2nd Gen JCW Installing Hella Supertone Horns on the R56

Discussion in '2nd Generation: 2007+ R55 through R61' started by Metalman, Aug 28, 2011.

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  1. Metalman

    Metalman Well-Known Member
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    #21 Metalman, Jan 4, 2014
    Yeah.... I know....
    Sometimes I don't move very fast....
    But..... I'm making progress...
    Can only fit these projects in where I can...

    Oh look.....
    A butterfly.....:D
     
  2. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    #22 Nathan, Jan 4, 2014
    Squirrel!!
     
  3. Metalman

    Metalman Well-Known Member
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    #23 Metalman, Jan 11, 2014
    WOW.....

    Hahahahaha.... Got to finally try out my Super Hellyeah horns today.... Wired them up with a remote relay and 14 gauge wire..... Man.... Them horns are LOUD.... They are "teeth ratlin" loud....:D

    These things are rated at 118db..... They are frickin loud....

    The oem wiring feeds two stock horns.... I took one of the connections to trip a remote relay that feeds the Hella horns and the second oem connector feeds one of the stock horns.... So I have 3 horns firing.... Now I just need to decide if I want the low tone or hi tone oem horn.....

    Oh..... Did I mention..... These horns are LOUD..... :D

    Jeff.... Get the Super Hella Horns....:Thumbsup: After the next donut munch.... Stop by the shop and you can hear them.... CAUTION..... Ear protection is recommended.....:D

    Hey Justa Jim.... You can mark the horn mod off my do list now....:prrr::prrr::prrr:
     
  4. Justa Jim

    Justa Jim Well-Known Member
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    #24 Justa Jim, Jan 12, 2014

    Horn mod is now marked "completed". :)
     
  5. vetsvette

    vetsvette MINI Alliance Ambassador

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    #25 vetsvette, Mar 9, 2014
    The horn fuse in the R56 is rated at 20A, so shouldn't you be able to get by without the relay? Two 6A horns should not be a problem. I'm thinking of just replacing the stock horns with the Hellas. If I can find the stock horns.... if they will mount in the stock locations.....haven't looked yet.
     
  6. Metalman

    Metalman Well-Known Member
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    #26 Metalman, Mar 9, 2014
    Others have stayed with the stock horn connections and spliced the oem wiring....
    I elected to use the stock connection to trigger the Hella relay and I also didn't want to cut and splice the oem horn plug so I can revert back to stock.... Once you see the size of the stock wiring you may question this as well..... I was nervous and upgraded to a heavier gauge wiring at the horn with a OEM plug...

    I'll say this.... The Hella horns put the stock to shame..... No way are they both consuming the same amperage....
     
  7. vetsvette

    vetsvette MINI Alliance Ambassador

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    #27 vetsvette, Mar 9, 2014
    Not having looked at my horns yet, am I right in assuming they have a proprietary connector? As far as the wire gauge and circuitry, I checked the Hella website to make sure, and the Supertones are rated at 72W. (72W/12VD=6A) On a circuit rated for 20A the stock wiring is adequate for two 6A horns. If/when I replace them, I don't plan on going back to stock so changing connectors won't be an issue for me. Now, where the heck are the horns located and will I be able to access them without ramps or a lift? :confused5: :biggrin5:
     
  8. Metalman

    Metalman Well-Known Member
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    #28 Metalman, Mar 9, 2014
    Both stock horns are behind and slightly above the passenger side fog light.... If you open the bonnet and look in the gap by the bumper cover you will see them...

    Yes, special OEM plug with rubber gasket connector...

    Wire size looks to be around 20 gauge, which seems pretty thin for a 20A protected circuit...

    No ramps or lift needed..... I removed the front bumper cover because of my other project.... I imagine it could be done by going behind the wheel well cover.... You would need to remove the wheel and put it up on jack stands with that method...

    I actually have both Hella and one stock horn (Hi tone) operating because I left one OEM connector attached and the other connector operates the Hella relay...

    I made a custom metal bracket that attaches both Hella horns to one of the frame bolts on the bumper beam mount... These horns are heavier than the OEM and I wanted a secure solid mount that would stand up to our crummy roads here in Ohio...
     
  9. Minidave

    Minidave Well-Known Member
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    #29 Minidave, Mar 9, 2014
    I think they can get by with smaller gauge wire because the time the circuit is energized is very short, relatively speaking.......you don't hit the horn and hold it for 5 minutes. You need the 20 fuse for the inrush current.....
     
  10. vetsvette

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    #30 vetsvette, Mar 9, 2014
    Thanks Metalman. Appreciate the info. You wouldn't have another of those nifty brackets lying around would you? :) Excellent work on those by the way.
     
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