I didnt want to splice into the rear wiring so I purchased the switch plate from my local dealer and simply had them activate only to find out once I got home that when the switch is activated not only do I get the extra upper tail lights iluminated I also get the third brake light lite. This is something I would have thought the dealer would have checked first for the $47.50 they dinged me to have the lights activated. After contacting the dealer the only phone conclusion was that maybe the factory switch plate is defective, once again something I would have thought the dealer would have checked out prior to releasing the car back to me. Has this happened to anyone else? What was the fix?

Thanks in advance, Reese

Is it only the upper lights and the third brake light that turns on, or do ALL of the rear lights turn on?

Do you have the foglight mod that jumpers your rear fog lights to your brake lights?

All the lights light up, no the is no jumper in place

I stand corrected, after reading another post about using a diode jumper on the assembly I discovered tha the previuos owner had used what appears to be a paper clip at the connector itself, once remov ed waalaa alls good.

Are you sure this just started when the switch was put in?

My first thought is that something is up in the back of the car...

Gee what dealer is this? I thought it was over $100 for rear fog light activation!

Northwest Mini in Tacoma Wa, they only charge 1/2 hour labor for programming, I also had them activate the auto door lock and unlock.

My local dealer wanted over $325 to activate the rear fogs! They claim the part is $150 list price and labor would be ~$175 for 1.5 hours labor- then add in tax.

Needless to say I told them to forget it. This was after they already quoted me $150 to do the whole job. I think he's quoting the price for the install of front and rear fogs together, but I already have front fogs from the factory...

So I did what any good NAM member would do - I went to the sponsor directory, emailed classic mini in OH and ordered the new switch panel from them. I'll install it and get the thing reprogrammed at another dealer.

I'm waiting until AFTER this is done, and then I'll do the diode mod to get me the extra brake lights...

Can someone post a picture of the rear fogs in action? I am confused about what lights are being discussed. What, if any, benefit is there with this mod? Just looks? More lighting = better visibility? Going to the dealer tomorrow so if someone can point me in the right direction quickly, I'd appreciate it. Thanks.

The rear fog lights are the top bulb on your rear tail light assembly which in the U.S. do nothing, when lit they are as bright as if your brakes where depressed. This factory option is only really worth while if you live in a foggy or bad weather area to give better visibility of your presence for up coming vehicles.

FYI the switch is about $75.00; DIY install is about 20 minuets. Most dealers charge a minimum of 1 hour labor to do anything.


Dave

Here's another one. I have a US spec 2003 MCS and I live in Italy. I bought the switch panel but the Italian dealer said that that option was not even in my computer. Anyone have any insight into this? Thanks in advance.

Here's a pic . . .


No, that's not with the brake lights on. The bright lamp at the top is what's being dicussed here.

Thanks for the pictures. Clears it right up.

My guess is that since it's an Italian dealer that their not familiar with the US spec. However it is possible and can be done