I used the test light to locate the correct wire that had power with the key in the ignition and the brake pedal depressed. The only other wire that did not have any power present with any of the functions i.e. turn signal, back up lights, running lights I assumed was the extra bulb so I spliced or "jumped" the 2 wires (which was wires 3 and 4) and the extra brake light "mod" was complete. Sorry if you could not understand my previous post - I tried to explain it as simple as possible.

 

I'm also confused about your description, because there is no extra, unused bulb in a 2005. The middle bulb in the taillight is a dual filament 1157 bulb (one filament is for the brake and the other for rear light). Perhaps your jumper causes both filaments to turn on. I presume you are using a diode (otherwise the rear running light would also turn the brake light on constantly).

 

I am not sure what you do not understand. I have an '05 MCS build 10/04, I followed the bridger.us/MINI "The MINI Extra Taillight Modification" that is found on motoringfiles web site. I used an electrical fitting from Radio Shack that connects 2 wires (called a Tap-In) wires 1 and 4 as per the guide did not work but wires 3 and 4 did work as per discription in guide. I have photos posted on Webshots under the username chid646 on page 2 if sorted by regular instead of newest (other photos of Mini Meet West are posted also). The running lights do not activate both bulbs and apparantly there is a top bulb in a '05 cause mine has it. Am I not explaining this clearly and staying civil?

 

Nice pictures in your gallery!

The top bulb in an '05 is the turn signal. If the turn signal flashes properly while you apply the brakes, I'd say you have a nice mod. I can't apply this mod on my own car because I swapped my taillights for the Euro version (same except for amber lens in the turn signal), which would cause the "extra" brake light to flash amber on mine.

 

chid646,
had same problem with r/r brake light staying on all the time and r/f turn signal not working. there is a service bulliten on this, caused by defective body computor which is covered under warranty. i have an 04 mcs.
good luck, jeff evens

 

You are using the turn sugnal as a brake light. When you turn on your flashers or use the signals the upper lights are what is used. What I am saying the mod is that the light in the rear bumper or the black cap is the rear foglight is not installed is used as a brake light. Be careful if you use your signal and then brake your signal will not function.