The second generation Mini made its entrance in 2006, when Mini won the sought-after Golden Steering Wheel Award as Small Car of the year. It brought changes to every last panel of the car, and introduced a range of new technology, such as the automatic Sport power steering and accelerator control for yet more zip. With the second generation Mini Cooper R56 remaining in production until 2013, the lighting technology used in this car is however more than 20 years old today.
Factory-fitted options included H4 halogen and D1S bi-xenon.
The halogen version features an H4 reflector that produces an average light beam even when new. In many cases, its light output has been further compromised as bulb heat and general ageing cause the reflective layer to peel off.
The bi-xenon setup features a 3.0-inch projector, designed in the late 90s. These projectors are known to lose their reflective layer right to the point where they become black inside, causing dangerously low light output.
Needless to say, buying new or used original headlights for your Mini Cooper R56 is not recommended. But there is fortunately no need for that. Whether your car was factory-fitted with H4 halogen or D1S bi-xenon headlights, there are upgrade kits that will fit inside your existing headlights.
These complete retrofit kits not only provide you with superior brightness and durability; they are also more affordable than average Mini Cooper R56 xenon headlights with bulbs and ballasts, and since all components are brand new, they come with a 2-year warranty. Additional benefits over OEM headlights include Canbus-proof designs and effortless halogen-to-xenon conversions. What’s more, the levelling systems will work without any adjustments to the headlight connectors, and you can use any ballasts that you might already own to save further on xenon upgrades.
No matter which retrofit upgrade kit you pick, you will improve the light output considerably, making for safer and more enjoyable driving. And, of course, your Mini Cooper R56 will look awesome with the luxurious bright light of the latest xenon technology.
