Back up lights

Since tinting my windows I can hardly see when backing up in dark areas.

I'm thinking I either need brighter backup lights, or-- and even better additional lights on the back... if there is such a thing? Something like back-up fog lights??

Any thoughts or suggestions are appreciated.

THANKS!

Ruby- 2012 Clubman, Chili Red. Plate "MINIR55"
Abbey- 2011 S Coupe, Eclipse Gray Metallic. Plate "DWNSIZD"
Dory- 2009 S Convertible, Lightening Blue Metallic, Plate "ACTLSZ"

I have the same problem, coupled with the fact that I'm the world's worst backer-upper. I have a 2005 MCS (R53) so my car differs from yours, but mine came with front and rear fog lights. The rear fog is a red-lensed light mounted in the bumper, acutually brighter than the white backup lights, so if I remember to do it when I can't see where I'm going, I flip on the rear fog lamp; helps a little. I've purchased a clear lensed replacement for the rear fog, but I haven't installed it yet. Try the fog lamp solution, if you have one.

I've replaced the rear lamps (except the directional signal bulbs) with L.E.D.s, which I think are a little brighter, but maybe I'm just imagining they are. The leds draw much less current than conventional bulbs, so they behave a little funny, flickering when I remotely lock and unlock the car. Also, I've heard that they can fool your computer into believing your have a burned out bulb, but I haven't personally experienced this issue. If you can find bulbs with higher output (wattage) with the same base as the current bulbs, you might try that, but you might run into heat problems (and I haven't been able to find the higher wattage bulbs anywhere to try this out).

Finally, as Stefano suggests, you might want to consider installing a pair (or a single) driving lights on the rear end, possibly on the bumper (?). This would be a manually actuated light (that you'd have to remember to turn off when not in use), but it would probably solve your problems.

If you find a solution that works, please share .......... good luck, Craig

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2x-9W-S25-1156-7506-BA15s-CREE-R5-Super-White-LED-Backup-Reverse-Light-bulb-lamp-/320968600623?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4abb382c2f&vxp=mtr

http://www.amazon.com/2pcs-Projector-Replacement-Light-Bulbs/dp/B007JOKKDM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1351157116&sr=8-1&keywords=921+cree+led+replacement+bulbs

If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough.

The 2002-2004 R50 and R53 owners have the worst backup problem. We have just a single center bulb. I found a halogen replacement that helps, just a little bit, but don't leave it on for a long time or it could melt the housing.

Sometimes I will open my side windows if I really need to see where I'm backing.

Kurt/04 R53 Check out My MOD MINI repair videos channel @ YouTube

If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough.

Sure, if you think it will fit- did you see the note about the bulb length? I think mine is actually burnt out but I haven't taken the time to pull it out. Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn't. Most often it wouldn't work in the morning but then after I had gotten to work it would come on when I was backing into the space. Today it didn't do that, so maybe it has gone dead or maybe it is the switch in the transmission. Either way, you get the pair and I'll buy the second one off of you. Then maybe it will be my turn, since Stacie has an early R50 as well!

Go ahead and order; we'll discuss the exchange later.

Bruce

...Now mom may drive to the grocery store, But that's not what this car is really for...

Awesome, can you let me know??

Ruby- 2012 Clubman, Chili Red. Plate "MINIR55"
Abbey- 2011 S Coupe, Eclipse Gray Metallic. Plate "DWNSIZD"
Dory- 2009 S Convertible, Lightening Blue Metallic, Plate "ACTLSZ"

My stepdad says I have "young eyes" ... maybe that's why I don't feel the same visual problem with backing up @ 25% tint?

What percent are you guys using?

Anyway, cool thread. I hope those LEDs work for you guys. I went ahead and found a yellow bulb to try out, just to be different I guess. The reasoning being that I did yellow foglights already.

<-- CJ - '04 Cooper

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goddess Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List MINI Motorer Joined: April/26/12 Location: Eatonville Status: Offline Points: 47	Post Options Post Reply Quote goddess Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Back up lights Posted: October/24/12 at 11:27am
	Since tinting my windows I can hardly see when backing up in dark areas. I'm thinking I either need brighter backup lights, or-- and even better additional lights on the back... if there is such a thing? Something like back-up fog lights?? Any thoughts or suggestions are appreciated. THANKS!
	Ruby- 2012 Clubman, Chili Red. Plate "MINIR55" Abbey- 2011 S Coupe, Eclipse Gray Metallic. Plate "DWNSIZD" Dory- 2009 S Convertible, Lightening Blue Metallic, Plate "ACTLSZ"

italianjob Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List MINI Motorer Joined: May/30/10 Location: Ballard Status: Offline Points: 1148	Post Options Post Reply Quote italianjob Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: October/24/12 at 11:55am
	Spot lights in the back! LOL I had them on our Discovery's roof rack when we lived in Australia. We use them to chase kangaroos
	(Italian Job) '03 MCS Indie Blue SOLD :'( (Polpetta) 2008 MClubman S Sitting on Sparco Assetto Gara Wheels 2013 GP "I killed the clown and took his car"

craigsmiller Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List MINI Motorer Joined: June/03/09 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 119	Post Options Post Reply Quote craigsmiller Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: October/24/12 at 12:46pm
	I have the same problem, coupled with the fact that I'm the world's worst backer-upper. I have a 2005 MCS (R53) so my car differs from yours, but mine came with front and rear fog lights. The rear fog is a red-lensed light mounted in the bumper, acutually brighter than the white backup lights, so if I remember to do it when I can't see where I'm going, I flip on the rear fog lamp; helps a little. I've purchased a clear lensed replacement for the rear fog, but I haven't installed it yet. Try the fog lamp solution, if you have one. I've replaced the rear lamps (except the directional signal bulbs) with L.E.D.s, which I think are a little brighter, but maybe I'm just imagining they are. The leds draw much less current than conventional bulbs, so they behave a little funny, flickering when I remotely lock and unlock the car. Also, I've heard that they can fool your computer into believing your have a burned out bulb, but I haven't personally experienced this issue. If you can find bulbs with higher output (wattage) with the same base as the current bulbs, you might try that, but you might run into heat problems (and I haven't been able to find the higher wattage bulbs anywhere to try this out). Finally, as Stefano suggests, you might want to consider installing a pair (or a single) driving lights on the rear end, possibly on the bumper (?). This would be a manually actuated light (that you'd have to remember to turn off when not in use), but it would probably solve your problems. If you find a solution that works, please share .......... good luck, Craig

SMOG Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List PSMINI Member PSMINI Member Joined: April/07/09 Location: Port Orchard Status: Offline Points: 4296	Post Options Post Reply Quote SMOG Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: October/24/12 at 5:35pm
	How about using the rear fog lamp port to mount a fog lamp like http://www.myhellalights.com/index.php/default/auxiliary-lamps/halogen-lamps/ff50-series/ff-50-fog/ Or maybe this one? http://www.myhellalights.com/index.php/default/auxiliary-lamps/halogen-lamps/ff75-series/ff-75-fog/ You could even use the switching for the OEM FOG as a trigger circuit. ??? Edited by SMOG - October/24/12 at 5:39pm
	I wish there was a local MINI Dealership, like our Honda, Subaru, Mazada and VW.

johnf36 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List PSMINI Expert Advisor PSMINI Member Joined: August/30/07 Location: Ephrata, Wa. Status: Offline Points: 8612	Post Options Post Reply Quote johnf36 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: October/25/12 at 2:23am
	http://www.ebay.com/itm/2x-9W-S25-1156-7506-BA15s-CREE-R5-Super-White-LED-Backup-Reverse-Light-bulb-lamp-/320968600623?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4abb382c2f&vxp=mtr http://www.amazon.com/2pcs-Projector-Replacement-Light-Bulbs/dp/B007JOKKDM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1351157116&sr=8-1&keywords=921+cree+led+replacement+bulbs
	If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough.

goddess Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List MINI Motorer Joined: April/26/12 Location: Eatonville Status: Offline Points: 47	Post Options Post Reply Quote goddess Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: October/25/12 at 8:29am
	Great ideas, thanks all!!
	Ruby- 2012 Clubman, Chili Red. Plate "MINIR55" Abbey- 2011 S Coupe, Eclipse Gray Metallic. Plate "DWNSIZD" Dory- 2009 S Convertible, Lightening Blue Metallic, Plate "ACTLSZ"

CORNERS Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List PSMINI Expert Advisor PSMINI Member Joined: July/29/10 Location: Bothell, WA Status: Offline Points: 3733	Post Options Post Reply Quote CORNERS Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: October/25/12 at 5:36pm
	The 2002-2004 R50 and R53 owners have the worst backup problem. We have just a single center bulb. I found a halogen replacement that helps, just a little bit, but don't leave it on for a long time or it could melt the housing. Sometimes I will open my side windows if I really need to see where I'm backing.
	Kurt/04 R53 Check out My MOD MINI repair videos channel @ YouTube

craigsmiller Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List MINI Motorer Joined: June/03/09 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 119	Post Options Post Reply Quote craigsmiller Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: November/06/12 at 1:11pm
	I checked out johnf36's links, and I ordered a pair of these bulbs last week: http://www.amazon.com/2pcs-Projector-Replacement-Light-Bulbs/dp/B007JOKKDM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1351157116&sr=8-1&keywords=921+cree+led+replacement+bulbs I figured for $23 I'm willing to gamble, since electrical components usually are not returnable. I installed the bulbs on Sunday, and I am very surprised and pleased with the results. I already had LEDs in the backup sockets, but they were of omin-directional geometry, relying on the lamp housing to reflect the light. The new bulbs, as the name states, are a "projector" design, with the LED in one end of an aluminum tube and a lens at the opposite end; the lens amplifies and projects the LED output rearward. The lights are so bright that they are hard to look at directly, and they put out enough light that I can now back safely down my pitch-black driveway in the dark. My only concern is blinding a fellow motorist, should they glance my way when I'm in reverse ........... I'm happy I went this route rather than undertaking a "science project" to mount and wire a driving light on the back of the car.

johnf36 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List PSMINI Expert Advisor PSMINI Member Joined: August/30/07 Location: Ephrata, Wa. Status: Offline Points: 8612	Post Options Post Reply Quote johnf36 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: November/06/12 at 1:39pm

	If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough.

CORNERS Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List PSMINI Expert Advisor PSMINI Member Joined: July/29/10 Location: Bothell, WA Status: Offline Points: 3733	Post Options Post Reply Quote CORNERS Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: November/06/12 at 1:42pm
	Anyone with a 2004 or earlier MINI want to go halve-sies with me, since our cars only have one bulb? Our car requires this 1156 mount: http://www.amazon.com/BA15s-Projector-Replacement-Light-Bulbs/dp/B0081LCWT2/ref=sr_1_1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1352238121&sr=1-1&keywords=1156+cree+led+replacement+bulbs
	Kurt/04 R53 Check out My MOD MINI repair videos channel @ YouTube

valvashon Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List PSMINI Admin Joined: June/15/07 Location: West Seattle Status: Offline Points: 1170	Post Options Post Reply Quote valvashon Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: November/06/12 at 4:28pm
	Sure, if you think it will fit- did you see the note about the bulb length? I think mine is actually burnt out but I haven't taken the time to pull it out. Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn't. Most often it wouldn't work in the morning but then after I had gotten to work it would come on when I was backing into the space. Today it didn't do that, so maybe it has gone dead or maybe it is the switch in the transmission. Either way, you get the pair and I'll buy the second one off of you. Then maybe it will be my turn, since Stacie has an early R50 as well! Go ahead and order; we'll discuss the exchange later. Bruce
	...Now mom may drive to the grocery store, But that's not what this car is really for...

CORNERS Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List PSMINI Expert Advisor PSMINI Member Joined: July/29/10 Location: Bothell, WA Status: Offline Points: 3733	Post Options Post Reply Quote CORNERS Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: November/06/12 at 6:16pm
	I'll measure and order if it fits.
	Kurt/04 R53 Check out My MOD MINI repair videos channel @ YouTube

goddess Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List MINI Motorer Joined: April/26/12 Location: Eatonville Status: Offline Points: 47	Post Options Post Reply Quote goddess Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: November/08/12 at 8:17am
	Awesome, can you let me know??
	Ruby- 2012 Clubman, Chili Red. Plate "MINIR55" Abbey- 2011 S Coupe, Eclipse Gray Metallic. Plate "DWNSIZD" Dory- 2009 S Convertible, Lightening Blue Metallic, Plate "ACTLSZ"

valvashon Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List PSMINI Admin Joined: June/15/07 Location: West Seattle Status: Offline Points: 1170	Post Options Post Reply Quote valvashon Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: November/09/12 at 11:54am
	Your Clubbie and our first generation cars both have only one reversing light, but that's where the similarity ends. Ours is in the bottom middle of the bumper cover, yours is on the passenger side in the tail/brake housing. It may or may not take the same bulb/LED thing as ours, and the clearance is almost certainly different. You'll have to pull it out and do your own searching. On our housings there is quite a bit of room between the end of the bulb and the lens; I'm guessing yours is probably similar. They design them like that so the plastic lens doesn't melt. Bruce
	...Now mom may drive to the grocery store, But that's not what this car is really for...

no.9 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List MINI Motorer Joined: July/26/12 Location: Lynnwood Status: Offline Points: 199	Post Options Post Reply Quote no.9 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: November/30/12 at 12:53am
	My stepdad says I have "young eyes" ... maybe that's why I don't feel the same visual problem with backing up @ 25% tint? What percent are you guys using? Anyway, cool thread. I hope those LEDs work for you guys. I went ahead and found a yellow bulb to try out, just to be different I guess. The reasoning being that I did yellow foglights already.
	<-- CJ - '04 Cooper

CORNERS Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List PSMINI Expert Advisor PSMINI Member Joined: July/29/10 Location: Bothell, WA Status: Offline Points: 3733	Post Options Post Reply Quote CORNERS Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: December/02/12 at 4:45pm
	I haven't bought the lights yet... something else seems to always come up.
	Kurt/04 R53 Check out My MOD MINI repair videos channel @ YouTube