I want to install a set of PIAA 540 driving lights. Mini-Madness sells a set of brackets that they claim are more substantial and "extra strength." Are they in fact more substantial than the ones that would come with a set of PIAA 540s pre-packaged for the MINI?

 

I dont know about the PIAA mounts but I do have the Mini-Madness brackets and they are solid. I've noticed zero vibration unless I'm traveling on very bumpy roads.

 

I helped a guy mount a PIAA kit and those brackets were every bit as hefty as the factory ones so far as I could tell.

 

The Mini-Madness brackets are more solid than the factory brackets, and IMHO are worth the extra money. I haven't seen the PIAA brackets, so I can't offer an opinion on how they compare. But I'm happy with the MM brackets, especially since my lights are pretty big.

 

I am on the verge of ordering the PIAA Mini kit also. I don't need any comparison to the OEM brackets but I was wondering if there is any difference in the brackets that come with the kit (which sell for $45 at OutMotoring) vs the supposedly more heavy duty ones that sell for $75 at MiniMania.

 

I live near Mini Madness, and had them install their brackets (and their high performance lights). The brackets are perfect, extremely solid, I've seen no "bounce" at all in the lights. I did change the lights to PIAA 540s because I wanted fog lights. I think that if I thought I was qualified to do the install myself (I'm NOT), I would buy the Mini Madness brackets and a PIAA 504 kit without brackets (PIAA part 5461 for fog, 5462 for driving lights). The end result is a setup that is distinctive (a bit larger than the OEM kit), less expensive than the OEM kit, and very well made. Oh, you can also get replacement parts for the PIAA lights if you break one.

 

I've just had the PIA 540 kit installed by Eric at Helix Minisports in Philly http://www.helix13.com/. He mentioned to me after the install that the brackets that came with the kit looked to be exactly the same as the Mini OEM kit.

ps. I love the PIAA lights, they look great!

 

I have the $45 Outmotornig brackets supporting Hella Optilux lights and they'e rock solid no matter where I drive. I'm VERY happy with them. Just be sure to use stainless steel screws instead of the pop rivets that come with the kit - adds about $4-$5 to the final cost.

 

Thanks for the info, I'll do that

 

Do you still have to drill holes in the bonnet with any brackets?

 

I self-installed the PIAAs and the brackets seem to be perfectly fine. If there's any "bounce" in the lights it's because the grill bounces and not the bracket itself. I'm not too sure how MM's brackets are mounted but if they are mounted the same as the PIAA brackets I don't see how you can completely eliminate any bounce. Nevertheless, I don't get any bounce on the highway so I'm satisfied. I agree that the PIAAs look great and out shine the factory lights but as to forking up $75 for MM brackets.. well I guess if money isn't an issue then why not, right? I think the PIAA brackets are just fine for driving lights.

 

Yes you will, regardless of whether you use the rivets or screws, but the holes are pretty minimal. I'd suggest sealing them with a thin coat of silicone (coat everything in the stuff after I install anything new - I'm trying as hard as I can to avoid rust) after you have everything installed. The bonnet brackets attach at 3 points, so you'll need 3 holes. They're on the inide of the bonnet and are nort visible when its closed.

I wrote up a full How-To on the insrtallation of the brackets AND driving lights for Outmotoring, but it looks like Aaron's still too swamped fulfilling orders to post it - sorry. If you need pictures of the installed brackets, though, feel free to PM me. It's definitely a DIY job if you have basic tools (a drill capable of drilling into metal, a hole punch and some basic hand tools).

 

Thats what im worried about, i dont really want to worry about rust a few years down the road, but its so tempting to have them, MINIs are meant to have driving lights

 

i recently purchased the PIAA 540 lights for my 05 mini cooper s. after the install, i noticed that the lights had a pretty severe bounce. i tried putting a thin sheet of plumming rubber under the bracket and in between the light itself and the bracket. this worked very well and limited the bounce greatly. however, they still bounce when im on a bumpy road or a road w/ lots of cracks. Anyone having the same problem? :(

 

I have a pair of Hella Black Magic Driving Lights mated to the Out Motoring brackets. The best part of this setup is that the brackets mount directly to but behind the front bumper with the L-support for the lights passing through the lower grill. Therefore, no holes are drilled in the bonnet (sites for future rust). This set up is rock steady. I'm in need of some cash so I'm selling the whole kit, including the brackets, driving lights, all mounting hardware, the wiring harness (for plug and play, clean, professional installation) and Hella's clear rock guards (to protect your investment without the hassle of putting on and taking off covers) ....... very cool, nearly-new setup for half what I paid for it: only $200. See the classifieds for more details or PM me.