DIY: Enable Rear Fog lights (Free Mod) on E92 M3

[Venom]

Great write up! I just did this and since I didn't have the white piece on my e82, I used a few pieces of legos

Originally Posted by SROC5

Just did this, took a little extra effort since I have an 08 E92 (no plastic stalk/ lego piece). My method was three fold:

1) Pen cap (acts as a plastic stalk to push the custom flat surface)
2) Pen cap connects to a small cut out credit card square plate (use any old credit card) - cut two squares to fit into the space
3) Sandwich double tape between the two credit card squares, adjust thickness as needed (by adding more double tape. Trail and error until you feel the two rubber buttons are pushed by the switch.

DIYs where you got to think on your feet, get creative = mad FUN!

[larryn]

Fantastic! Just did this on my newly acquired M3. Works like a charm.

I messed up and traded my 135i in with the Euro switch installed, and I was wondering how I could get this to work on the M3.

Thanks!

[roastbeef]

cool. what color is the light? is it a different bulb than the reverse light?

[larryn]

Originally Posted by roastbeef

cool. what color is the light? is it a different bulb than the reverse light?

It is a bright red light. I believe it uses the 2-stage brake lights "high threshold" bulb, from the look of it.

[NELSON.MLGB]

Does the botton pop back?

[quads]

anyone notice the top button turns on the lights (when dial is on auto)

[larryn]

Originally Posted by NELSON.MLGB

Does the botton pop back?

Yes, it feels and functions like a proper button.

Originally Posted by 4sevens.com

anyone notice the top button turns on the lights (when dial is on auto)

I left the top white spacer in, and did not cut those tabs on the actual top button. I only modified the bottom button. Since some are now talking about utilizing the top button for other one-off functions, that great info to know.

[OC3]

Even in (usually) sunny SoCal, this comes in handy. Like when driving thru the Tejon Pass/Grapevine on rainy/foggy mornings on the way to Buttonwillow.

[BLACK OPS]

[beach bimmer]

Outstanding DIY writeup. I just activated both buttons. Will use the top button for a future front fog light installation. Thankyou!

[DARK_M3]

Excellent write up. I just did my '08 E90. Took a bit of creativity with legos, double sided tape and a small bit of plexiglass but in the end... success!!

Excuse the crappy cell pics.

Dash light when activated:


Regular lights:


Fog's on:


It's pretty light outside but you get the idea. Very simple!

[I M STIG]

I wonder, since the top button will activate the headlights when in auto, will the headlights still turn? I found out early on that having the headlights in the on position causes the headlights to not turn whenever you turn the steering wheel (I know most of us know this). But I wonder if that's the case with the front fog button pushed...?

[Rich_Jenkins]

Apologies if I missed it, but is it mandatory to remove the upper trim piece before levering off the light switch assembly? The video on the ECS web site seems to show it is not, but I'm not 100% certain that applies to an '09 E92?

http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E92-M3-...tch/ES1899562/

Edit - Aha, may have also found the trim removal tool in video:

http://www.harborfreight.com/5-piece...set-67021.html

[BimmerM]

Originally Posted by Llando88

Apologies if I missed it, but is it mandatory to remove the upper trim piece before levering off the light switch assembly? The video on the ECS web site seems to show it is not, but I'm not 100% certain that applies to an '09 E92?

You don't have to remove the vent trim but I chose to do it because I have full leather interior and didn't want to use the leather trim as the leverage point to pry the switch out. Removing the vent trim lets you just grab a hold of the light switch and wiggle it out. Also if you notice on the top of the light switch is a lip that hooks under the upper trim. Removing the upper trim will make it easier (at least for me). Either way will work.

[Rich_Jenkins]

Originally Posted by BimmerM

You don't have to remove the vent trim but I chose to do it because I have full leather interior and didn't want to use the leather trim as the leverage point to pry the switch out. Removing the vent trim lets you just grab a hold of the light switch and wiggle it out. Also if you notice on the top of the light switch is a lip that hooks under the upper trim. Removing the upper trim will make it easier (at least for me). Either way will work.

Perfect Ty sir.

[Upier]

Originally Posted by swamp2

Cost of manufacturing (as few changes to as few parts as possible) as well as local country laws on optional equipment both contribute to the configuration we see in production. I bet rear fogs are illegal in many places in the US.

Actually I think it is for the second brake light. If you look in the manual you will find that when you hit the brakes the brake lights come on (nosh!## right) but if you hit the pedal harder the brake lights get brighter. I am sure that is what the extra bulbs are for.

[bsiciliano]

Just did this. Thanks for the write up. Worked like a charm. They are really bright. As soon as I pressed the button the neighbors white garaged door lit up from 30 feet away.

[BIGW0RM]

On step 8, my dam button wont push out! little bastard! (edit, got it out!)

[bsiciliano]

Originally Posted by 4sevens.com

anyone notice the top button turns on the lights (when dial is on auto)

When I did this I removed both sets of white tabs to see what would happen, but I didn't realize the top button activated the headlights when turned to auto until you pointed it out. Good catch!

[hova00]

Thanks. Gives me something free to do to the car.

[ramuman]

Thanks OP. Worked like a charm. Not sure when I'll use it, but at least I know there's one less intuitionally disabled feature on my car. Step 8 was the only PITA since I couldn't find my eyeglass size flathead screwdrivers.

[rocket_science]

The perfect rainy day DIY. Except the rain lasted longer that the DIY (15 min). Thanks!