I didn't see this posted elsewhere so I figured I would ask if it is possible to add the optional front foglights to my R50? I figure I would need the switch panel with the switch, the lights and whatever relays and fuses they need to run, but will the BCM recognize them or ignore them? DO I need to program it to recognize them and if so, how?

 

I added it to my R53, I had to program the BCM. Here is a pdf for the install

 

Thanks! I read through it and it seems a bit more complicated than some other cars I have worked with. I am used to things like this being plug and play and not requiring reprogramming of harness connectors and the BCM (this is my first project car with CANBUS). I saved the PDF though for the next time I find one in a cheap junkyard so that I know what to cut out of the donor car's harness.

 

I've done the retrofit install. Adding the wiring was fairly involved, and removing it would not be simple. Removing the wiring from factory installed fogs would be even more of a task because it wouldn't be neatly separate, but bundled together with other harnesses wherever possible.

You should check if the retrofit kit is still available, part# 63130395387. It would be totally worth it.
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...t/63130395387/

 

Honestly, if you're after lighting performance, I'd add brackets to the bumper / hood and run the "Rallye" style lighting setup. The original fog lamps are poor by comparison to a more proper setup. Plus it'll be cheaper and easier to wire, and if you want, you can pin out of a foglamp switch panel to use the factory toggle for the aftermarket lamps.

If you specifically want the OE setup and don't care as much about lighting performance, disregard.

 

I read through that PDF you posted, and looked at the "Required tools and equipment" list.......just curious what the "TORCH" is used for??

Bryan

 

My guess is to see? I did not need a torch (flashlight)

 

Ha.....guess I'm "old school"......a "torch" to me is like an oxy-acetylene, butane, or things of that nature.....I honestly never envisioned it meaning a "flashlight"

Damn foreigners .....it's like trying to learn a second language

Bryan

 

Those darn Brits....

 

My thought was to do it as a inexpensive cosmetic upgrade, if it were cheap enough. I don't like the blockoff pieces where there should be lights and figured I would add a nice, integrated solution. The lack of a "subharness" that can be easily stripped off a junkyard car puts me off as the $145 price for the kit is more than the $30-50 I wanted to spend right now. I'll put it on the long list of upgrades I want to do once the car is properly sorted. I would rather spend that money on a nice new radio first. I have a hierarchy for my projects that goes: 1. Safety, 2. Reliability, 3. Comfort and convenience, 4. Cosmetics. It came from a kid I used to work with wanting to know what to do first to his broke down Sentra (first car) and so I came up with a logical solution that I still use to this day. My thought is that every change you make should maximize return on investment and always make the car better to use. (That Sentra was a mess and I wound up fixing suspension and brake issues and resealing the engine. It only had 170k on it, so for a 90's Nissan it was barely broken in. It was reliable after that until he ran it into standing water at speed one night and hydrolocked the engine.)

 

English is a tricky language, but I must say I have had problems with American!

 

I thought all R53 came standard with them

 

No, it was an option. It was available either separately or in the so-called "sport package" (which included nothing related to performance).

 

Sure is related to performance. You would know if you ever driven in thick fog without a set. The performance difference is if you are able to continue or not.

The most interesting thing observed is if you are the leading vehicle someone behind you would decide that you are not going fast enough and passes you. Then in no time he is driving slower than you were when you were leading. That is the quiz of the day for ya'll.

 

I did the retrofit kit myself. It's involved but not that bad. It was a full day's work for me. I then had my mechanic take care of the coding cheap. I'm glad I did it. You can do it!!!

 

Wait... you had to PAY someone else to do something on a car for you? How horrifying!!! I never do that. If I can't figure it out myself and it doesn't involve machine shop labor, I don't do it.

 

Wait... you had to PAY someone else to do something on a car for you? How horrifying!!! I never do that. If I can't figure it out myself and it doesn't involve machine shop labor, I don't do it. I wouldn't even know how to find a mechanic.

 

Sure, if it's something I don't want to do myself. I already pay people to do all kinds of things for me (and so do you). But if you want to do the programming yourself, search for NCS Expert in this forum.

 

Can you tap into the DRL wire and run the fogs off that?

 

The DRLs run off of less than full battery voltage...so if you tapped into those wires, your auxiliary lights wont be full bright either.

Plus, I wouldn't trust the wiring to run all 4 lights at the same time

Bryan

 

Fog lights are only for use in fog or falling snow. How often do you see either?
If you really want auxiliary fog or driving lights, get a Hella 500 kit which comes with all you need except the MINI lamp brackets & for less than $100. It's about a 30-45-minute install.