I have an R56, and want to do the "turn your rear fogs into additional brake lights mod." (I have factory rear fogs, just want to add them into the brake circuit)

I read in another thread (for 2002-2006 MINI's) that there is a concern about overloading the Brake Control Module (BCM) The recommended ways were to only add a relay into the circuit (instead of both additional lamps) or swapping the bulbs out for LED lamps, which draw much, much less current.

Here's the thread I read

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ights-wow.html

I would prefer to do it with LED's and not with an added relay for simplicitys sake (not worrying about mounting the relay, etc)

A few questions. Does the R56 have a BCM to worry about? If not, then no problem. I have my wiring and diodes, I'm ready. But I doubt that it is that easy, so ..........

Is there a LED light replacement for the R56 rear fog bulbs, which are below? The ones from the R53 are different, they are 1156's, I believe.





The writing on the R56 bulbs says:

Toshiba 921
12V W16W
A12V18W

Any thoughts on this? Anybody done this already, with LED bulbs? Which ones did you use?

 

Why are you adding it? I had it in my order and everyone tells me it looks like I am stepping on my brakes. But I like it for tailgaters....it makes them back off, especially in the rain!!!!

 

Not quite sure you know what I am talking about, but I could be wrong.

I have regular brake lights (dyh!)

I have rear fogs, from the factory. I, like you, can flip them on with the switch on the dash and they look like brake lights, only way lower under the bumper.

What I am doing is making it so that when I step on the brakes, the brake lights *and* the rear fogs all illuminate at the same time, giving me even more visibility when braking, just in case the person tailgating me isn't paying attention.

 

Well, you probably already know this but 921 is the light bulb size (btw I have the rear fog brake mod and replacing a blown out rear fog bulb was ridiculously easy, and the standard 921s are cheap and can be found anywhere, got mine at Walmart). However, tried Googling 921 LED and honestly, the results seemed flaky.

Only thing else that I can add is that there doesn't seem to be any voltage issues with using the rear fogs as full on brake lights - have been doing so for a year and a half now (the only issue being a blown 921 bulb, as mentioned). Not sure how having legit rear fogs on top of the brake light mod would affect that, though, as I don't have the legit rear fogs.

 

Damn! Stole my idea. Was knocking that around in my head for awhile now, but it does seem like a really good idea, especially adding LEDs. Let us know what you get.

 

There is a kit for turning rear fogs into brake lights at Minspeed.

http://www.minspeed.net/R56CBLK.htm

 

I got my "fake" rear fogs from OutMotoring today, they look great. I would could never imagine why rear fogs would make a difference but it does make my Mini look more finished. I just popped out the plastic inserts and snapped in the light assemblies. I don't plan on connecting them, just wanted a more finished look.

 

Little bit of confusion. The link says it is for a R56, but it also says "We've added a new 4th Brake Light Kit for the R56 Cooper! It uses the Cooper's rear fog light "
My MSC has two rear fogs. This looks like a R53 unit.

 

The MC takes a single light. MCS takes two. You have to buy two I guess for an S R56.

 

Here's the link for the MCS lights: http://www.minspeed.net/R56BLK.htm

 

A great way to get their attention is the GoMiniGo.com Third Brake Light Pulsar. I have the older six flash version. The new one can be set for six or ten flashes. For $30, I believe this will get the attention of drivers behind you more effectively than adding the fogs to the brake circuit.

 

No, MC's fog light is not the same shape as the MCS, there's a left and a right and they come as a pair.

 

I can testify that the blinky light gets their attention. I had a gal change lanes and drop in behind me in a F350. I swear there was no way for her to see my two lower brake lights, they had to be under her line of sight. I left footed the brake enough to get the lights on and she faded back pretty quick.

I never understood the break women get from insurance. My experience is they are more aggressive drivers in heavy traffic.

IMHO.

 

My girlfriends scares the crap out of me in Heavy Traffic.