How To Interior/Exterior :: Rear Foglight Retrofit
#52
I see you are in NC. We plan to retire in Southern Pines with all the other horse folks.
Jim
#53
HELP! I did the Rear Fog install on my '09 MCS and the dealer (MINI of St. Louis) cannot make them work. 'They told me' MINI USA Tech rep (theirs) said it wasn't possible unless the entire 'build code' was rewritten at the Factory and included that (rear fog light) option?? I work at a Bentley/Maserati/Lamborghini/Bugatti dealership and have never experienced this with the cars we sell. All have CAN BUS systems and can be coded for any factory option that was added (after purchase). If you had a dealer reprogram/code your R56 for the Rear Fogs, call out the Dealer name and, if possible, the Tech's name. Thanks for any and all help.
#54
HELP! I did the Rear Fog install on my '09 MCS and the dealer (MINI of St. Louis) cannot make them work. 'They told me' MINI USA Tech rep (theirs) said it wasn't possible unless the entire 'build code' was rewritten at the Factory and included that (rear fog light) option?? I work at a Bentley/Maserati/Lamborghini/Bugatti dealership and have never experienced this with the cars we sell. All have CAN BUS systems and can be coded for any factory option that was added (after purchase). If you had a dealer reprogram/code your R56 for the Rear Fogs, call out the Dealer name and, if possible, the Tech's name. Thanks for any and all help.
1. Is the bulb in the socket in the rear drivers side housinf for the fog light.
2. If the bulb is there is it good. I.E. does it light up if used in another location.
3. Is there a fuse that is blown or missing.
4. Does the dealer know how to program it properly. I know some have no clue.
As for the Mini Rep saying that it must have been on the build sheet. Is it possible that they made such a change? Yes it is possible but highly unlikely.
#55
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
#57
Jim
#58
Thanks for your help,
Jim
#59
Thanks,
Jim
#60
#61
Jim
#62
The dealer charged me a half hour of labor for the programming, which ended up being a little less than $60.
#64
2nd Gear
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Crappy iPhone install pics
1. This pic was taken after install, but shows where to pry.
2. Using a flathead screwdriver, pry the foam downwards.
3. Wire bundle is taped above. I yanked on it a little to break the masking tape.
4. Poke hole in 'handle' shaped indent. Pull harness thru. Replace foam. Install light.
Thanks to all original posters
2. Using a flathead screwdriver, pry the foam downwards.
3. Wire bundle is taped above. I yanked on it a little to break the masking tape.
4. Poke hole in 'handle' shaped indent. Pull harness thru. Replace foam. Install light.
Thanks to all original posters
#66
The dealer siad they could program the rear fog for me so I made an appointment. I went today ad they siad it would take half an hour costing $60.00.
Then they tell me that there as some module they have to program as well and it will take 1.5 hours costing $140.00. I say OK.
Next they tell me that the computer took the code and recongizes the switch, but it won't work. The icon on the speedo does not light nor does the fog light come on. They check it again as tell me that every thing with the computer seeing the switch is fine so I must have messed up the install. All I did was stick a plasic toggle in it's slot and plug in the fog light.
I bought a new bulb, but it did nothing.
Am I missing something??
Jim
#68
I need some thoughts froum you folks:
The dealer siad they could program the rear fog for me so I made an appointment. I went today ad they siad it would take half an hour costing $60.00.
Then they tell me that there as some module they have to program as well and it will take 1.5 hours costing $140.00. I say OK.
Next they tell me that the computer took the code and recongizes the switch, but it won't work. The icon on the speedo does not light nor does the fog light come on. They check it again as tell me that every thing with the computer seeing the switch is fine so I must have messed up the install. All I did was stick a plasic toggle in it's slot and plug in the fog light.
I bought a new bulb, but it did nothing.
Am I missing something??
Jim
The dealer siad they could program the rear fog for me so I made an appointment. I went today ad they siad it would take half an hour costing $60.00.
Then they tell me that there as some module they have to program as well and it will take 1.5 hours costing $140.00. I say OK.
Next they tell me that the computer took the code and recongizes the switch, but it won't work. The icon on the speedo does not light nor does the fog light come on. They check it again as tell me that every thing with the computer seeing the switch is fine so I must have messed up the install. All I did was stick a plasic toggle in it's slot and plug in the fog light.
I bought a new bulb, but it did nothing.
Am I missing something??
Jim
As I had said above the service tec said that the computer recongized the switch, but neither the light on the dash nor the rear fog would work. I then do the fog to break light conversion, disconnect the rear fog harness and tuck it away. Now when I start the car it tells me I have a bulb out.
It was said above that their switch was faulty and had to be replaced. If the switch in the center stack was bad then why would the computer say the bulb was out when disconnected? If it is bot faulty then why didn't the light work?
Got to be an answer here somewhere.
Jim
#69
does the old switch cover have an actual 'hole' for a new toggle switch? I'm wondering if it's possible to re-use the switch cover instead of having to purchase a new one. i've checked the prices for this part and they are now going for 100+.
i guess i'll have to live without the lit symbol...
i guess i'll have to live without the lit symbol...
#70
does the old switch cover have an actual 'hole' for a new toggle switch? I'm wondering if it's possible to re-use the switch cover instead of having to purchase a new one. i've checked the prices for this part and they are now going for 100+.
i guess i'll have to live without the lit symbol...
i guess i'll have to live without the lit symbol...
Jim
#71
#72
#74
I did the brake light mod and LOVE IT! We really don't get the inclement weather here to have "always" on fog lights so for them to illuminate with the lights in general, then get brighter with the Brakes on is great! I haven't seen any other MINIs with it either making our unique.
I did ask my dealer before getting the brake kit if they could program the fog lights and they stated no.
Now I just need to decide if I am going to add the Driving lights.
I did ask my dealer before getting the brake kit if they could program the fog lights and they stated no.
Now I just need to decide if I am going to add the Driving lights.
#75