Interior/Exterior Factory Rear Fog light install kit.
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4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 378
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From: Jacksonville FL
but I am curious about whether or not the dealer really needs to activate the switch and if so would they entertain an alternate function?
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>>Thanks
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>>Chuck
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That is something I wouldn't mind finding out also. If the the switch can be installed but wired for another function w/o the dealer getting involved I would be very happy. If not at least I could fill the empty position and have full house.
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>>Thanks
>>
>>Chuck
>>
That is something I wouldn't mind finding out also. If the the switch can be installed but wired for another function w/o the dealer getting involved I would be very happy. If not at least I could fill the empty position and have full house.
Moderator :: Performance Mods
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 5,427
Likes: 6
From: A Den in Maryland
Unfortunately the dealer has to get invovled to activate the functioning of the switch. Once that is done, however, you can intercept the wiring running to the rear fog lights and use it instead for another function, say for rally lights or whatever.
I would use a relay activated by the fog light power if you plan on using this for any sort of high current draw because the rear fog lights are not that powerful and are wired and supplied as such.
I would use a relay activated by the fog light power if you plan on using this for any sort of high current draw because the rear fog lights are not that powerful and are wired and supplied as such.
4th Gear
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 381
Likes: 0
From: Santa Clara, CA
>>Unfortunately the dealer has to get invovled to activate the functioning of the switch. Once that is done, however, you can intercept the wiring running to the rear fog lights and use it instead for another function, say for rally lights or whatever.
>>
>>I would use a relay activated by the fog light power if you plan on using this for any sort of high current draw because the rear fog lights are not that powerful and are wired and supplied as such.
>>
>>
Thanks for the definitive heads up on that one. Yeah I think a relay is in my future.
>>
>>I would use a relay activated by the fog light power if you plan on using this for any sort of high current draw because the rear fog lights are not that powerful and are wired and supplied as such.
>>
>>
Thanks for the definitive heads up on that one. Yeah I think a relay is in my future.
Moderator :: Performance Mods
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 5,427
Likes: 6
From: A Den in Maryland
Yes. The 'rear foglight only' kit only amounts to a switch panel that includes the rear fog toggle, everything else needed is already in the car. All that is needed beyond the switch panel is a recoding of the body control computer to activate the option.
The front kit comes with the lights, wiring, a switch panel, hardware, etc. Again, once that is installed the BC needs to be made aware of the new option.
I have the stuff on order and will take pictures of the contents and post when I get it so everyone knows what is included.
Be on the lookout for a how-to coming soon!
The front kit comes with the lights, wiring, a switch panel, hardware, etc. Again, once that is installed the BC needs to be made aware of the new option.
I have the stuff on order and will take pictures of the contents and post when I get it so everyone knows what is included.
Be on the lookout for a how-to coming soon!
4th Gear
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 507
Likes: 0
If they are sending the entire switch bank, how do they know how many switches to include? Some cars have fog lights, some don't, some have DSC and some don't. I have one missing switch and I would expect that it was for the Fog lights.... would look nicer if there wasn't one missing.
6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,406
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From: Northeast Ohio
Probably, if you have the dealer install the new switch bank you should be able to tell them you want the parts back.
I believe (and somebody with more knowledge out there can either correct me or confirm this) that it's actually the law. A mechanic's shop must return the old parts to you if you request them....
I believe (and somebody with more knowledge out there can either correct me or confirm this) that it's actually the law. A mechanic's shop must return the old parts to you if you request them....
4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 491
Likes: 0
From: Beaverton, OR
>>If they are sending the entire switch bank, how do they know how many switches to include? Some cars have fog lights, some don't, some have DSC and some don't. I have one missing switch and I would expect that it was for the Fog lights.... would look nicer if there wasn't one missing.
>>
Everybody get's the switch in the DSC position. I have one. It is marked, "ASC" instead. It controls wheel spin. I turn it off right after I put the key in the ignition.
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Everybody get's the switch in the DSC position. I have one. It is marked, "ASC" instead. It controls wheel spin. I turn it off right after I put the key in the ignition.
3 hours for install!! ??? 
Lets try 1 hour if you do it yourself and take to the dealer for the 15 minutes it takes for the computer to be updated. I have this on my car now (needs to be taken off actually). All you need is the star pattern bolt sockets ($10? from Home Depot) and your ready to do it yourself. Simple plug and play.
Lets try 1 hour if you do it yourself and take to the dealer for the 15 minutes it takes for the computer to be updated. I have this on my car now (needs to be taken off actually). All you need is the star pattern bolt sockets ($10? from Home Depot) and your ready to do it yourself. Simple plug and play.
Moderator :: Performance Mods
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 5,427
Likes: 6
From: A Den in Maryland
As with any other laws, there ARE exceptions. You wont get your old parts back if they are replaced under a warranty or if the part you bought requires a core exchange. In the case of the latter, you can have your old part, but the replacement will be more expensive without the core return.
In the case of the switch bank, there is neither, so you should get your old part back, which I recommend. The switch being removed is perfectly good, and it's bought outright, not a remanufactured part that requires to old part as a core. The only reason why you'd have a tough time getting it back is if the installer (dealer in this case) wants the old switch set to use in another car as a replacement. You can simply accuse the dealer of installing used components and charging new component prices.
The old switch, even though it is lacking a toggle (or two), can be used later to fix the one now in the car if a toggle should break or act up.
In the case of the switch bank, there is neither, so you should get your old part back, which I recommend. The switch being removed is perfectly good, and it's bought outright, not a remanufactured part that requires to old part as a core. The only reason why you'd have a tough time getting it back is if the installer (dealer in this case) wants the old switch set to use in another car as a replacement. You can simply accuse the dealer of installing used components and charging new component prices.
The old switch, even though it is lacking a toggle (or two), can be used later to fix the one now in the car if a toggle should break or act up.
Neutral
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
>>>>Unfortunately the dealer has to get invovled to activate the functioning of the switch. Once that is done, however, you can intercept the wiring running to the rear fog lights and use it instead for another function, say for rally lights or whatever.
>>>>
>>>>I would use a relay activated by the fog light power if you plan on using this for any sort of high current draw because the rear fog lights are not that powerful and are wired and supplied as such.
>>>>
>>>>
>>
>>Thanks for the definitive heads up on that one. Yeah I think a relay is in my future.
I just outlined my idea of how this should be done in a post (Using rear foglamps as brakelamps.) a little while ago... just thought I'd let you all know in case you didn't see that thread.
>>>>
>>>>I would use a relay activated by the fog light power if you plan on using this for any sort of high current draw because the rear fog lights are not that powerful and are wired and supplied as such.
>>>>
>>>>
>>
>>Thanks for the definitive heads up on that one. Yeah I think a relay is in my future.
I just outlined my idea of how this should be done in a post (Using rear foglamps as brakelamps.) a little while ago... just thought I'd let you all know in case you didn't see that thread.
Moderator :: Performance Mods
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 5,427
Likes: 6
From: A Den in Maryland
Looks like I was one of the first who got the 'rear foglight kit'. Actually what I got was a front and rear foglight retrofit kit which includes lamps, wiring, relay, hardware and such to install the front lights, and the part that makes it a rear kit as well is simply a full bank of toggles.
First impressions: I received simply a box full of parts, no instructions whatsoever. Being that I more or less know what I am doing already, that shouldn't be too much of a problem. What I do notice is that I have received more 'stuff' than I actually need. Since the kit must cover all models and years, some of it has to be altered to work with my '03 MCS, which did not come with factory foglights, but already has the relay and fuse in place in the fuse/relay box. The wiring from the BC1 to the relay also seems to be in place already as well. The wiring harness that came with the lights will have to be slightly altered to remove that which is already there. I end up with some spare parts that might come in handy later.
The rear foglight portion of the kit as we all know is just the full bank of switches, once this is in place and the car recoded to make it 'aware' of the new options. I modded my brake lights already to include the fogs as part of the brake lights, but unlike most who have used a wiring modification or jumper, I used two diodes soldered into the bulb holder assemblies. This will allow the fogs to operate independently of the brake lights, but allow the brake lights to always light the upper part of the taillamp (the foglights), the best of both worlds.
My install experiences and pics coming soon!
First impressions: I received simply a box full of parts, no instructions whatsoever. Being that I more or less know what I am doing already, that shouldn't be too much of a problem. What I do notice is that I have received more 'stuff' than I actually need. Since the kit must cover all models and years, some of it has to be altered to work with my '03 MCS, which did not come with factory foglights, but already has the relay and fuse in place in the fuse/relay box. The wiring from the BC1 to the relay also seems to be in place already as well. The wiring harness that came with the lights will have to be slightly altered to remove that which is already there. I end up with some spare parts that might come in handy later.
The rear foglight portion of the kit as we all know is just the full bank of switches, once this is in place and the car recoded to make it 'aware' of the new options. I modded my brake lights already to include the fogs as part of the brake lights, but unlike most who have used a wiring modification or jumper, I used two diodes soldered into the bulb holder assemblies. This will allow the fogs to operate independently of the brake lights, but allow the brake lights to always light the upper part of the taillamp (the foglights), the best of both worlds.
My install experiences and pics coming soon!
4th Gear
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 392
Likes: 0
From: Virginia Beach
>>Looks like I was one of the first who got the 'rear foglight kit'. Actually what I got was a front and rear foglight retrofit kit which includes lamps, wiring, relay, hardware and such to install the front lights, and the part that makes it a rear kit as well is simply a full bank of toggles.
>>
>>First impressions: I received simply a box full of parts, no instructions whatsoever. Being that I more or less know what I am doing already, that shouldn't be too much of a problem. What I do notice is that I have received more 'stuff' than I actually need. Since the kit must cover all models and years, some of it has to be altered to work with my '03 MCS, which did not come with factory foglights, but already has the relay and fuse in place in the fuse/relay box. The wiring from the BC1 to the relay also seems to be in place already as well. The wiring harness that came with the lights will have to be slightly altered to remove that which is already there. I end up with some spare parts that might come in handy later.
>>
>>The rear foglight portion of the kit as we all know is just the full bank of switches, once this is in place and the car recoded to make it 'aware' of the new options. I modded my brake lights already to include the fogs as part of the brake lights, but unlike most who have used a wiring modification or jumper, I used two diodes soldered into the bulb holder assemblies. This will allow the fogs to operate independently of the brake lights, but allow the brake lights to always light the upper part of the taillamp (the foglights), the best of both worlds.
>>
>>My install experiences and pics coming soon!
>>
>>
sounds like something that might pose difficulties for someone who more or less DOESN'T know what he's doing, to which he'll have to pay service countless dollars to do instead... look foward to pics and further instructions
- wags
>>
>>First impressions: I received simply a box full of parts, no instructions whatsoever. Being that I more or less know what I am doing already, that shouldn't be too much of a problem. What I do notice is that I have received more 'stuff' than I actually need. Since the kit must cover all models and years, some of it has to be altered to work with my '03 MCS, which did not come with factory foglights, but already has the relay and fuse in place in the fuse/relay box. The wiring from the BC1 to the relay also seems to be in place already as well. The wiring harness that came with the lights will have to be slightly altered to remove that which is already there. I end up with some spare parts that might come in handy later.
>>
>>The rear foglight portion of the kit as we all know is just the full bank of switches, once this is in place and the car recoded to make it 'aware' of the new options. I modded my brake lights already to include the fogs as part of the brake lights, but unlike most who have used a wiring modification or jumper, I used two diodes soldered into the bulb holder assemblies. This will allow the fogs to operate independently of the brake lights, but allow the brake lights to always light the upper part of the taillamp (the foglights), the best of both worlds.
>>
>>My install experiences and pics coming soon!
>>
>>
sounds like something that might pose difficulties for someone who more or less DOESN'T know what he's doing, to which he'll have to pay service countless dollars to do instead... look foward to pics and further instructions
- wags
4th Gear
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 381
Likes: 0
From: Santa Clara, CA
>>Looks like I was one of the first who got the 'rear foglight kit'. Actually what I got was a front and rear foglight retrofit kit which includes lamps, wiring, relay, hardware and such to install the front lights, and the part that makes it a rear kit as well is simply a full bank of toggles.
>>
>>First impressions: I received simply a box full of parts, no instructions whatsoever. Being that I more or less know what I am doing already, that shouldn't be too much of a problem. What I do notice is that I have received more 'stuff' than I actually need. Since the kit must cover all models and years, some of it has to be altered to work with my '03 MCS, which did not come with factory foglights, but already has the relay and fuse in place in the fuse/relay box. The wiring from the BC1 to the relay also seems to be in place already as well. The wiring harness that came with the lights will have to be slightly altered to remove that which is already there. I end up with some spare parts that might come in handy later.
>>
>>The rear foglight portion of the kit as we all know is just the full bank of switches, once this is in place and the car recoded to make it 'aware' of the new options. I modded my brake lights already to include the fogs as part of the brake lights, but unlike most who have used a wiring modification or jumper, I used two diodes soldered into the bulb holder assemblies. This will allow the fogs to operate independently of the brake lights, but allow the brake lights to always light the upper part of the taillamp (the foglights), the best of both worlds.
>>
>>My install experiences and pics coming soon!
>>
>>
Great work there. Really looking forward to your pics and hopefully something like a how-to (pretty please
)
>>
>>First impressions: I received simply a box full of parts, no instructions whatsoever. Being that I more or less know what I am doing already, that shouldn't be too much of a problem. What I do notice is that I have received more 'stuff' than I actually need. Since the kit must cover all models and years, some of it has to be altered to work with my '03 MCS, which did not come with factory foglights, but already has the relay and fuse in place in the fuse/relay box. The wiring from the BC1 to the relay also seems to be in place already as well. The wiring harness that came with the lights will have to be slightly altered to remove that which is already there. I end up with some spare parts that might come in handy later.
>>
>>The rear foglight portion of the kit as we all know is just the full bank of switches, once this is in place and the car recoded to make it 'aware' of the new options. I modded my brake lights already to include the fogs as part of the brake lights, but unlike most who have used a wiring modification or jumper, I used two diodes soldered into the bulb holder assemblies. This will allow the fogs to operate independently of the brake lights, but allow the brake lights to always light the upper part of the taillamp (the foglights), the best of both worlds.
>>
>>My install experiences and pics coming soon!
>>
>>
Great work there. Really looking forward to your pics and hopefully something like a how-to (pretty please
)
Neutral
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
>>Looks like I was one of the first who got the 'rear foglight kit'. Actually what I got was a front and rear foglight retrofit kit which includes lamps, wiring, relay, hardware and such to install the front lights, and the part that makes it a rear kit as well is simply a full bank of toggles.
>>
>>First impressions: I received simply a box full of parts, no instructions whatsoever. Being that I more or less know what I am doing already, that shouldn't be too much of a problem. What I do notice is that I have received more 'stuff' than I actually need. Since the kit must cover all models and years, some of it has to be altered to work with my '03 MCS, which did not come with factory foglights, but already has the relay and fuse in place in the fuse/relay box. The wiring from the BC1 to the relay also seems to be in place already as well. The wiring harness that came with the lights will have to be slightly altered to remove that which is already there. I end up with some spare parts that might come in handy later.
>>
>>The rear foglight portion of the kit as we all know is just the full bank of switches, once this is in place and the car recoded to make it 'aware' of the new options. I modded my brake lights already to include the fogs as part of the brake lights, but unlike most who have used a wiring modification or jumper, I used two diodes soldered into the bulb holder assemblies. This will allow the fogs to operate independently of the brake lights, but allow the brake lights to always light the upper part of the taillamp (the foglights), the best of both worlds.
>>
>>My install experiences and pics coming soon!
>>
>>
Would it cause a problem to have both the fog light power and the brake light power going into the fogs at the same time? It seems to me that there would be too much voltage going in, but I can see how it would be ok... The lights would only draw the required current, even if twice the current was offered and the voltage, though coming from two different wires is still coming from the same battery. If that's the way it is (anyone know for sure about that?), the relay thing isn't needed and your diode idea would be much simpler... nice work :smile:
>>
>>First impressions: I received simply a box full of parts, no instructions whatsoever. Being that I more or less know what I am doing already, that shouldn't be too much of a problem. What I do notice is that I have received more 'stuff' than I actually need. Since the kit must cover all models and years, some of it has to be altered to work with my '03 MCS, which did not come with factory foglights, but already has the relay and fuse in place in the fuse/relay box. The wiring from the BC1 to the relay also seems to be in place already as well. The wiring harness that came with the lights will have to be slightly altered to remove that which is already there. I end up with some spare parts that might come in handy later.
>>
>>The rear foglight portion of the kit as we all know is just the full bank of switches, once this is in place and the car recoded to make it 'aware' of the new options. I modded my brake lights already to include the fogs as part of the brake lights, but unlike most who have used a wiring modification or jumper, I used two diodes soldered into the bulb holder assemblies. This will allow the fogs to operate independently of the brake lights, but allow the brake lights to always light the upper part of the taillamp (the foglights), the best of both worlds.
>>
>>My install experiences and pics coming soon!
>>
>>
Would it cause a problem to have both the fog light power and the brake light power going into the fogs at the same time? It seems to me that there would be too much voltage going in, but I can see how it would be ok... The lights would only draw the required current, even if twice the current was offered and the voltage, though coming from two different wires is still coming from the same battery. If that's the way it is (anyone know for sure about that?), the relay thing isn't needed and your diode idea would be much simpler... nice work :smile:
Moderator :: Performance Mods
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 5,427
Likes: 6
From: A Den in Maryland
HERE is the little write-up I did for the 'diode mod' complete with pics. I hope it makes sense to most people. 
As for problems with applying too much current to the foglight bulb, this is not an issue because the bulb itself determines the current draw, you are simply applying the voltage (which remains the constant 12-14.5 volts of the entire electrical system) from multiple points. The current draw will be simply shared by these points.
As for problems with applying too much current to the foglight bulb, this is not an issue because the bulb itself determines the current draw, you are simply applying the voltage (which remains the constant 12-14.5 volts of the entire electrical system) from multiple points. The current draw will be simply shared by these points.
Neutral
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
>>As for problems with applying too much current to the foglight bulb, this is not an issue because the bulb itself determines the current draw, you are simply applying the voltage (which remains the constant 12-14.5 volts of the entire electrical system) from multiple points. The current draw will be simply shared by these points.
Thought so, after I got to thinking about it more I realized this, but needed someone else to say it was so... thanks for the clarification on that :smile:
Thought so, after I got to thinking about it more I realized this, but needed someone else to say it was so... thanks for the clarification on that :smile:
4th Gear
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 305
Likes: 0
From: Dobbs Ferry, NY
That's strange. I don't have a DSC switch so I'm missing 2 switches. I'm wondering with the new bank, I wouldn't be able to have the DSC activated. Perhaps additional hardware would be required? ASC, I was told, is standard on every MINI. Mine is an 04 though, so they may have taken away the ability to turn the ASC off.
Coordinator :: Sin City MINI Club & AMVIV
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 4,587
Likes: 1
From: Las Vegas
I'm in a similar situation. 2 missing toggles. Hmmm...if I tell them that I have a loaded car when I order, maybe I can get a full bank of toggles and use the spares for something else?
4th Gear
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 381
Likes: 0
From: Santa Clara, CA
>>I'm in a similar situation. 2 missing toggles. Hmmm...if I tell them that I have a loaded car when I order, maybe I can get a full bank of toggles and use the spares for something else?
I think so. I got mine from CAC and was asked if I have fog lights and DSC, presumably so they could send me the correct set of switches. No reason you couldn't say the same thing.
I think so. I got mine from CAC and was asked if I have fog lights and DSC, presumably so they could send me the correct set of switches. No reason you couldn't say the same thing.
2nd Gear
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
From: Memphis TN
Greatbear - thanks for the directions.
Installation of the switch panel took about 20 minutes and went without a hitch. Even the wife (who owns the car) approved of my work. LOL
Now to the dealership for the programming and then the diode install for both operations.
Installation of the switch panel took about 20 minutes and went without a hitch. Even the wife (who owns the car) approved of my work. LOL
Now to the dealership for the programming and then the diode install for both operations.
4th Gear
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 392
Likes: 0
From: Virginia Beach
>>Greatbear - thanks for the directions.
>>Installation of the switch panel took about 20 minutes and went without a hitch. Even the wife (who owns the car) approved of my work. LOL
>>
>>Now to the dealership for the programming and then the diode install for both operations.
nice, i should be getting the toggle panel in this week, and was wondering if you could tell me your dealer experience when you take it in to get reprogrammed. I'm wondering if i can just pop by and get them to do it real quick, as i don't think it takes but a minute. also let us know what they charged.. i'm hoping it shouldn't be much at all, if anything.
thanks
- wags
>>Installation of the switch panel took about 20 minutes and went without a hitch. Even the wife (who owns the car) approved of my work. LOL
>>
>>Now to the dealership for the programming and then the diode install for both operations.
nice, i should be getting the toggle panel in this week, and was wondering if you could tell me your dealer experience when you take it in to get reprogrammed. I'm wondering if i can just pop by and get them to do it real quick, as i don't think it takes but a minute. also let us know what they charged.. i'm hoping it shouldn't be much at all, if anything.
thanks
- wags