Rear Fogs?

[GregW / Oregon]

Originally Posted by Kev

No, coz one side of the front bumper opens to the oil cooler, the other opens to the intake.

As shown here:

[Periokid]

Originally Posted by Kev

No, coz one side of the front bumper opens to the oil cooler, the other opens to the intake.

Some manufacturers put fogs in the regular headlight assembly for that or other reasons.

I figured that fogs might be a requirement somewhere in the world (ie EU) and was wondering how fogs were done in those situations. I guess they just do not need them anywhere in the world (except for rear fogs).

Thanks.

[Kev]

Originally Posted by Periokid

Some manufacturers put fogs in the regular headlight assembly for that or other reasons.

I figured that fogs might be a requirement somewhere in the world (ie EU) and was wondering how fogs were done in those situations. I guess they just do not need them anywhere in the world (except for rear fogs).

Thanks.

The only integrated fog light that I know of was in the W220 S-Class, but that was removed in the new W221

[Trier Germany]

Originally Posted by GregW / Oregon

Thanks to jinxter's impetus, I have installed the rear fog switch. It's really easy. I know he will be following up with a further enhancement of this mod, but I thought I'd post a basic DIY.

1) Part number is 61 31 6 932 796, "Control Element Light", $87.40 list
2) Starting at the outside (door side), gently pry out the edge of the trim piece that contains the left air vent. There are two prongs that are a friction fit.
3) Through the hole created, pull out the lower piece containing the light switch. It is a friction fit with 3 prongs.
4) Disconnect the light switch from the panel by depressing and releasing the two tabs on the top and two on the bottom.
5) Disconnect the electrical by rotating the lock lever and pulling out.
6) Connect the electrical to the new switch.
7) Attach the new switch to the panel, making sure each tab "clicks" into the lcoked position.
8) Reinstall the two removed panels by pushing gently back into place.

The rear fogs can now be turned on with the lower push switch. Warning: These are very bright, so only use them when it's really foggy (or maybe some A*hole is tailgating you).

Greg,

thanks your post helped out big time!

I used Part# 61319169494 for my E-90 M3 it's for the LCI and has the chrome accent it cost me 79 euro with tax.


It worked liked advertised thanks again,

chris

[mdrobc13]

Did the mod myself a while about...used it this weekend in the unexpected snowtorm we had yesterday in DC to keep folks from running into me! M3 and winter tires and keeping it under 40mph...had me moving surely and steady from work to home! Awesome!

[mgifford6]

61 31 6 932 797 - front fog no, rain sensor yes

OK, after reading the post I need the above part # for an 08 E90 M3 (US Model). If the is correct please confirm, if not please clarify correct part #. I am going to try and order one. Thanks in advance.

[mgifford6]

Originally Posted by Gelsenpower

This is my car - see the switch with rear foglight button...

What part #?

[MMMorish]

Originally Posted by elp_jc

I actually like the '08 much better, so ordered my euro switch black. It's a matter of taste .

I agree. The chrome/aluminum look on the 09' switch is too glitzy for me! I don't even like the chrome/aluminum accents on the 09' cup holders either. I do, however, like the 09' starter button ring better than the 08's.

[mgifford6]

Anything on a US Version Part number?

[Wellardmac]

Anyone have any idea why BMW is blocking sale of these switches in the US?

[mdosu]

Originally Posted by Wellardmac

Anyone have any idea why BMW is blocking sale of these switches in the US?

DOT is blocking it, rear fogs are illega in US

[OilPatch]

Originally Posted by mdosu

DOT is blocking it, rear fogs are illega in US

Are you sure about that? My parents Audi q7 comes with rear fogs already set up, switch included.

[mdosu]

Originally Posted by OilPatch

Are you sure about that? My parents Audi q7 comes with rear fogs already set up, switch included.

i stand corrected, rear fogs are legal in US, (state by state codes vary) BUT if they're not offered, then the euro spec lighting is likely not compliant in terms of spacing, light strength, etc, or the manufacturer's legal department decided it can't cover all state's various laws, and elects to not offer it.

http://www.ehow.com/list_7264975_rea...gulations.html

[OilPatch]

Originally Posted by mdosu

i stand corrected, rear fogs are legal in US, (state by state codes) BUT if they're not offered, then the euro spec lighting is likely not compliant in terms of spacing, light strength, etc...

That sounds right, I'm sure if it doesn't come set up that way they are eCode which does not meet the same DOT requirements.

Side note my parents had no idea what it even was until I showed them, so I can see why most manufactures don't bother with making it DOT compliant.

[mdosu]

Originally Posted by OilPatch

That sounds right, I'm sure if it doesn't come set up that way they are eCode which does not meet the same DOT requirements.

Side note my parents had no idea what it even was until I showed them, so I can see why most manufactures don't bother with making it DOT compliant.

acutally, here's what wiki said:

In Europe and other countries adhering to UN Regulation 48, vehicles must be equipped with one or two bright red "rear fog lamps" (or "fog taillamps"), which serve as high-intensity rear position lamps to be energised by the driver in conditions of poor visibility to enhance vehicle conspicuity from the rear. The allowable range of intensity for a rear fog lamp is 150 to 300 candela,[15] which is within the range of a U.S. stop lamp (brake light).[6] For this reason, some European vehicles imported to the United States have their rear fog lamps wired as stop lamps, since their European-specification stop lamps may not be sufficiently intense to comply with U.S. regulations, rear fog lamps are not required equipment. However, they are permitted, and are found almost exclusively on European-brand vehicles in North America — Audi, Jaguar, Mercedes, MINI, Land Rover, Porsche, Saab and Volvo provide functional rear fog lights on their North American models. The final generation Oldsmobile Aurora also had dual rear fog lights installed in the rear bumper as standard equipment

[Wellardmac]

So, BMW has the choice to enable them, but does not. When I read your first comment this morning I thought it was odd because my Porsche has the rear fog light enabled.

I've been searching for a switch for the last couple of days and am not having much luck. I'll keep looking for a while and if that fails I'll have a friend in Europe send one to me.

Anyone seen any US sources recently? What I'm finding is that they're listed on websites, but they're "special order" and when they try to order the part they get rejected.

[OilPatch]

Originally Posted by Wellardmac

So, BMW has the choice to enable them, but does not. When I read your first comment this morning I thought it was odd because my Porsche has the rear fog light enabled.

I've been searching for a switch for the last couple of days and am not having much luck. I'll keep looking for a while and if that fails I'll have a friend in Europe send one to me.

Anyone seen any US sources recently? What I'm finding is that they're listed on websites, but they're "special order" and when they try to order the part they get rejected.

ECS tuning sells them, there is also a DIY on how to enable them.

[Wellardmac]

Originally Posted by OilPatch

ECS tuning sells them, there is also a DIY on how to enable them.

Thanks. I ordered one. Now we'll see if they can get hold of it. It might take a while to find out, as they claim to be backordered until September.

[edwinm3]

I got the switch from ECS tuning and it's a simple swap and voila, no coding necessary.

[Wellardmac]

Looks like my switch will arrive tomorrow - should I disconnect the battery when switching over the connection?

[Wellardmac]

Great mod!

I now have the switch installed and can relax when we have a foggy day.