DIY- Rear Fog Lights

brianlay · 08-08-2006, 08:33 AM

US cars can have the rear foglights enabled by replacing the light switch with the Euro version. These are the same lamps already installed as adaptive brake lights. While the rear fogs are switched on, the adaptive brake light function is disabled.

Parts required- 61 31 6 932 796 Switch

Tools required- flat blade suitable for prying trim pieces

First remove the trim piece with AC vent directly above the light switch. I found it was easier to start on the inner end near the speedo. Here what it looks like after removal.

This shows the clips that hold the trim in place

Now pry out the light switch with its trim piece.

Remove the cable by rotating the connector clamp.

Remove the trim by pressing in on the clips and move the trim to the new switch.

Re-install the switch and trim pieces and you're ready to test.

The rear fogs can be switched on only when the fronts are on.

These lights are very bright (21 watt halogen) and can be very annoying to drivers behind you, especially at night in clear visibilty conditions.

Apparently BMWNA thought US drivers couldn't be trusted to use these lights responsibly. Let's prove them wrong.

KL2DC · 08-08-2006, 09:44 AM

Hang on, just to be clear...all we need to activate the rear fogs is just the switch? That's it? Is this part easily obtainable (not special order etc). GB anyone? So with the rear fogs off, we still have adaptive braking lights, right?

Could we have more pics of installing the actual switch, its not illustrated enough. Is it just plug in, plug out.

Awesome find! Awesome DIY!!

P.S. Admin please add to Master DIY list. Thanks

Josh49 · 08-08-2006, 10:12 AM

Yeah this is awesome. I had the rear fog light on my A4, and thought it was a very good idea for dense fog. It definitely saved my ass several times. Literally... Called a bunch of dealers and this part is on backorder and not easily obtainable. If anyone has luck please contact me. Thanks..

KL2DC · 08-08-2006, 10:14 AM

Josh: I am also interested in this mod for the reasons you mentioned. Do you know how much the part is? Maybe we can get some sort of GB going, it looks like a relatively easy euro mod....

Josh49 · 08-08-2006, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KL2DC

Josh: I am also interested in this mod for the reasons you mentioned. Do you know how much the part is? Maybe we can get some sort of GB going, it looks like a relatively easy euro mod....

Part is $75. Availability is the hard part..

KL2DC · 08-08-2006, 10:50 AM

Thanks Josh, gonna ask around, as well. $75 is not too bad, considering the safety value.

CnoteMD · 08-08-2006, 11:05 AM

Good work!

This is the first truly useful lighting modification I have seen on this site. I think the mods on my car will be limited to your DIY and a set of Euro taillights (I don't like the look of the blacklines).

longtran · 08-08-2006, 12:26 PM

i might get this...just to annoy the driver behind me..

KL2DC · 08-08-2006, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by longtran

i might get this...just to annoy the driver behind me..

I have a feeling, not only are you getting this mod, but you'd probably upgrade the bulbs to true HID or something sick like that...all in true Longtran fashion

oneshare325 · 08-08-2006, 01:17 PM

Sweet, if you guys get a GB together I am down for that! I am really big on Lighting mods! Lights change the WHOLE look of a car!

Asiann · 08-08-2006, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oneshare325

Sweet, if you guys get a GB together I am down for that! I am really big on Lighting mods! Lights change the WHOLE look of a car!

Scroll down to see differences. I used yellow as an example but you can do more colors. And yes mine are still white. http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...=pics+door+led

oneshare325 · 08-08-2006, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Asiann

Scroll down to see differences. I used yellow as an example but you can do more colors. And yes mine are still white. http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...=pics+door+led

Yea, I saw that, i saw driving with them on too...I like the stock color though, and I think driving with them on looks stupid. Brighter might be cool! Great work though!

bavarian19 · 08-08-2006, 03:02 PM

Are there supposed to be pictures with the DIY??? I dont see them if they are...

I would also like to do this mod if we can find the part. Let me just make sure of something as well... If this mod is done, does that mean that adaptive braking is not available all together, or just not when the rear fogs are in use???

KL2DC · 08-08-2006, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bavarian19

Are there supposed to be pictures with the DIY??? I dont see them if they are...

I would also like to do this mod if we can find the part. Let me just make sure of something as well... If this mod is done, does that mean that adaptive braking is not available all together, or just not when the rear fogs are in use???

AJ,

this is what brianlay posted in his other rear fog light thread:

"it uses the same lamps as the adaptive brake lights so the look is the same. also, when they are on it overides adaptive brake lights...so says the manual."

So whadya say, another group install?

Asiann · 08-08-2006, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bavarian19

Are there supposed to be pictures with the DIY??? I dont see them if they are...

I would also like to do this mod if we can find the part. Let me just make sure of something as well... If this mod is done, does that mean that adaptive braking is not available all together, or just not when the rear fogs are in use???

I would only be interested if they could blink when you use the turn signals.

bavarian19 · 08-08-2006, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KL2DC

AJ,

this is what brianlay posted in his other rear fog light thread:

"it uses the same lamps as the adaptive brake lights so the look is the same. also, when they are on it overides adaptive brake lights...so says the manual."

So whadya say, another group install?

Sounds good to me... I just dont want to lose functionality of the adaptive brake lights when they are not on...

KL2DC · 08-08-2006, 04:22 PM

AJ, could you do some groundwork and check your usual supply sources for that part? Maybe get a small local GB going? Then we can do a group install...looks sorta doable...

bavarian19 · 08-08-2006, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KL2DC

AJ, could you do some groundwork and check your usual supply sources for that part? Maybe get a small local GB going? Then we can do a group install...looks sorta doable...

I still dont see those pictures...

Do we have a PN??? I can do some investigative research, and use my cca discount to get us a decent deal... BMW of Sterling Parts Department knows me by name now...

zamboni · 08-08-2006, 07:24 PM

Nice write up Brian, I will send the request to Morristown BMW for a quote and will keep everyone posted.

Josh49 · 08-08-2006, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bavarian19

I still dont see those pictures...

Do we have a PN??? I can do some investigative research, and use my cca discount to get us a decent deal... BMW of Sterling Parts Department knows me by name now...

Part number in 1st post..
Josh

BMW_E90 · 08-08-2006, 08:44 PM

sorry for the noob question but i have to ask can some1 tell me about the adaptive brake lights.. never heard of it.... sorry guys lol

KL2DC · 08-08-2006, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMW_E90

sorry for the noob question but i have to ask can some1 tell me about the adaptive brake lights.. never heard of it.... sorry guys lol

In a nutshell, do you see the lighted part of the taillamp cluster, in this case illustrating the rear fog lights. Well in the event of sudden/abrupt/emergency braking (car determines when/how), that part lights up together with the normal rear brake lights. So more brake light to go with more urgent braking hence adaptive brake lights. Its a safety feature to communicate to the person behind you that you're freaking out up ahead

08-08-2006, 08:33 AM	#1
brianlay New Member 11 Rep 17 Posts Drives: 330i Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Virginia iTrader: (0)	DIY- Rear Fog Lights US cars can have the rear foglights enabled by replacing the light switch with the Euro version. These are the same lamps already installed as adaptive brake lights. While the rear fogs are switched on, the adaptive brake light function is disabled. Parts required- 61 31 6 932 796 Switch Tools required- flat blade suitable for prying trim pieces First remove the trim piece with AC vent directly above the light switch. I found it was easier to start on the inner end near the speedo. Here what it looks like after removal. This shows the clips that hold the trim in place Now pry out the light switch with its trim piece. Remove the cable by rotating the connector clamp. Remove the trim by pressing in on the clips and move the trim to the new switch. Re-install the switch and trim pieces and you're ready to test. The rear fogs can be switched on only when the fronts are on. These lights are very bright (21 watt halogen) and can be very annoying to drivers behind you, especially at night in clear visibilty conditions. Apparently BMWNA thought US drivers couldn't be trusted to use these lights responsibly. Let's prove them wrong. Attached Images Last edited by brianlay; 08-08-2006 at 04:46 PM.
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08-08-2006, 09:44 AM	#2
KL2DC Moderator 269 Rep 17,770 Posts Drives: F36 428i,E90 328i, E85 Z4 3.0i Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: DC Metro iTrader: (23) Garage List 2015 F36 428i [0.00] 2011 E90 328i [0.00] 2006 E85 Z4 3.0i [0.00]	Hang on, just to be clear...all we need to activate the rear fogs is just the switch? That's it? Is this part easily obtainable (not special order etc). GB anyone? So with the rear fogs off, we still have adaptive braking lights, right? Could we have more pics of installing the actual switch, its not illustrated enough. Is it just plug in, plug out. Awesome find! Awesome DIY!! P.S. Admin please add to Master DIY list. Thanks __________________ Official DC Metro Registry - Current, New & Prospective Area Members Roll Call!
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08-08-2006, 10:12 AM	#3
Josh49 Major General 143 Rep 6,664 Posts Drives: E90 325xi Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Boston, MA iTrader: (33)	Yeah this is awesome. I had the rear fog light on my A4, and thought it was a very good idea for dense fog. It definitely saved my ass several times. Literally... Called a bunch of dealers and this part is on backorder and not easily obtainable. If anyone has luck please contact me. Thanks.. __________________ E90 325XI, MYSTIC BLUE ON BLACK/ALUM, STEP, NAV, PDC, CWP, XENON, SIRIUS, ALARM, MUD GUARDS, CLEARBRA, CHROME GRILLS AND TIPS, VALENTINE 1 (HARDWIRED), HO CERAMIC 40%, 161'S, REAR FOG MOD, LUX 4.0, BLACKLINES, OEM PEDALS, MTEC FOGS, GRUPPE-M REP INTAKE. 156'S AND RUBBER MATS FOR THE WINTER.
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08-08-2006, 10:14 AM	#4
KL2DC Moderator 269 Rep 17,770 Posts Drives: F36 428i,E90 328i, E85 Z4 3.0i Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: DC Metro iTrader: (23) Garage List 2015 F36 428i [0.00] 2011 E90 328i [0.00] 2006 E85 Z4 3.0i [0.00]	Josh: I am also interested in this mod for the reasons you mentioned. Do you know how much the part is? Maybe we can get some sort of GB going, it looks like a relatively easy euro mod.... __________________ Official DC Metro Registry - Current, New & Prospective Area Members Roll Call!
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08-08-2006, 10:50 AM	#6
KL2DC Moderator 269 Rep 17,770 Posts Drives: F36 428i,E90 328i, E85 Z4 3.0i Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: DC Metro iTrader: (23) Garage List 2015 F36 428i [0.00] 2011 E90 328i [0.00] 2006 E85 Z4 3.0i [0.00]	Thanks Josh, gonna ask around, as well. $75 is not too bad, considering the safety value. __________________ Official DC Metro Registry - Current, New & Prospective Area Members Roll Call!
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08-08-2006, 11:05 AM	#7
CnoteMD Commander in Chief 22 Rep 1,035 Posts Drives: 2008 BMW 535i Join Date: May 2005 Location: Atlanta, GA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 M5 [0.00] 2006 330i [0.00]	Good work! This is the first truly useful lighting modification I have seen on this site. I think the mods on my car will be limited to your DIY and a set of Euro taillights (I don't like the look of the blacklines). __________________ 2008 BMW 535i Space Gray, Black Leather, Dark Bamboo Trim\| Sport Automatic with Paddles \| Sport Package 2008 BMW M5 (gone, but not forgotten) Space Gray, Silverstone Merino Leather, Madeira Walnut Wood Trim \| 7speed SMG \| All options Mods: Corsa Exhaust \| RPI Ram Air Intake \| H&R Sport Springs \| Rogue Engineering 12mm spacers
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08-08-2006, 12:26 PM	#8
longtran Moderator 1062 Rep 16,615 Posts Drives: E90 M3 Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: CA iTrader: (105) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	i might get this...just to annoy the driver behind me..
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08-08-2006, 01:17 PM	#10
oneshare325 Brigadier General 98 Rep 4,177 Posts Drives: E90 325i, E82 135i Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Arlington, VA iTrader: (11) Garage List 2011 135i [0.00] 2006 325i [0.00]	Sweet, if you guys get a GB together I am down for that! I am really big on Lighting mods! Lights change the WHOLE look of a car!
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08-08-2006, 03:02 PM	#13
bavarian19 General 365 Rep 18,880 Posts Drives: Car Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: VA iTrader: (23)	Are there supposed to be pictures with the DIY??? I dont see them if they are... I would also like to do this mod if we can find the part. Let me just make sure of something as well... If this mod is done, does that mean that adaptive braking is not available all together, or just not when the rear fogs are in use???
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-08-2006, 04:22 PM	#17
KL2DC Moderator 269 Rep 17,770 Posts Drives: F36 428i,E90 328i, E85 Z4 3.0i Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: DC Metro iTrader: (23) Garage List 2015 F36 428i [0.00] 2011 E90 328i [0.00] 2006 E85 Z4 3.0i [0.00]	AJ, could you do some groundwork and check your usual supply sources for that part? Maybe get a small local GB going? Then we can do a group install...looks sorta doable... __________________ Official DC Metro Registry - Current, New & Prospective Area Members Roll Call!
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08-08-2006, 07:24 PM	#19
zamboni I want to drive a Zamboni 315 Rep 4,282 Posts Drives: 13 E93 M3 18 F80 M3 Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Monte Sereno, CA iTrader: (5) Garage List 2018 F80 M3 [0.00] 2013 BMW E93 M3 [0.00]	Nice write up Brian, I will send the request to Morristown BMW for a quote and will keep everyone posted. __________________ 18 F80 M3 Black Sapphire 6MT 16 K71 F800GT Montego Blue 13 E93 M3 Melbourne Red 2000 E46 ( Sold ) 2006 E90 ( sold ) 09 E82 Space Gray ( sold ) 14 F30 335i ( sold ) My next vehicle would be a Zamboni
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08-08-2006, 08:44 PM	#21
BMW_E90 Major 39 Rep 1,035 Posts Drives: 325i Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: California iTrader: (11)	sorry for the noob question but i have to ask can some1 tell me about the adaptive brake lights.. never heard of it.... sorry guys lol __________________
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