[chaincooperS]

Hi folks,

Forgive the noob question please - - I've just ordered my Cooper S a few days ago, and I'm wondering if I should tack on the rear fog lamp? Whats the common opinion? I'm having a hard time convincing myself its worth the money. My main concern is an empty toggle switch on the interior, which I fear will drive me nuts... Does anyone have any strong opinions one way or the other on the rear fog lamp?

Thanks folks.

[05HB]

I'd get it for the very reason you mention - avoiding that empty toggle space. Unfortunately, the rear fog is not allowed here in Oregon, so my MINI is on it's way to me, less one toggle switch.

I'd love to hear from those who have the rear fog light - hear them say how worthless it is and that I shouldn't feel bad about not having it!

[Paul]

Depends a) How much that blank toggle will drive you mad (it would really bug me) and b) How foggy it gets where you live.

[RedMini]

..... and c) on how much it costs.

They can be pretty useful in heavy rain too when they let people see you through the spray much sooner than with regular tail lights.

In the UK we don't have the dilemma as they are a legal requirement - I'm amazed that there are places where they are illegal. Does it never rain heavily in Oregon?

[fairmont]

I added the rear fog light on my 05 Cooper about a wek after delivery. My reason was simply to fill-up the toggle board. I'm glad I did. Believe it or not, it does make a big difference on the looks of the interior.

[chaincooperS]

Thanks for the input everyone. I'm in Boston (Cambridge really), and I don't recall too much fog for the last few years. Although I think I'm sold purely on the empty toggle switch issue. Thanks everyone!

[robc]

Quote: Originally Posted by chaincooperS

Thanks for the input everyone. I'm in Boston (Cambridge really), and I don't recall too much fog for the last few years. Although I think I'm sold purely on the empty toggle switch issue. Thanks everyone!

Although I now live in Seattle (where it's foggy and rainy), I'm from Boston and clearly remember driving down the highway in the winter, at night, blinded by spray from from plows and sanding trucks. I think the rear fog light will be a great safety feature as well as finishing out your interior.

To those in Europe where rear fogs are required... many Americans don't recognize a rear fog light for what it is when they see one. Instead of educating us, some states figure it's easier just to ban them.

-Rob

[Cooper76]

Quote: Originally Posted by robc

To those in Europe where rear fogs are required... many Americans don't recognize a rear fog light for what it is when they see one. Instead of educating us, some states figure it's easier just to ban them.

-Rob

Excellent point! What nutso locale would ban a safety feature on an automobile?

(I'm sure Oregon is a lovely place.... )

[Gr8Dain]

When it is "on" in our Audi, people always tell us we have something wrong with our brake lights.

We hardly have a use for it in VA, but with some of the rains and blinding snow we occassionally get, it has been used. I don't see a need to run it all of the time.

I plan to add one to our 05 MCSC soon.

[chaincooperS]

Yep, its all added officially. I also figured it was safer, especially given my S will be dark silver/black and the average insanity level of the mass pike.

[MonkeyMan]

I had rear fogs installed on my '04 MCS to avoid the empty toggle switch. It turns out Rasmussen MINI in Portland, OR, USA said they could put in a fake one, but by then I already had the car. I don't use them much because it confuses people here (like a lot of stuff) but I do use them when people follow too closely - flipping them on gives the impression I'm breaking while I speed away - it's a good trick to get away from a tailgater.

[Cooper76]

Quote: Originally Posted by MonkeyMan

I don't use them much because it confuses people here (like a lot of stuff) but I do use them when people follow too closely - flipping them on gives the impression I'm breaking while I speed away - it's a good trick to get away from a tailgater.

I have heard this from more than one person. It seems like in the U.S., the rear fog is better served as an anti-tailgating device.

[Kurtster]

But California is full of terrible drivers. I'm not surprised they're illegal in some places, given how stupid some people here really are.

THat being said, I bought it just to fill the switch spot, then I couldn't stand having a switch that did nothing so I paid for the upgrade to turn on the feature. Now they work and I've used them twice in a year. Of course, I have no idea how effective or bothersome they were to other drivers.

[BlackOutS]

Forget the rear foglight, fill the toggle board with a nitrous arm switch!