2005 MCS - Fog lamp question
 

Hi everyone,

Took delivery of my new MCS recently. Love it, love it, love it.

But I left off the rear fog lamp from the order! My mistake, not the dealer's. Can it be retrofitted? And if so will the dash switch require a whole new panel?

I realize that this may be a question for my dealer, but I'm not too impressed with their parts and service group so far so wanted to start getting informed by asking here first.

Thanks in advance to any info anyone can share on this.

/gary mc

Yes you can order the parts.
Yes you need a whole new switch pack.

It's a pretty easy mod but after you install the switch pack (about $80) and the light (about $20) you need to go to the dealer to update the software to enable the switch for which they will either not charge you or charge you for 1/2 hour labor.

This thread:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=38788

has some details about self-installation

Thank you! I should have done a more thorough search of the site before posting.

Definitely going to do this - cheap and straightforward.

I think this link has some more detailed instructions that clear up some of the more mysterious steps in the process of installing the switch panel:

http://mini.uglydoris.com/archives/000066.html

I was told if your 2005 MINI was manufactured prior to January 2005, there is no pre-wire from the computer to the location of the rear foglight. The dealer will have to install that also. So it may not be that simple.

Good luck.

I believe the correct cutoff date is pre October 2004 for the pre-wiring. It is easy enough to check. Reach under the fender and squeeze the tabs on the black spacer that is located where fog light will go. Then push out the spacer. Look through the hole (you might want to use a flashlight) and to the left (slightly). You should see the wiring harness neatly taped (with white tape) up against the lower part of the body. The wiring is folded on itself and the lamp connector is translucent plastic. If you can't see it - you don't have it and, yes, then it is more complicated.:eek2:

Maybe I'm missing something here, but I have a 2002 MCS, and when I wanted the rear fogs activated, I simply installed the correct toggle panel, took it to the dealer and they programed it.

I don't think there was any wiring involved on their part. My car was 06/02 production....I wasn't aware any of the later cars were more difficult to activate??!!??:sly:

You are indeed missing something.
The '05 MINIs have the rear fog light moved to where the reversing light used to be. And early build '05 MINIs do not have the wiring to that position!