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:

1. I have the OEM Euro Parcel Shelf (EPS), not the plain-jane USA knee bolster
2. 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
-------------------------------
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.

Parts Information:

ITEM PART NUMBER M.S.R.P.
Wiring Harness 61 12 0 412 968 $ 13.30
Driving Lights 63 12 0 144 132 $400.00

Additional parts required for cars produced prior to 07/04:

ITEM PART NUMBER M.S.R.P.
E-Brake Console 51 16 6 958 571 $ 30.00

Best regards,

Alan E. Harris
Vice President
Aftersales

Greg Marks
Manager
Aftersales Business Development & Marketing
-------------------------------

 

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...

 

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?

 

Glad you guys find the info useful. I sure wish it was available before (believe me, I looked everywhere)!To quote the DPSM User's Guide: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?

Also, what do you mean by SPST?

 

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.

 

Here is how it should look
Bergie

 

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.

 

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.

 

VIP custom parts
www.vipcustomparts.com

Regards
Bergie

 

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)?

 

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!

 

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???

 

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.

 

Still at the shop Edge? waiting on that pic!

 

Good timing! Sorry that the close-up is a bit blurred... be warned, the full-size ones are very big!

 

Wow, that's nice!

 

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.

 

Hey eric - I'm trying to do this install, how do you actually wire the harness from the grommet opening from the engine bay to the center console? i

 

This thread refers only to the OEM extension cable.
For wiring the lights, I just used the OEM instructions. That puts everything over on the left side. From there, just ran the wires across the dash, then under the radio stack.

 

More info here about that extra extension wire to the center console.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...em-switch.html



Thanks