Hi all,
First time poster, long time lurker

I have a 2013 R56 S with 17k miles, and today I noticed that on each headlight (stock Halogen), near the top (the highest point of the light), there is a golfball size spot that's hazy. But it's not oxidation... my car has seen little sun, it's garaged both at home and at work. Also, I've had oxidation on other cars, the mini's headlight plastic is smooth to the touch, I'm 100% sure it's not the exterior plastic oxidizing.

The one oddity is after the headlights have been on for a while, the plastic of the headlight is cool to the touch with the exception of the hazy spot which feels pretty warm. Both left and right headlights exhibit the same issue in the same spot. My only theory is that the heat from the bulb rises (thank you high school science class) and collects in that particular area, and over time the regular exposer to heat in the same area causes the plastic to warp/discolor.

I've search the forum and the internets, but can't seem to find anything that comes close to the issue I'm seeing. Am I crazy? Has anyone else run into this? Any ideas? Could this be an issue covered by the warranty?

It's a little tough to capture the spot in photos, but I gave it a shot...

Any and all advice/thoughts are greatly appreciated.





Thanks,
Bryan

 

I'm certainly no expert but I'm guessing it is oxidation; weather/sun damage. I've had the same exact thing on my wife's SUV and was able to remove it with some headlight restoration polish.

 

First, you could see what your dealer says if the vehicle is still under warranty. It happening so soon is interesting. Second, you could try your stab at cleaning it up with a kit as suggested above. Some HERE if needed. If it doesn't remove it, then I'd think it might be something on the inside of the light. Otherwise, if you do get it removed, I'd highly suggest an Xpel headlight lens protection kit HERE. This prevents oxidization from happening. I've run it for many years.

 

I noticed the same on my 2013 R56. Mine is always garaged, and washed weekly. Its not oxidation -- i think the OP is correct that it is heat from the headlights that is causing it to haze up. Will take a run by the dealer and see what they say about it.

 

I had that before, what that really is the heat from the headlight, When you also run higher then stock wattage bulbs , the heat from the bulb will do this. I have seen this on the halogen cars a couple time. Another thing that happens when its not heat related, is the moisture from the water hitting the end bay over time will sometimes get into the headlight through steam into the vent port of the headlight, then a spider or bug clogs the vent with a nest and the moisture cannot escape / vent. Then you get a haze on the interior of the headlight.

 

I at first thought it was moisture all, so I left the back on the lamp open over night in my garage and no change. As for higher wattage bulb -- haven't changed them. What ever Mini put in at the factory is what is still in there. I have owned the car since new so I know it was not modified. I think its heat doing it, since those spots tend to be warmer to the touch then any area of the lamp when it is on.

 

I have noticed the same thing on our 2010. I tried polishing the lense as I have done with several of our vehicles by wet sanding with 2000 and then 3000 grit sand paper and then polishing with an electric buffer. The spots did not go away, so I would agree its on the inside. We also still have factory Halogen bulbs.

 

Standard halogen bulbs are H13 - 60/55 w.
Never seen a stock bulb heat up that much....

 

I would press MINI into warrantying those headlight assemblies.

And, I did once install higher wattage bulbs into my halogen headlights, and got a discoloring of the reflector, but not the plastic lens. My bad.

 

Might be a too hot batch of stock headlight bulbs or a bad batch of headlights. That's why I asked.

 

I'm glad, but sad, that I'm not the only one who sees this. I'm still on the original bulbs, so I'll go down the warranty route. I found the warranty card, but sadly it's light on details, we'll see how this goes. Wish me luck!

 

Good luck, what year was yours?