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OEM driving lights - center console switch position
Hey everyone,
I recently had the OEM driving lights installed on my R53. As part of the planning for the install, I talked with the tech at the dealer about the location of the switch to turn them on and off.
The standard installation instructions call for cutting a hole in the knee bolster under the steering column, and putting the switch in there. However, I had two concerns about that:
I have the OEM Euro Parcel Shelf (EPS), not the plain-jane USA knee bolster
The small punch out in my EPS was already used for my DPSM switch.
Talking with the tech, he seemed to recall that there was a wiring harness extension that would allow for the switch to be installed in the center console, in the unused punch-out to the left of the E-brake handle. I told him "that's perfect!" and I left the car with them.
Well, it turns out that there is such a harness, but it isn't very well known - the tech had to dig through many old dealer bulletins for a long time before he found it.
And with that lead up, I bring you the info, typed in verbatim for the benefit of the MINI community... so that anyone else who wants that trick switch location can get it without having to hunt for the info like we did!
-------------------------------
Date: 03/06
Bulletin # M 63 02 06
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ACCESSORIES & MOTORINGGEAR
MINI DEALER BULLETIN
SUBJECT: NEW DRIVING LIGHT SWITCH POSITION
After a proposal from Prestige MINI, we have developed a wiring harness, which enables you to install the light switch for the driving lights into the already existing knock-out on the center console, next to the driver seat. The new switch position eliminates the work of cutting the dashboard to create the hole for the driving light switch.
The wiring harness is an optional item and not included in the driving light kit. It needs to be ordered separately. The new installation instructions on ASAP show the possible installation in both locations; dash board or center console, based on the customer's preference.
For the installation of the switch in the center console on a car produced prior to 07/04 a new E-Brake console is required.
Good info, Edge! I have my power mirror switch in the EPS hole, so my driving light switch is homeless, and just lays in the EPS.
Not bad pricing, even! Bummer that I have to get a new console, but it's only a tank of gas...
__________________
'04 IB/W MCS w/all the goodies, Ian's auto-up/GDO, MMC#I69/MID CURV169; power folding mirrors
"You can't save the world unless you're willing to make other people sacrifice." - Dogbert, via Pendergast
Great post! I have my driving light switch in the EPS knockout, but that harness would come in handy if I wanted a factory-style switch for something and wanted to mount it in the unused knockout by the brake.
Just out of curiosity, what function does the DPSM switch serve?
Good info, Edge! I have my power mirror switch in the EPS hole, so my driving light switch is homeless, and just lays in the EPS.
Not bad pricing, even! Bummer that I have to get a new console, but it's only a tank of gas...
Quote:
Originally Posted by ScottRiqui
Great post! I have my driving light switch in the EPS knockout, but that harness would come in handy if I wanted a factory-style switch for something and wanted to mount it in the unused knockout by the brake.
Glad you guys find the info useful. I sure wish it was available before (believe me, I looked everywhere)!
Quote:
Originally Posted by ScottRiqui
Just out of curiosity, what function does the DPSM switch serve?
To quote the DPSM User's Guide:
Quote:
Originally Posted by DPSM User's Guide
The MINI Digital POWER SoundModul includes an interior sound switch in the instrument panel of your MINI, in the stowage compartment next to the steering wheel.
Activating the switch has the effect of a virtual enlargement of the interior space. When it is activated, bass tones and the sound pressure level may be reduced slightly (depending on the source of music / sound). The system prevents a "hard" switchover by delaying the response by approx. 2 seconds.
In other words, it's basically an alternate DSP mode. For the most part, I leave it turned off.
Edge, do you have any other info or photos of this knockout switch? Is it SPST?
Which switch are you talking about? The DPSM one or the driving lights one? Also, which knockout are you talking about? The one in the Euro Parcel Shelf, or the one in the center console, next to the E-Brake?
I'm guessing he's talking about the console knockout. I'd love to see an installed pic if you can snap one.
SPST - Single Pole Single Throw
I'm not sure how the OEM switch is designated, as it is electronic, so it will only turn on when the car is on, and defaults to off with engine off.
__________________
'04 IB/W MCS w/all the goodies, Ian's auto-up/GDO, MMC#I69/MID CURV169; power folding mirrors
"You can't save the world unless you're willing to make other people sacrifice." - Dogbert, via Pendergast
Yep, that's the location, but that's not the OEM switch.
I'll be happy to take a pic and post it as soon as I get my MINI back... it's in the body shop right now, fixing up a problem that wasn't done right the first time.
Edge, if you're still watching this, does this refer to the new style console with the small tray in the center and the TPMS reset on the right of the console (vs. the older model with the TPMS in the middle beneath the Ebrake)?
__________________
'04 IB/W MCS w/all the goodies, Ian's auto-up/GDO, MMC#I69/MID CURV169; power folding mirrors
"You can't save the world unless you're willing to make other people sacrifice." - Dogbert, via Pendergast
Where can I get a switch like that? I have a custom use all ready to go, but need a switch to fit in that space.
My local auto parts store (Kragen) had a good selection of switches. There are different styles to choose from. I bought lighted switch with interchangeable covers. It is a simple task to pop out the blanking cover and cut a hole in the cover to fit the switch. My finished result:
Edge, where's that pic? I want to see what this new switch near the ebrake looks like.
Thanks!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Edge
Yep, that's the location, but that's not the OEM switch.
I'll be happy to take a pic and post it as soon as I get my MINI back... it's in the body shop right now, fixing up a problem that wasn't done right the first time.
I just wanted to see if it is possible to get a new toggle switch that includes fogs, and hook aux driving lights to that fog switch???
Anyone tried it already???
__________________ 2006 MINI Cooper JCW GP0019
RMW tune & cams*17% pulley*ITG filter*Brisk plugs*H-Sport Comp RSB*KMac camber plates*resonator delete*TSW studs/jack pads*H&R 5mm spacer*CT AX6 pads*Motul RBF600*RedLine*15x7 Motegi TrakLites2*Nitto NT01 205/50-15 BRG/W 2003 MINI Cooper S R.I.P. Sheila
For those who have asked - my MINI is not in my possession right now (went back to the body shop again after MOTD to fix the matte black aero kit paint) but it will be very soon! I'll try to remember to take and post the pic. Sorry for the wait.
Good Info! I had planned to move my driving light switch to the E-Brake Console after installing a parcel shelf, in which the knock-out was substantially larger than the switch. Athough I figured I could have rewired myself, a harness would've been helpful, and when I inquired I was told no such harness existed. This was all possible only because I swapped for an '05 E-Brake console (mine's an '04, June) when I got the ARC armrest. Ultimately I ditched the stock driving lights when I swapped for an aero grill.
In the end I got an Alta bar and recently built this for my switch needs. Forgive me, I'm proud of it.
Ok, so it took a while, but I finally got this done!
Some notes for those swapping from the early console to the 05/06 console:
- To remove the console:
- Squeeze sides of ebrake boot together and wiggle it out (tougher than it sounds)
- Remove screw from just behind ebrake
- Pull console up, the rest is held by four clips (the 05/06 has a screw in the cupholder
- You can use the new console with the old bracket, but not vice-versa. The older bracket is elongated and has two extra holes that the old console fits into.
__________________
'04 IB/W MCS w/all the goodies, Ian's auto-up/GDO, MMC#I69/MID CURV169; power folding mirrors
"You can't save the world unless you're willing to make other people sacrifice." - Dogbert, via Pendergast
Why ask why? Just Drive.
Sorry that the close-up is a bit blurred... be warned, the full-size ones are very big!
