I am probably going to do the brake light mod and put in a toggle with a funny icon above it. Like smoke or WARP speed something.

 

It takes a fair amount of effort to add the missing toggle. The new switch cover is not so expensive not to just change that too. IMHO why go to the trouble of adding the toggle then putting some silly sticker over it. You could just skip the toggle and put a sticker saying something like "Invisablity Switch".

Jim

 

Hi all!
This is my first post. However, I have been following this thread for some time!
I am about to tear in to the dash to install the fog light switch and cover. I have read the excellent write up and pictures, and have the parts. I plan to then go to the dealer for the programming. Around 110 dollars sounds about right.
My question on beginning this is the center dash vent (see pictures below). In the write up it is mentioned to pry out the two fins closest to the speedometer. I checked mine and see no separation or "starter point" to begin prying. I have the 2009 MCS, so I am not sure if there is something different about this center vent I am missing. Anyone who could give advice on this matter is appreciated. I will not begin this step in the fog light retro fit for another two weeks, so plenty of time!
The fog light installation and wiring of the "give-a-break" light kit, along with the flashing top LED wiring kit are already completed. Finding the fog light power harness taped up under the foam was an early indication of how much fun modding can be. This website has a lot going for it. Everyone's hard work and responses are appreciated.
I could probably afford a BMW doing my kind of job, but I am used to working hard to get where I am. Mini Cooper is a good brand for working folk who like weekend challenges. For myself, I can't imagine buying anything else in the future...maybe a JCW a couple years if they make an automatic transmission!
M. Rebar

 

You won't see any seperation. They are on the right and left at the front (toward the inside of the car). Just stick a screw driver in and they will pop out. The dealer can NOT activate the rear fog on a 2009. Trust me on this as it cost be $154.00 to find out. Just go with the rear break light instead.

Jim

 

Really? So why do you still think you can get your MY09 rear fogs retrofitted and programmed at the dealership !?

If you haven't already check first and make sure your dealer can do the reprogramming before you go through the trouble messing with your dash, unless you want a fake switch that won't actually work.

This is my final warning, I am 100% done with people who keep posting this w/o actually reading these threads and/or properly using the search function.

 

the rear brake kit is really good. safety and pretty cool IMO

 

Hi all,
Do appreciate everyone's feedback. I did e-mail the dealership to find out if the fog light switch activation can be done on the 2009. As gathered from the replies to my post, there seems to be an issue.
Anyway, the only reason I do think this is possible is that the speedometer has an indicator light that would reference the rear fogs. I do not want to seem presumptuous on this matter, and do appreciate everyone's opinion or knowledge on this retrofit.
Just so you know, on the MiniUSA website, you can add the fogs as an option to when you build the car. I am still hoping that the "retrofit" I am doing will allow for this function to be added to this '09.
M. Rebar

 

Here is the real deal. The dealership may or may not tell you they can do it. Threads here have now shown that there was a change in 2008 which does NOT allow the retro fit. Yes, you do have the indicator light and yes, you do have the plug hidden up under the foam at the rear. If the dealer tries to re-program this is what will happen. The computer WILL reconize the switch and the light, but it will NOT turn it on. So, if you then go with the "Rear Break Light" you you have to disconnect the Rear Fog plug and you will always get a warning at start up that you have a bulb out.

So, if you decide to go for the re-programing anyway, here is what you do when it does not work. Disconnect the Rear Fog plug and put a ristor across it to stop the warning light from coming on.

Jim

 

Hi all,
I had a chance to talk to the Service Manager at Cincinnati Mini and he was able to confirm that the fog lights CAN BE activated through some of the software updates applied to the car.
A price quote of about $140 was given for this service, which is noted to take several hours. This price does not include the cost of installation of the switch, which I probably can do myself and save the labor costs.
Just thought everyone should know who might be thinking about this modification.
Will report back on this when it is completed! Till then will be lurking on this thread.
M. Rebar

 

If it happens I would love to hear about it, but it simular to what MoT told me. First: Yes we can do it and it will only cost you one hour. Second: (after being there two hours) We can still do it, but there is another program that has to be run is that OK? Sure I said. Third: (after being there 5 hours) Well, we can't make it work, but we will be glad to keep trying at an hourly rate of $100.00+ per hour. Is that OK. NO I said.

Then after 5.5 hours they gave me a bill for $154.00 and a bulb out warning light going off all the time.

I hope it works for you and I mean that.

Jim

 

Best of luck with the project, M. Rebar!
As has been pointed out, yes, my '07 readily accepted the reprogramming. I hope yours works out as well. It was really cool seeing them on for the first time, along with the icon on the speedo.
Dean

 

+1 and let us know DrRebar. Yeah, I admit was an a** to you earlier (sorry about that) but I appreciate you checking in with the group with your findings. I also hope you come back with good news so I can call up MINI USA and complain (yet again).

 

Hi all!
Was able to install the fog light switch! Will take the car for programming soon and let everyone know the results.
While working with the dash, several scratches happened. Not bad ones. Recently I did the Langka repair kit for paint chips, results of which were not horrible.
Is there anything like this for plastics? Color coding for my gray colored dashboard?
Anyhow, keep motoring!

 

I have a question about the full brake light kit.

I know that when you step on the brakes, the rear red fog light housings will light up.... but how about when you turn on the headlights? Are they dual filament bulbs? Or will they ONLY turn on with the brakes.


THere is a mini around my local area that has the rear fog light housings wired up to his headlights, because ive seen them on at night and then when he braked they got really bright just like the brake lights.

 

Mine comes on with the other lights and when I step on the break it gets REALLY bright. More so then the regular break lights. I figure that will be helpfull in the fog.

Jim

 

So you purchased the whole brake kit then from that site?

Just curious, im gonna do this for my brother's mini as a gift...He'll walk into the garage one day and be like... "hmm... something is different..."

 

Actually I bought the rear fog light from Peliguin Parts and then the brake light harnes from the other company. I don't know if that make a difference or not.

Jim

 

What size is the bulb that goes into the rear fog like housing?

194/168?

Or is it bigger than that?

 

Soneone else will have to field that one. Mine came with a bulb and I never looked at it.

Jim

 

Hi all!
After some time now I have had a chance to get the fog light switch activated. After doing the install myself....link: http://homepage.mac.com/mcg_rebar/Th...ust/30/30.html ...I had to await some time off from work to actually make it to the dealership.
The activation took about 2 days as the technician did the job. Some tinkering with the verification of my work was done, all of which checked out. The reprogramming did take a call to someone else higher up, whom helped them out a lot. While they were at it, I had some repairs done from my installation (damage to the plastic and such). The interior looks some better (save one issue). Here is the page that details the final outcome (including a video) http://homepage.mac.com/mcg_rebar/Th...ber/01/01.html. I also included a scan of the paperwork from the dealership for further proof that it can be done.
The car, a 2009 MCS is now more of what I wanted several months ago when I came across this page. Two more years from now will get my next Mini, this time with the rear fog lights.
My advice...do the fog lights. Do the Gimme-A-Brake kit. Do the work or get it done; it can save you from being hit from the rear.
M. Rebar

 

Excellent news, thanks for documenting everything on your website. Seems like a specific software update/version is required for the reprogram. A little pricey but I imagine you are very satisfied with the results and having corrected a long time annoyance. I'm definitely going to check with my local dealer next time I'm due for service.

 

Most of that price was the cost of new dash parts. If you DIY you would probably cut out $400+ off that invoice.

 

I reviewed the original DYI writeup and decided it would be something for a professional to handle. I was more concerned about the programming, so I'm happy to finally see a post 07 retrofit handled by the dealer

 

Where are you? Maybe someone in your area can help you with the installation. From what I saw during the install there is not multiple filaments, but the power sent to the lights is less for rear lights vs breaking thus they do get brighter when the brakes are applied.
This was a question I had when I ordered the kit, and the closest I could get to an answer was on a PDF online from where I ordered the brake light kit. I also ordered the rear fogs and kit separately, but only because I knew I wanted the fog lights there even if they weren't functional and then once I verified that it would work the way I wanted I ordered the kit.
I believe the kit w/ the lights is the same exact thing I got- just with one delivery rather than two

 

I had furiously checked this thread a few months ago hoping for a solution and I'm glad I bumped into it again.
Has anyone else besides Dr. Rebar had success getting the programming done by the dealer? If so, how much are they charging?