitted yet as they're a bit more complicated to install in my driving light set up and been lacking time.

 

https://www.classicc...=32952379244653

 

As for your idicators you need an LED compatible flasher relay.

 

https://www.classicc...ns[prefix]=last

[Blumeanie]

Sorry not replied to your question re H3s earlier. I have bought, but not fitted yet as they're a bit more complicated to install in my driving light set up and been lacking time.

 

https://www.classicc...=32952379244653

 

As for your indicators you need an LED compatible flasher relay.

 

https://www.classicc...ns[prefix]=last

Ah - Thanks!

 

Those should do the trick! I like the warm light option. That was one major reason of me holding back so far...

 

I want them to do their job, AND look the part - I do not necessarily need  to blind rabbits 2 miles up the road.

 

With all those amps saved already, I might stay with the incandescent indicator bulbs. 

 

But I might update the interior light to LED... Since (I believe), I already have a bulb that may fit - now I'll need to locate it!

Edited by Blumeanie, 02 December 2024 - 12:47 AM.

[68+86auto]

LEDs shouldn't be fitted to housings designed for halogen light sources (H3,H4 etc). The optics are designed for the light source to be in a certain position, LEDs can't be in this position so cause safety issues due to the directions the light is output.

[brivinci]

I have a full set of LEDs from a Canadian Mini specialist called Steveston Motors 

https://stevestonmot...ndicator-lights

Front to back they are terrific. Overpriced, likely but they work! Especially, the rears. If you buy nothing else, BUY A SET OF QUALITY REAR bulbs! The difference these have made an outstanding, not sure for looks but safety. The nature of LEDs is that they are on or off. High or low. Quick as a flash. That makes a huge difference for the brake lights. Standard bulbs tend to fade up and down and might not be as noticeable to other drivers. Same with the directionals. They make everything much more prominent and noticeable for people around you. Worth it for the safety.

[Blumeanie]

I have a full set of LEDs from a Canadian Mini specialist called Steveston Motors 

https://stevestonmot...ndicator-lights

Front to back they are terrific. Overpriced, likely but they work! Especially, the rears. If you buy nothing else, BUY A SET OF QUALITY REAR bulbs! The difference these have made an outstanding, not sure for looks but safety. The nature of LEDs is that they are on or off. High or low. Quick as a flash. That makes a huge difference for the brake lights. Standard bulbs tend to fade up and down and might not be as noticeable to other drivers. Same with the directionals. They make everything much more prominent and noticeable for people around you. Worth it for the safety.

 

 

I agree - The dim brake lights are what started me on the search for LED replacement. I am pretty happy with these so far.

I am still on the hunt for H3 replacements as these were not priority. I also wanted to keep these fairly warm. I'll chase up the suggeted bulbs above since It seems it is confirmed they fit our thin OEM light housings.

[brivinci]

I have a set of the headlight bulbs sold on the site I linked above. I have had 2 sets so far. First gen had a failure and one bulb went dim. They updated to a newer style. They are not as warm as original but not ultra cool as most. They produce an amazing amount of clean light and I love the idea of less draw on the system. The new version has a much smaller overall size, with a much smaller fan for cooling. With the car off and the lights on, you can hear the fan slightly. Took me a sec to figure out what it was actually. 

https://stevestonmot.../apollo-h4bulbs