I have the factory rear fog light but would also like to have the rear tail light mod for brighter brake lights. I've heard there is a diode that can be used that will allow the factory fogs to work as well as doubling up the tail lights, does anyone know anything about the diode mod?

 

Take a look here. All the other links I could find were broken.

 

Brake light mod info courtesy of Greatbear here:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ighlight=diode

scroll down for the non-soldering info. it works with the rear fogs.

Basicly you take a 3 amp diode and stuff the striped end in with the #1 wire on the brake light harness, and the other end in #4. Wrap the exposed area with electrical tape.

 

yeah greatbears post was the best one. good photo's and directions. i used it to my car and many cars afterwards. it is easy! good luck

 

Here's a link that is cheap and easy to do. Not sure there is a light in the assembly that is not used.

http://www.myminiparts.com/Products_...keLightKit.htm

 

3 amp diodes are under $2/pair at Radio Shack:

http://www.radioshack.com/search.asp...1=submit&SRC=1

I'm not suer which one is more appropriate. All MINIs through 04 have the extra bulb from the factory, not sure about the 05s.

 

Thanks everyone for the help, I picked up a set on the way home tonight and it took a whole 3 minutes to put them in.

 

Well, here is a pic of the '05 tail light. It is different, and the top bulb is functional - it is the turn signal. Installing the diode makes the white "reverse" light go on, so I yanked it.