26 replies to this topic

[Scruffs]

Based on what people have said I reckon I'll go with the Cibie H180's so thanks for your help!

By fitting a relay to run 80/100 bulbs, do you mean using the existing wiring to switch the relays (mounted under the bonnet somewhere) then use some heavier gauge wire to power the heftier bulbs directly from the +ve feed on the starter motor, for example?

I happen to have dragged the front end of the loom out of all the nooks and crannies (and what alot of work that went and created ), so could I replace the current headlight wiring with some beefier stuff with an inline fuse, and not fit the relays? I guess to be honest it may be easier to not bugger about with it, but is the theory there?

I take it 80/100 means 80W dip beam and 100W full beam? I haven't a problem with it being illegal if it's just a nonsense law and I will be able to see much better, but is there a good reason why it is illegal? Like blinding other drivers/burning out the headlamp units etc.?

Edited by Scruffs, 28 October 2007 - 05:57 PM.

[stardude]

By fitting a relay to run 80/100 bulbs, do you mean using the existing wiring to switch the relays (mounted under the bonnet somewhere) then use some heavier gauge wire to power the heftier bulbs directly from the +ve feed on the starter motor, for example?

exactomundo!

i will be doing the same thing as you very soon. i like to be able to see! and cibies are the best!

[Dan]

Like blinding other drivers

That's why.

No you can't use the existing wiring, the load will still be running through the original switchgear nomatter how much wiring you replace and it can't take the current. There will be a fire which will spread rapidly and destroy the car. Use the existing wiring to drive relays and build a new circuit for main and dip from the starter solenoid through the relays and some inline fuses. There are extensive instructions on here that I wrote out a while back if you search. I will try to find the information about Cibies.

[mini13]

As Dan says, use the existing wiring to run some relays which have thicker gauge wires and fuses to control the headlamps probably fed from the battery feed to the solenoid.

Watts /volts = amps so 100/12= 8.3 Amps per bulb, the wires need to be able to cope with this.

There is the issue of blinding over drivers, you have to consider that the wattage quoted for bulbs is power consumption, not light produced, I belive a modern legal lamp (for example HIDs) is of similar Light output to a 80/100W mini lamp, but the mini mlamp is still ilegal.

I think that i have seen som 55/100W bulbs for sale which would just have a brighter head beam, this could be a good "oncoming traffic freindly" option.

[Jordan18]

Hi,

I'm new to the mini scene and have a mini as my first car I was just wondering if you can change the headlights to have the modern side lights???

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[Steve220]

LED sidelight, yes. It's a bit of a grey area at the moment when it comes to LED headlight bulbs.

[gazza82]

But they aren't modern fittings like the ones in the picture ... Like small bayonet fitting.

[mcduff2]

I find the best performing H4 bulbs in the mini is the Osram night breakers, the difference between them and regular H4 economy bulbs is simply amazing, also they have the advantage of being perfectly legal.

[Mini Manannán]

I'd love to know exactly what the rules are on LED headlights.  Do the MOT inspectors have any  words of wisdom on the subject?

 

I find the best performing H4 bulbs in the mini is the Osram night breakers, the difference between them and regular H4 economy bulbs is simply amazing, also they have the advantage of being perfectly legal.

 

Nightbreakers are very, very good - I've not long fitted them and my car now has the best lights in my 'fleet'.  It's seems they've been surpassed now though: http://www.autoexpre...ht-bulb-reviews

 

 Philips X-tremeVision for me next time!

[Jordan18]

But they aren't modern fittings like the ones in the picture ... Like small bayonet fitting.

I bought them as they were really cheap off eBay, and they fit fine just every now and then they find a way to come loose so I might just revert back to the old bulbs

[Scousemouse]

Just put a dab of silicone sealent at the rim of bulb when you fit it.(not a lot) As leds give of minimal heat should be ok.

I did this years back on my yanks rear lights as the holders were slightly different.Worked fine ...still ok after 3 years!!

Edited by Scousemouse, 22 November 2016 - 05:57 PM.

[minifreek1]

I fitted H4 Nightbreakers to mine a while ago now and to be honest they are very good....

 

Iv also recently fitted LED sidelights too, I converted from the bayonet Mini sidelight holders to W5W holders which was a direct fitment to the headlights :)

 

Am wanting to fit LED rear lights but dunno which bulbs to buy for Mk1 rear lights ....