How To Interior/Exterior :: Rear Foglight Retrofit
4th Gear
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 495
Likes: 47
From: Dallas, TX
Question for Wolfshiem:
I scraped the TRIM PANEL, CENTER CONSOLE, RIGHT when installing the toggle. Have you tried to remove the glove box to make installation of this panel any easier? I ordered a new one for $20, but I don't to scrape this one when I try to put it in. It wasn't that bad, but my OCD kicked in and I order the new piece.
Thanks,
Karl
I scraped the TRIM PANEL, CENTER CONSOLE, RIGHT when installing the toggle. Have you tried to remove the glove box to make installation of this panel any easier? I ordered a new one for $20, but I don't to scrape this one when I try to put it in. It wasn't that bad, but my OCD kicked in and I order the new piece.
Thanks,
Karl
Thread Starter
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3rd Gear
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 274
Likes: 0
Question for Wolfshiem:
I scraped the TRIM PANEL, CENTER CONSOLE, RIGHT when installing the toggle. Have you tried to remove the glove box to make installation of this panel any easier? I ordered a new one for $20, but I don't to scrape this one when I try to put it in. It wasn't that bad, but my OCD kicked in and I order the new piece.
Thanks,
Karl
I scraped the TRIM PANEL, CENTER CONSOLE, RIGHT when installing the toggle. Have you tried to remove the glove box to make installation of this panel any easier? I ordered a new one for $20, but I don't to scrape this one when I try to put it in. It wasn't that bad, but my OCD kicked in and I order the new piece.
Thanks,
Karl
Good luck!
Coordinator :: Emerald MINI Car Club
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,790
Likes: 0
From: Eugene, OR
Are there any threads on installing an after market Alarm on our MINI's? I have an alarm (Viper) that I pulled out of my last vehicle before I traded it in for the MINI and would love to put it into the MINI but wasn't sure if that was possible. (I would really love to have the alarm light blinking under the little plastic trim piece on top of the Tach on the steering column).
You may want to start another thread for this discussion as it will get lost in the middle of this awesome thread
.
4th Gear
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 495
Likes: 47
From: Dallas, TX
I installed the new trim panel tonight - only took me 15 minutes and NOW my install is perfect - no more scratched bits and everything the way it should be.
I just took my time and covered the space between the glove box and the new trim piece while I installed it.
I just took my time and covered the space between the glove box and the new trim piece while I installed it.
______________________________
...Prestige Mini in Mahwah NJ......$150 for parts, $275 for install (includes reprogram)
...Prestige Mini in Mahwah NJ......$150 for parts, $275 for install (includes reprogram)
4th Gear
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 353
Likes: 0
From: DC Metro Area
has anyone actually paid the dealer to reprogram after a self-install or for the entire retro-fit and reprogram?
I was initially told by my dealer that the rear fog retro-fit isn't possible, but that person didn't seem very knowledgeable....i don't have an issue with attempting this myself (will have assistance thankfully) but I'm assuming a re-program or 'software update' will still be necessary even on a late build R56.
I'm curious how much trouble some dealers are giving people who want to do the install themselves and just get the re-program....the re-program shouldn't be a problem, right?! If they are going to charge an outrageous amount just for that, then maybe it makes more sense to have them do the entire install (if they will even do it in the first place)....
I was initially told by my dealer that the rear fog retro-fit isn't possible, but that person didn't seem very knowledgeable....i don't have an issue with attempting this myself (will have assistance thankfully) but I'm assuming a re-program or 'software update' will still be necessary even on a late build R56.
I'm curious how much trouble some dealers are giving people who want to do the install themselves and just get the re-program....the re-program shouldn't be a problem, right?! If they are going to charge an outrageous amount just for that, then maybe it makes more sense to have them do the entire install (if they will even do it in the first place)....
2nd Gear
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
Is it possible to get the light and fixture install it and simply add my own rocker switch in the car? This way I dont need to program anything by the dealer and its about 1/3 the price. Sure, I would have to edit the existing cables and not have a pretty switch in my car, but for the price, I cant argue. I guess the hardest part would be to get the switch wires into the car.
3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 201
Likes: 0
From: Pickens, SC/ Vermillion, SD
Century Mini tried 3 times to get a re-programming for the self-installed rear fogs to take, but they aren't working as of yet. I've got no idea as to why at this point, but since they left it programmed in the car I'm going to try swapping out the switch assembly and see if that makes it all work. If it does, then I guess I buy a switch assembly, if not, then I'll wire the lights in parallel with the running and brake lights and they'll just be a bit more light back there.
3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 198
Likes: 0
From: Ashburn, VA
Century Mini tried 3 times to get a re-programming for the self-installed rear fogs to take, but they aren't working as of yet. I've got no idea as to why at this point, but since they left it programmed in the car I'm going to try swapping out the switch assembly and see if that makes it all work. If it does, then I guess I buy a switch assembly, if not, then I'll wire the lights in parallel with the running and brake lights and they'll just be a bit more light back there.
4th Gear
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 495
Likes: 47
From: Dallas, TX
No Go on the Reprogram
Got mine reprogrammed today, and it's not working for me either. They got the rear fogs programmed in - but, as the other poster said, they don't know why it doesn't get the self install to work.
If anyone gets this to work, please update the post.
If anyone gets this to work, please update the post.
1st Gear
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Someone else looks like they had a simular issue with the switch.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...fog+lamp+retro
Maybe you have a simular issue. Or all us who have DIY Retro rear fogs.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...fog+lamp+retro
Maybe you have a simular issue. Or all us who have DIY Retro rear fogs.
4th Gear
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 495
Likes: 47
From: Dallas, TX
My rear fogs work now
Took it to the dealer for a complete reprogramming and they work - no need for me to get the switch swapped out.
The first programming apparently didn't work correctly, but after a complete reprogramming, I've finally got my rear fogs.
The first programming apparently didn't work correctly, but after a complete reprogramming, I've finally got my rear fogs.
Neutral
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Rear Fog Light Retro Fit
Thanks for the details. I am importing my MCS into Europe later this year and I didnt order the rear fogs when I bought this car, they are a requirement in Europe. I have just recieved the parts, (lights and rocker switch) from outmotoring.com for ~75US$. I have fitted the lights, very easy, but am not attempting the switch as it looks too complicated for me. My dealer, momentum houston, said they can do it for ~120$, I'll let you know how it goes. See pictures of installed lights. Very happy so far.
5th Gear
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 752
Likes: 1
From: Emmitsburg, MD
I am starting a new thread to distribute a guide I put together.
After much waiting, worrying, and struggle, I was able to retrofit my MCS with rear fog lights and a new toggle! I now embrace full toggle glory.
I put together this handy guide for all interested owners.
One word of caution, this is not for the faint of heart...use at your own risk.
EDIT 1: As Paul points out below, rather than remove the top center vent completely, it may be easier to remove the two tabs in the vent (towards the driver and passenger sides) to access two of the screws holding the speedometer cover. This is something I didn't know about until after I removed the vent and wasn't sure it would provide the necessary access, but if it does, it's certainly easier than removing the entire vent.
EDIT 2: ColinMc has pointed out that you may need a T30 in place of the T25 torx bit. This may be due to differences in builds, or perhaps I mistakenly used the wrong bit. Either way, it may be worthwhile to have access to both sized bits before undertaking the project.
EDIT 3: I revised the guide to incorporate the above edits.
After much waiting, worrying, and struggle, I was able to retrofit my MCS with rear fog lights and a new toggle! I now embrace full toggle glory.
I put together this handy guide for all interested owners.
One word of caution, this is not for the faint of heart...use at your own risk.
EDIT 1: As Paul points out below, rather than remove the top center vent completely, it may be easier to remove the two tabs in the vent (towards the driver and passenger sides) to access two of the screws holding the speedometer cover. This is something I didn't know about until after I removed the vent and wasn't sure it would provide the necessary access, but if it does, it's certainly easier than removing the entire vent.
EDIT 2: ColinMc has pointed out that you may need a T30 in place of the T25 torx bit. This may be due to differences in builds, or perhaps I mistakenly used the wrong bit. Either way, it may be worthwhile to have access to both sized bits before undertaking the project.
EDIT 3: I revised the guide to incorporate the above edits.
Jim
Thread Starter
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3rd Gear
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 274
Likes: 0
If you can access the switch connection without removing everything else, great. Let us know how it works out for you.
1st Gear
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 32
Likes: 3
Wolfshiem,
Thanks for the wonderful writeup! I did not care so much about the missing toggle but the more I look at the toggle panel, and especially after reading this thread, I want me a full set of switches!
Does anyone that has the factory aerokit version -non JCW-, know if the part numbers used in this thread to order the fog lights are the same parts that will fit my aerokit bumper? I plan to head over to my dealership on a weekend when I'm free to ask around, but to save me a trip, anyone seen a picture of one that is fitted to an aerokit? If the fog lights look funky on my bumper I may just buy the toggle switch and not the lights and somehow later down the road wire it as a aux switch for some other future electrical mod project, if I can somehow bypass the circuit board.
Excellent thread!
Oly
Thanks for the wonderful writeup! I did not care so much about the missing toggle but the more I look at the toggle panel, and especially after reading this thread, I want me a full set of switches!
Does anyone that has the factory aerokit version -non JCW-, know if the part numbers used in this thread to order the fog lights are the same parts that will fit my aerokit bumper? I plan to head over to my dealership on a weekend when I'm free to ask around, but to save me a trip, anyone seen a picture of one that is fitted to an aerokit? If the fog lights look funky on my bumper I may just buy the toggle switch and not the lights and somehow later down the road wire it as a aux switch for some other future electrical mod project, if I can somehow bypass the circuit board.
Excellent thread!
Oly
5th Gear
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 752
Likes: 1
From: Emmitsburg, MD
I am starting a new thread to distribute a guide I put together.
After much waiting, worrying, and struggle, I was able to retrofit my MCS with rear fog lights and a new toggle! I now embrace full toggle glory.
I put together this handy guide for all interested owners.
One word of caution, this is not for the faint of heart...use at your own risk.
EDIT 1: As Paul points out below, rather than remove the top center vent completely, it may be easier to remove the two tabs in the vent (towards the driver and passenger sides) to access two of the screws holding the speedometer cover. This is something I didn't know about until after I removed the vent and wasn't sure it would provide the necessary access, but if it does, it's certainly easier than removing the entire vent.
EDIT 2: ColinMc has pointed out that you may need a T30 in place of the T25 torx bit. This may be due to differences in builds, or perhaps I mistakenly used the wrong bit. Either way, it may be worthwhile to have access to both sized bits before undertaking the project.
EDIT 3: I revised the guide to incorporate the above edits.
After much waiting, worrying, and struggle, I was able to retrofit my MCS with rear fog lights and a new toggle! I now embrace full toggle glory.
I put together this handy guide for all interested owners.
One word of caution, this is not for the faint of heart...use at your own risk.
EDIT 1: As Paul points out below, rather than remove the top center vent completely, it may be easier to remove the two tabs in the vent (towards the driver and passenger sides) to access two of the screws holding the speedometer cover. This is something I didn't know about until after I removed the vent and wasn't sure it would provide the necessary access, but if it does, it's certainly easier than removing the entire vent.
EDIT 2: ColinMc has pointed out that you may need a T30 in place of the T25 torx bit. This may be due to differences in builds, or perhaps I mistakenly used the wrong bit. Either way, it may be worthwhile to have access to both sized bits before undertaking the project.
EDIT 3: I revised the guide to incorporate the above edits.
They did say that they could replace a broken or defective one. I said that the wiring harness was already there, but they insist that there are other factors that come into play. I asked what factors and they could not tell me.
Does any of this sould correct to you all? I printed the instructions, but even though mine is not an "S" would the basicly apply to the MC?
Jim
Jim
Thread Starter
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3rd Gear
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 274
Likes: 0
I just checked with my dealer and they said that they could not do it as none of their books show an install.
They did say that they could replace a broken or defective one. I said that the wiring harness was already there, but they insist that there are other factors that come into play. I asked what factors and they could not tell me.
Does any of this sould correct to you all? I printed the instructions, but even though mine is not an "S" would the basicly apply to the MC?
Jim
Jim
They did say that they could replace a broken or defective one. I said that the wiring harness was already there, but they insist that there are other factors that come into play. I asked what factors and they could not tell me.
Does any of this sould correct to you all? I printed the instructions, but even though mine is not an "S" would the basicly apply to the MC?
Jim
Jim
From the interior console portion of the retrofit, I don't think there is any difference between the MCS and the MC. The only difference I see is that there is one exterior light on the MC rather than two with the MCS. I should think, although I cannot confirm, that the wiring would be there on the MC too. Best thing to do is crawl under the rear bumper and poke around for it.
Good luck!
4th Gear
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 497
Likes: 1
From: Albany, NY
Installing the switch itself is cake, so it popping the foglight(s) in the rear bumper...all they have to do is reprogram it to work. I was going to have mine done but I was happy just have a toggle switch and a label for it in place...no need for the fogs to have lenses and work lol. My dealership was willing to reprogram, but the hourly rate makes it pretty outrageous to have it done unless they are doing something else program wise at the same time.
So yeah...sounds to me like they are just giving you the run around because they don't want to do it.
So yeah...sounds to me like they are just giving you the run around because they don't want to do it.
5th Gear
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 752
Likes: 1
From: Emmitsburg, MD
I'm not sure why the dealership you talked to would be so hesitant regarding the rear fog light. My experience with this has been a mixed bag. Some dealerships seem to fall in line with what you said while others seem to think it's no big deal to retrofit the light(s). At any rate, if you install the components on your own, the dealership should have no problem programming it for you.
From the interior console portion of the retrofit, I don't think there is any difference between the MCS and the MC. The only difference I see is that there is one exterior light on the MC rather than two with the MCS. I should think, although I cannot confirm, that the wiring would be there on the MC too. Best thing to do is crawl under the rear bumper and poke around for it.
Good luck!
From the interior console portion of the retrofit, I don't think there is any difference between the MCS and the MC. The only difference I see is that there is one exterior light on the MC rather than two with the MCS. I should think, although I cannot confirm, that the wiring would be there on the MC too. Best thing to do is crawl under the rear bumper and poke around for it.
Good luck!
Jim