Thinking its a new switch then programming, I looked under the bumper too and saw a prewired and bulb socket in the red housing. Looks like its a new switch and reprogram to turn on the rear fogs. That's my guess.

#8 6131930180 newest part 61315A25471

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/61319301806/



Thanks

 

I agree. So has anyone contacted their mini service dept to see what they'd charge to do it?

My guess is something along the lines of "can't be done," regardless of reality.

 

As an option when the car is ordered... $100. The switch assembly is $120 plus some part of a hour of a mechanic's time $75 to $100.

 

So just to clarify, there's already a bulb there, or just a socket? If one needed a bulb, what would be the best choice? The switch itself is easily removed--four screws and unplugging, and it's out, which is how I was able to see that there is no working bottom button. I don't think you'd really need to have it done by the service dept., as long as you could do the coding yourself. Am I missing something?

 

And that's the question isn't it? Anyone able to do the coding?

From what I've read, it seems there is a bulb in there. I haven't read confirmation that the wiring has been run to the appropriate place, but assume it is. So it's a matter of getting the new switch unit and getting it coded.

 

anyone thought of putting an LED light bulb in the socket and then tracing the wire and splicing into the brake circuit. Make a good extra set of brake lights. LED bulb would not pull much current and probably not set of a cel.

 

I thought this was going to be a blinding light!

I will have to look again at night, but it wasn't more than brake light bright.

Is that a Canada thing?

 

I did exactly that. Although an incandescent bulb (921) was already there and wired, I thought the option of purchasing a different main switch for $150+ and then fiddling with software wasn't worth it. I replaced the wiring with mine connecting tapping to tail lights.

The lights are indeed blinding because of reflector focusing the beam. I replaced the bulbs with basic 921 Silvania LEDs, which don't really align with reflector - problem solved.

Taken picture appear "blinding", but it's only a camera effect.

 

I've been thinking of something similar... thanks for making me more brave!

 

I got the switch for $90 from my dealer. Minis on the dragon I had a lot of custom programming done but lost it the following week when I had the JCW big brake system installed. I do not have a Windows computer so I haven't tried to reprogram it myself. I'm waiting for Carly for BMW to come out with it and will probably use their system.

 

My local Seattle dealer charge $125 + shipping(from Europe ~$18) + tax(9.5%). There are two part numbers (61319301806 and 61319390255), where 2nd is for newer vehicles. Not sure what's the difference, but the newer part is even more expensive. Dealers not allowed to enable rear fog lights, so I'd have to do the programming myself. Then they warn about 35% restocking fee in case it didn't work out. That was enough to motivate me remove rear bumper fascia and figure our alternative solution: 4ft of 18AWG wire to a tail light assembly is almost free, 2 LED lights -$15, and I now have full control to make any lighting effects
I think I could have done it in 20 mins instead of 2 hours without fascia removal which wasn't really necessary.

 

61319390255 is the newest part right now. Looks like just an updated part number.

 

Have a 2015 that came with rear fogs and the dummy switch. The dealer said the rear fogs were illegal for the state and couldn't order the correct switch. Did some research and the dealer was wrong. Ordered the switch from an out of state dealer. Installed the switch myself and had a coder program the rear fogs. Now the rear fogs work.

 

Just when I was thinking of blacking mine out as non functional anyways, now I have a new plan.

 

Details here would be great, such as what wires you tapped into.

 

Yes, would like to see that also.

 

R56 base here. I have the DRL with blank fogs. i bought the ones w/fog lights, can i tap into and piggyback off the DRL wires?