I've read the previous threads on this topic, which don't really answer my questions...

My dealer's website shows "driving lights" as an accessory that costs $292, plus installation, plus a "switch" and "mounting kit". They don't mention the cost of the latter three, but I'm getting a tingling feeling in my wallet (as though someone is getting ready to make a significant withdrawal!)

Do you know of any dealers in the VA area who charge less? What about non-dealer options? I'm handy with tools, but don't want to do any drilling, etc., on a so-new-it's-not-even-scheduled-for-production-yet 2009 MCS. Are there any relatively straighforward do-it-yourself options?

It's just that $300-600+? seems like an awful lot of money to fasten two lights on the front of the car...

 

I could be wrong, but I "think" that the driving lights are the low beam headlights. If that's true, you can go into your setup and have the headlights turn on automatically when you start your car. This is certainly cheaper that buying a kit.

 

You're thinking of daytime running lights. Driving lights (or rally lights) are the extra bright lights that are placed in front of the grill (usually).

 

Yea, you're right. Got the two terms mixed up.

 

My Dealer is charging $995 for the Driving Lights and though I will be getting them eventually that was one option that we asked about. Whether or not it is feasible to add at a later time, that's when the cost came up.

I think the website gives people the wrong impression when comes to actually cost.

You don't think they are just going to give you the "fill in blank" accessory and not charge you anything for the other parts and installation required?? Not likely to happen!!

 

Consensus here on NAM is that driving lamps are $510 when ordered with the car and installation varies depending on whether you have them installed by the dealer or at the VDC (usually the cheaper option). If you order them later, everything together will probably total about $510 (2 lights, install kit and dash kit). There is no programming necessary so install seems to be pretty straightfoward. I'm ordering my '09 from Crown Mini in Richmond in a couple weeks.

Which dealer in VA are you working with?

 

I think we spent about $500 total when we ordered them as part of the build. I think they were a $250 accessory on the build sheet plus install which was about $500.
We love them and they come in handy in the twisties and hills in our area...

 

Wow. That's maybe the priciest I've heard yet.

 

i think my driving lamps were around $700. but that was directly from the manufacturer. the dealer said that if i was to buy them later, they would be may more expensive. i love them though, they add a lot of aesthetic value to the car... plus can be really useful on dirt roads. however, mine are set up so that they only come on if the brights are on... i don't know if anyone knows how to change that or if that's just how they are.

 

can you turn yours on without the brights?? mine can only be turned on after the bright lights are on... which is kind of inconvenient sometimes. i didn't know if that was normal or if there was a way to change it.

 

they come on with the brights only.

 

Mine come on without the brights but they are not the OEM versions (and I did the wiring).

 

That's brutal.

You can 2 rally lights for about $250, 4 rally lights for about $420.

Install is easy.

 

bhelton:

I ordered mine from Crown MINI on August 14 and as of yesterday there was no scheduled production date (per the 1-866-ASK-MINI number). I didn't notice the driving lights on the online build list...I'll check again. I was using the link to Crown's website. And I overlooked the installation kit and switch, which are the next two items listed there. There was no quote for installation cost, however.


jw34:

Can you provide some info as to where you bought your lights, how you mounted them, where you routed the wiring, and what kind of switch you are using? Photos would be helpful to everyone, if have the time and ability.

Thanks!

 

I love my driving lights, too. They cost a lot from MINI, but I'm really trying to avoid the aftermarket with this car. They just look awesome

 

I just paid $1295 for the lights and front/rear mudflaps to be installed. Pricey.. I know, but if you can't do it yourself, you gotta pay! I LOVE how they look!

 

The driving lights do look good.It also depends on if you want original or aftermarket.Aftermarket you can mount up to 4 above bumper or below bumper.
oem

Aftermarket 4 above

Aftermarket 4 below
Sorry for the bad pic,only one i could find

 

My dealer (San Francisco) wanted $1200 to install the lights (that's lights + install) at the VDC. I found another area dealer who's installing them for $250 and am taking Reg there Tuesday to get them put on.

 

Did you know you can get the OEM lights in black too? The configurator always puts chrome on but if you go to any MINI dealers' site, there's an option for black. They look nice with PW.

 

Nice!

What is the black material? Is it like a molded plastic? I'm getting MY/B so that might look better.

 

For your database, one of the dealers in the DFW area quoted me a price of about $800 to $850 to install two factory lights and all associated wiring.

 

I haven't seen the black ones in person but I have to think it's metal. Those lights get too hot for plastic.

 

I think the chrome lights with black covers would look better than the all black lights, but that's just me. The chrome light matches the chrome around the grill area and headlights while the black cover matches the grill.

 

But you could also say the black lights themselves match the black grill
Do you really keep your covers on?

 

MINI of Dallas? That's what I was originally quoted, but managed to get that dropped down due to forces out of my control