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      03-06-2011, 05:57 PM   #1
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Enable Rear Fog lights (Free Mod)

There's already a few threads on this topic already however I just wanted to share my own experience with the install.

On my 2011.5 M3 there's no need for the little lego block trick as the button extension is already in there. So technically this mod is FREE.

All you have to do is take the button out (I have my own DIY but there's a few good DIY's on M3Post already), then trim off the four little tabs that is preventing it from being functional. Once trimmed the button will work and function fine. The only thing is the button will not have the rear fog light icon as in the euro switch. I prefer it this way so the car still appears stock US spec.

Once done you will have working rear fog lights to help illuminate behind you as you back up or whereever your imagination takes you.

03/08/2011: Updated with Links
Here's my DIY specifically done on my 2011:
http://www.fastm.com/e92m3/rearfog.html

Here's links to other DIY's that was provided a few posts down by zhangzeyuandss:
Attached Images
   

Last edited by BimmerM; 03-08-2011 at 08:05 AM..
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      03-06-2011, 06:09 PM   #2
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Every time I come up on a Audi, Volvo, or Merc with their rear fog lights on, all I can think is - what a #%&*@!^ idiot! Most of the time, they're blazing away even though there's not a hint of fog. It always looks like the car is possessed by electrical gremlins! They are truly one of the most misused features on most European cars in the U.S., and I'm happy that BMW doesn't deliver their cars with them.

Please, please, please - resist the temptation!

Rant over. Sorry if I offended those who think this is cool. Just my opinion, but I'm an old fart and everyone ignores me anyway.
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      03-06-2011, 06:37 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by midlifecrisis View Post
Every time I come up on a Audi, Volvo, or Merc with their rear fog lights on, all I can think is - what a #%&*@!^ idiot! Most of the time, they're blazing away even though there's not a hint of fog. It always looks like the car is possessed by electrical gremlins! They are truly one of the most misused features on most European cars in the U.S., and I'm happy that BMW doesn't deliver their cars with them.

Please, please, please - resist the temptation!

Rant over. Sorry if I offended those who think this is cool. Just my opinion, but I'm an old fart and everyone ignores me anyway.
Totally agree with you if the feature is abused. However, I plan to only use it when I need more lighting when reversing. Notice in no way did I mention use it to blind tailgaters, etc. as that would be abusing the feature.
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      03-06-2011, 06:45 PM   #4
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can i get a link to the diy...i cant find it
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      03-06-2011, 06:47 PM   #5
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It's a very functional feature when driving in fog. Again BMW separates itself from other German makes by not giving the US something the rest do.
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      03-06-2011, 06:50 PM   #6
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looks nice.. congrats..
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      03-06-2011, 07:01 PM   #7
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Im just going to buy the switch on my ED trip and install it...
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      03-06-2011, 07:28 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mrkhanna16 View Post
can i get a link to the diy...i cant find it
+1
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      03-06-2011, 07:33 PM   #9
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I've never understood why rear fogs are not mandated here like elsewhere. They are truly useful in foggy conditions. I will be doing this mod as soon as I get my car. But, why do both fogs light up as opposed to only the driver's side? It's the same on Audis and the excuse I've heard there is that US customers initially complained that "both reare fgos weren't lighting up..." And instead of trying to educate each and every person complaining, Audi just gave in and made both light up. But since BMW doesn't have that feature turned on, I wonder why both light up. Should be just the driver's side to help distinguish it from a brake light.
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      03-06-2011, 07:47 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mrkhanna16 View Post
can i get a link to the diy...i cant find it
+1 I swear I saw this DIY a couple of weeks ago but I can't find it either! HELP!
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      03-06-2011, 08:01 PM   #11
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DIYs

Here's one.

And another. Google is your friend.
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      03-06-2011, 08:13 PM   #12
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Dude it works. This is legit. Can't wait to blind people.
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      03-06-2011, 08:18 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by piloto View Post
DIYs

Here's one.

And another. Google is your friend.
Lol when people search and dont find anything, people still complain to others about searching
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      03-06-2011, 08:26 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by E. Honda View Post
Lol when people search and dont find anything, people still complain to others about searching
Yes, because I just went on google, searched for rear fog DIY E92 M3 and came up with those two hits. Hence my comment about google being your friend. Sometimes it's easier to search with it than within the forum.
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      03-06-2011, 08:36 PM   #15
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Removal:
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ghlight=switch

Prepping the Switch:
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ghlight=switch

Lego:
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...highlight=lego
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      03-06-2011, 10:04 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by piloto View Post
Yes, because I just went on google, searched for rear fog DIY E92 M3 and came up with those two hits. Hence my comment about google being your friend. Sometimes it's easier to search with it than within the forum.
Facepalm! I should have done that crap! My bad, when you're doing homework simultaneously you forgot about everything else -.-

Thanks
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      03-06-2011, 10:13 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mrkhanna16 View Post
Dude it works. This is legit. Can't wait to blind people.
This is why US spec cars don't come with rear fogs.
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      03-06-2011, 10:15 PM   #18
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Is this only for 2011.5s or is this good on all US-Spec M3s?
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      03-06-2011, 10:28 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mrkbbd View Post
Is this only for 2011.5s or is this good on all US-Spec M3s?
2010 and newer come with the piece in place already. 2008/2009 need the "Lego" piece. 2010 and newer actually come with 2 pieces so if you cand find someone that will give you an extra "Lego" piece it will make things a lot easier.
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      03-06-2011, 10:39 PM   #20
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in dec, it got really foggy while i was on the freeway all of a sudden

i couldn't see 10 feet in front of me

i turned on the rear fogs. I could barely see the cars ahead so i really wish all cars had rear fog lights
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      03-07-2011, 07:03 PM   #21
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I consider this important for safety. On the highway during very heavy downpours - day or night - I want to be SEEN. It's hard enough to see folks in front of me, but knowing I may not be visible to someone coming up on me from behind makes it even more dangerous. At least I know if I turn on the rear fogs I have a better chance of being seen... that goes a long way to avoiding accidents.
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      03-07-2011, 08:45 PM   #22
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Just performed this on my car. Took a total of 10 minutes. I only had to cut the 4 ends of the button to make this functional. I had two of these lego buttons in my housing as well. Those rear fogs are blinding!
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