Jeez ,I'm tiried of big dealer,big city,big BMW prices@ big distances , About 50% or more of this board deals with "how tos" to avoid them . Enough of the rant, Patrick Mini wants $250 for the full toggle bank, $30 for whatever I need in the back(light bulbs?!) and $100+ for the install. Is there a cheaper ,better way? Who has the full toggles less expensive? I know, work on it yourself, but I still can't do the computer upgrade,can I have the computer rearfog upgrade done then get the toggle bank?

 

I am not sure, but a few peopple to talk to that are neutral to dealers would be Randy and Peter from m7, or the guys at outmotoring.com, or Detroit tuned...just to give some suggestions.

 

They are very glad to help with anyone and they have alot of experience and knowledge on the minis

 

I had the rear fog installed(retrofit) on my 2005 Cooper Cabrio in August 2006 and the total was $257.31. I got the parts and had the work done at Roadshow MINI in Memphis, TN.

The parts list:
Universal socket $7.50
Contact $1.75
Toggle Switch Bank $86.25
Rear Fog $31.13
Labor (1hr for install/program) $99.00
Shop Chg/Tax $31.68

I have the part numbers if you need them.

NOTE: One thing that MAY be an issue for you is whether the wiring harness already installed on your car. If I remember correctly, it was not factory installed in all cars until late 2005 models. If you need the wiring harness, it greatly increases the labor and cost.

 

Get the toggle bank from Morristown (NJ) Mini. They deep discount and ship (eBay Store). They will provide you with the install instructions. The install is simple. The only issue will be to have your dealer program the options computer to enable the rear fog option.

 

On a pre-2005 MINI the rear fogs are the upper bulbs in the tail lights. The bulbs should be already fitted and prewired. All you should need are the toggle bank and dealer programming. See here: http://www.gbmini.net/wp/2003/10/gbm...ogs_activated/

The installation price they quoted would be about typical from a dealer but $250 for the toggle bank is way of line.

 

I did this on my 03' and the toggle panel was $75.00. Then they flashed the system for them to function. Something like $35.00 since I timed it with a required service. The bulbs were already in place.

Seems high to me. Even though I did this three years ago.

-C

 

I know a way to do it for maybe less than $3.00.

 

That will get you extra brake (or tail) lights, but not a functioning fog light.

The toggle panel is ~$75, then labor (install, and or programming)

They're hosing you asking $250 for just the panel!!

 

I had them flash the computer for the rr fogs but they could'nt come close to $75 for the toggle bank, so I need to find one and do the install myself.

 

2003 MC

LEDS...all 6....$125
Toggle Bank $45
Dealer Activation $60 (1 hr even though it took 5 MINUTES)
Ebay clear tail lights.... $60

You can really do the mod for $105 or cheaper if the dealer didnt charge for a full hour. Sometimes they will do it for free if your car is in for service. (bank and act) the other stuff was just bling. You pay more than that and someone is scamming you.

 

Call/write Classic MINI 440-255-6700, bmwparts@classicautocampus.com
And tell them you're with NAM for a 20% discount.
And get some oil filters while you're at it.

 

Everyone thanks for the help, I ordered a full toggle bank from Morristown Mini for $65 shipped , it seems impossible that they are so much cheaper. I will keep everyone posted.

 

dont worry I paid over $230 for the toggle bank at Jacobs MINI

 

That's called getting "OWNED"

 

i like to refer to it as bent over and getting owned

 

INDEED!

 

It's been a while, but I recall ordering the switch bank from Classic for about $65 for my 2004, installing it in a few minutes and it working out of the box. I don't recall changing bulbs or any reprogramming, but the mind is the first thing to go.

For $400, skip it. Honestly, I'm not sure I'd spend $65 again. I've never used the rear fogs.

- Mark

 

I always have been told here it requires a computer tickle.I had mine done by Patrick and they charged me a reasonable fee. I have been in snow storms and dark rainy nights when the back of the Mini gets real mucked up, and would have liked the rear fogs that were wired up in my car to work then . Going through all this must be another way to keep owners involved and generate more after car sales income

 

I use mine sometimes. Weather or not...it still looks cool (especially since I have all LED's)

 

$250 thats crazy I paid $75 from classic MINI and $20 for the fog light. Then I had to pay $75 to EAST bay MINI for the programing. You can do the work yourself its very easy.

 

Thats what I finally ended up doing . Ordered the toggle panel from Morristown and have not recived them yet, I'll let everyone know how it goes .

UKSUV
The LEDS idea I've been tossing around for a while, and there has been alot of threads about them , how do they work for you and what ones are you using? Aren't they really expensive ?

 

I am using the 1156/1157's from www.autolumination.com . They were $125 total for all 6. I love them. LED's are a sweet mod. Changes the look of the car. If you can afford them...I would suggest doing your whole car

 

Probably hard to capture the effects with a photo

 

its a crappy pic...but you sorta get the hint. They are with the clear ebay clear tail lights. I dont know what the LED's would look like with the stock red/orange lights.