[Virterm]

Anyone did it on 2011 328xi with halogens?

[JimVR4]

I haven't modified my switch yet but I was able to code the rear fog lights as welcome lights!

[Virterm]

Originally Posted by Virterm

Anyone did it on 2011 328xi with halogens?

Anyone?

[mbergman]

Has anyone installed this switch with halogen headlights? ECS Tuning recently began selling similar (I have not double checked the part#), but their description refers to Xenon headlights. I'm not sure why the switch wouldn't work equally well with halogen.

[mbergman]

Has anyone done this mod on an E91 - 2009 328xi? if so, did it require the spare parts (actuator) or just the tab cutting?

[Dark_Knight_335]

I just pulled the tabs, no need to change out the switch. But I suppose if you want the complete look... but for me it just isn't worth it to mess about with trim pieces and wires.

[bula]

Did mine today (2007, 335xi), did not have the white piece inside but even so it was very easy to get it to work.

[N8N]

Time between Nate purchasing a car that "he doesn't have to work on or modify" and first modification: apparently, 8 days.

But seriously, I just got my switch from ECS Tuning (because they're the only ones that seem to sell the one with the brushed chrome trim, and I'm just that anal retentive that I want it to look stock) and while it's not the part number that's listed on realoem.com, if there's a difference in color, fitment, etc. I can't see it. Fairly easy mod as far as these things go. Was really nervous taking plastic cutlery to such a pretty car, but managed not to hork anything up.

Edit: apparently the rear fog and front fog are completely independent. As in, I can turn the rears on without the fronts being on. Whatever, I'll only use them in pea soup anyway unlike those Benz drivers :P

[Wellardmac]

Awesome write-up. I just did mine and it took all of 15 mins, thanks!

[CoastsideE90]

Just did mine as well and it was super easy, thanks to the ECS Tuning installation guide on YouTube.
I opted to buy the Euro switch (ECS has it in stock, part number 404 for the LCI E90) and for me, it was worth it to keep it looking OEM.

[scroitoru]

this tutorial located here is MUCH more nicer and cleaner and with lots of details.

http://www.fastm.com/e92m3/rearfog.html

[bemmin335]

I used a .50 cent plastic air freshener as a replacement for the white piece. Done. Rear fog lights operational without spending $75-$100 on the new switch. Thanks BMW for charging to replace a switch that doesn't need to be replaced! BTW...the local BMW shop quoted me 650 Euros to do the job themselves. crooks!

[Wellardmac]

Originally Posted by bemmin335

I used a .50 cent plastic air freshener as a replacement for the white piece. Done. Rear fog lights operational without spending $75-$100 on the new switch. Thanks BMW for charging to replace a switch that doesn't need to be replaced! BTW...the local BMW shop quoted me 650 Euros to do the job themselves. crooks!

Yeah, that's well known. I think it's even previously mentioned in this thread several times and many others that can easily be found by search.

I guess it all depends on if you like details to have the correct finish, or to be half-assed.

[Coupeit88]

Did this with a pen shaft, stuck a candle wick in there to make it sturdy. Had the circle shape aluminum stick out the shaft, put a nickel there. Works great.

I'd still buy someone else's plastic white piece tho. PM me if you have one!

[silver928]

Just pulled switch in 2011 328i and has the internal white switch already there, and cut tabs and replaced, and rear fogs good to go.

Great DYI and right up, thanks

Bob

[1Bappel]

Originally Posted by Virterm

Anyone did it on 2011 328xi with halogens?

I have Halogens and used the link that Scroitoru posted above.

http://www.fastm.com/e92m3/rearfog.html

This worked great and took me a total of about 15 mins. I don't have the appearance of the switch, which you get when purchasing it, but the rear fogs are functional now and work well. When I have an extra Benjamin to drop I may go for the true switch, but I can think of other options to pick up first for the $. Also nice to have when someone is riding your tail. A push of the button and they drop back fast.

[iBoost]

Enabled my rear fogs this past weekend. Just a tip to those of you guys modifying the original piece, the buttons don't just pry off. There are 2 small tabs that hold them in place through the inside. So you have to open up the box from the rear and you'll quickly see the 2 tabs that hold each button in place. Also if your car doesn't have the white inner tab already in there, it seems to be very easy to rig up a new one. Good luck!

[9 amini]

So easy.

[mikeisnorml]

awesome write up! I made my internal button spacer from a pen cap I cut down and a old plastic rewards card cut into a rectangle. JB weld the pieces together, it works every time, and it's extremely solid.

[allan]

I need the help of those people who replaced their light switch on the E9x.

I did mine today and noticed that my car doesn't have the black Styrofoam behind the dashboard as seen in this picture,



just empty space, metal and cables.



Is there a difference in model year ?? What's going on? Does anybody know? What does yours look like?

Thanks for any "enlightenment"

.

[SSW]

I just did this mod by swapping out the old switch for a new Euro switch that I bought from ECS tuning for $150 here:



Also bought the 5 piece trim tool set to do the job here:



Only needed one of the 5 tools in the kit -- the thin one w/the fork at the end. It was really EASY to do with the trim tool BUT I wouldn't try it without it. Hardest part was getting the 4 tabs to release the switch from the faceplate.

Just watched the ECS Installation Video a couple of times before doing it myself.

Only thing I don't like is that the switch does not have any on/off lights to indicate that the front or rear fogs are on or not when you push the buttons. While you can tell by the light intensity whether the front fogs are on, you really can't tell if the rear fogs are on without going to the back and looking.

But, otherwise, it was a very easy and satisfying mod to do.

[drome21]

Just did this mod, used the this link, http://www.fastm.com/e92m3/rearfog.html. A lot more helpful.