Okay, so I'm passing the time while waiting for production by reading through all sorts of NAM postings, and it seems that one of the hottest topics is about rear fog lights. Mind you that it all seems to be from hardtop owners (i've searched), and most seem to believe that you should install rear fog lights so you have a full row of toggle switches and you don't have "dummy covers" on the rear bumper. Few seem to want to actually USE the rear fog light.

I know the cabrio is different (only one fog light, in the middle). Does anyone have an opinion about installing the rear fog on a cabrio?

 

Unless the packages are different in the U.S, the rear fog lamp come standard in the "sidewalk package" in Canada

 

No, it's all the same between cabrio and hardtop. It's the model year where a change happened. Starting with model year 2005, the fog light was moved from the tail lights to the center bumper, and the reverse light got moved to the tail lights. It was the year that the cabrio was introduced, so all cabrios have that configuration, but the change also affected hardtops from 2005 onwards.

 

I had the rear fog installed about a year after I got my MINI. While I will admit I like the look of the full toggle bank, that's not why I got it. I use mine in the fog as well as when it's raining. A little extra visibility can't hurt.

 

I bought this for my cabrio. I also bought a full toggle bank to control it. The dealer had to activate the toggle switch, but the install was very simple. I was able to hook it up for use as a very bright fog light, and an extra reverse light.

 

I don't know... it was an option in the configurator, even after selecting the Sidewalk package.

 

I've got a Cabrio as a second car, and when I'm driving it, I somehow feel safer with the rear fog lights on. Whether or not other drivers notice me more is up for debate though. I know that on some cars, not necessarily MINIs, that the rear taillights can be pretty dim, so having that extra brightness back there is a good thing, especially driving in fog or heavy rain.

 

I re-read the options comparison for a Mini Cooper S Convertible on the miniusa website...

It shows "Front Fog Lamps" and "Rear Fog Lamps" as options. If you click on the "Info" button it says "also available with Sport Package." The sport package, of course isincluded in the Sidewalk Package... In the description under Sport Package it lists "Front Fog Lamps." (no mention of rear) In the description under the Sidewalk Package, it lists "Fog Lights" (no distinction between front and rear).

So, is the rear fog light included in the Sidewalk Package?

PS, on the Canadian site, the rear foglight is included in the description of the Sidewalk package...

 

I got it, and have used it a few times in fog. Having a full toggle panel WAS a consideration for me. The other thing is I got the fog / taillight mod kit so it lights up with my brake lights (well, it did... but it's not working lately)... but that's great - really increases the amount of RED that screams backwards when you hit the brakes. Being rear-ended is my biggest fear in this car.

 

It is really quite surprising how much visibility it adds to the back of a MINI. Driving down to AMVIV I had a chance to see other's Cabrios from behind with the fog light on and it was very bright. Much more so then just the rear tail lights. I drive with it on all the time at night.

 

The fog light option is well worth it. Like others have posted, it adds just that little bit of "Brightness" behind you. It's also great to flip it on when someone is tailgating you - most of the time they back right off...

Donna

 

+1

 

Can anyone comment on whether or not it is included in the Sidewalk package in the US?

 

The rear fog lights did not come on my '08 sidewalk, but I did get the front ones.

 

The rear fog light did not come on my US Spec 2007 Sidewalk either.

 

Well, I'm still not sure that I NEED the rear fog light, but the dealer was able to update our order for the normal $100 price so we're getting it...

 

As I think you have figured out, the rear fog light is not included with the 2008 Sidewalk package for the US. It is an option for an added $100.

To offer some background or trivia; a rear fog light is required by law for a UK car. The classic minis had them and when the MINI came around they were also included for the European market, while not initially offered for the US market since they were not required.

As for needing it, well that's up to you. As a displaced Yank having lived in the foggy UK for the last three years, I've used the rear fog light on my vehicles dozens times. When the weather conditions degrade, it is comforting to know you have an additional light in the rear for people to see you better. The rear fog light is brighter than the red tail lights to help cut through the fog. It is slightly brighter than the brake light with the pedal pressed. (just went out and double checked).

I have it on my 2008 Sidewalk after getting used to driving other cars here with it standard.

 

I paid extra ($100?) for the read fog on my 2008 Sidewalk.

 

So, I talked to the MA today, and we still had time to add the rear fog light. I don't know that I'll ever use it (and my wife just rolled her eyes), but what's another $100 between friends?

 

 

We got it on our Sidewalk too.

 

The original reason for us to get the rear fog light was so that the toggle panel would be full (yes just a bit OC). In hindsight, it was a great buy. My commute is frequently foggy and the summers usually bring the typical Florida thunderstorm on my way home so the extra visibility helps. Also, I've found that flipping on the rear fog definitely gets the attention of tailgaters, especially at night.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkkR62oca3c

 

I was at Schomp the other day and thought I saw a sidewalk edition there... maybe that's yours???

 

I am not up on the current UK driving laws - I used to be a Metropolotan Police Officer - but it was illegal to operate a rear fog light unless there was adverse driving conditions.

 

Actually, we saw the one at Schomp when they got it. It was originally at East Bay MINI in Concord, CA and we almost went to see it when we were in San Francisco a few weeks ago. We've been waiting to see a White Silver MINI in person...

But, that one is not ours. I just found out that Wellington is sitting in Southampton, thumb outstretched, waiting to hitch a ride across the water...