2005 U.S. spec rear fog light installation

[kfmuller]

I've got a 2005 MCS (U.S. no rear fog). I purchased the rear fog light and the toggle switch upgrade, but I'm having trouble installing the rear light. I looked at the Motoringfile.com install instructions for the complete 2005 rear light install, but it wasn't helpful for my problem.

When you remove the plastic piece that covers the rear fog light hole there is supposed to be a wire or wires in the hole with a connector to attach to the fog light. I see and feel the wires in there, but I cannot see a connector anywhere in there. Has anybody done this mod and if you have, where is the connector for the light?



Thanks,



Karl

[aautobee]

Karl,

You wouldn't happen to have the part numbers for the fog light would you? I have looked on my 2nd week august build and have the same situation you do with the taped up wires but no connector? If I find any info I will post it here...

-Andy

[lukebuzzy]

If there is no connector it probably needs a new rear light wire harness.

[lukebuzzy]

I found a diagram in this pdf:

http://www.motoringfile.com/files/2005_taillights.pdf

[kfmuller]

Thanks - I looked at the diagram you reference in your post, but I think this is for folks with pre 05 models who want to put the 05 rear lights in. The part no. for the fog lamp is: 63 24 6 933 275. I spoke with the parts guy at my dealer and he seems to think the connector is in there somewhere, but like I said, I can't find it anywhere close to the hole. The red light looks better than the dummy plate added by the factory, but I sure would like to hook it up to really work. Guess I'll have to take it to the dealer.

[steebo777]

Big bummer on this situation for me. I've got a second week July build 2005 MCS, and have been wanting the rear foggie. Well just found this thread on NAM that pretty much says I am SOL. Oh well, I put the rear light back there for now. It does look better than the black piece of plastic.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ozbone:
So if your '05 was built BEFORE 10/14/04 what can you do?

Originally Posted by kfmuller:
Spoke to the parts individual at Classic and he said if your car was built between July and 10/14/04 you are SOL.

[lukebuzzy]

Lovely, my Mini was built in the first week of July. Can't we just order the wiring harness and install that?

Luke

[aautobee]

When I remove the black cover, there is a bundle of wires running across that are taped up with electrical tape. Does anybody know what these are? Maybe there will be a retrofit kit that has the wires to splice into these?!?! I will see if I can find anything out tomorrow. I am going to the dealer to pick up the fog light itself.

-Andy

[jonnyyellow]

a few questions..:

1. How much was the rear fog light and the the toggle panel?

2. How do you take out the dummy plate? (does it snap out?, how?, push in?)

3. What does SOL mean? So out of luck?>

[aautobee]

I don't know the $$$ of the the toggle but I think they run about $75, the dealer charged me $23 for the light it self. And yes the blanking plate just pops out (at leats on mine)

-Andy

[steebo777]

Can you buy the wiring to retrofit the rear foggie? That might solve issues. Either that or I'm going to somehow do it myself.

[twouptons]

Quote: Originally Posted by aautobee

I don't know the $$$ of the the toggle but I think they run about $75, the dealer charged me $23 for the light it self. And yes the blanking plate just pops out (at leats on mine)

-Andy

That's what I was just quoted for the pair. The switches were in stock, the light is now on order. There are apparently six different versions of the switch bank, depending on your options...

Has anyone got quotes for install? Or even just "activation"

-Eric

[Gr8Dain]

I just picked up my new switch panel and light ($75 and $23, respectively) last night. I got quoted .5 hrs labor for the activation ($50). They said an extra 1 hr labor for the installation. I went home and put the light in the bumper. 1 minute tops. Of course I had the plug already for it. Dec '04 build. What an improvement!!!

Now to get the switch panel out. I cannot believe that it will take me 59 more minutes to do it. I will probably do it tonight. I just have a hard time paying the dealer $100 for this simple installation. Unfortunately, I can't do the programing. I will use the FAQ to "rip" the knee bolster off and get to the downtubes. Tat is well written and has taken the fear out of my tearing the interior apart

Dain

[Gr8Dain]

OK. Done. It did take about an hour to get the switch panel swapped. But then, I was taking my sweet time to ensure that I did not scratch or break anything. The right up in the FAQ is great.

Just saved myself a bit. Does this count as our first 'mod'? Too bad I have to get it to the dealer for activation. Now I have to take some pics of the installed product.

[twouptons]

Quote: Originally Posted by Gr8Dain

OK. Done. It did take about an hour to get the switch panel swapped. But then, I was taking my sweet time to ensure that I did not scratch or break anything. The right up in the FAQ is great.

Just saved myself a bit. Does this count as our first 'mod'? Too bad I have to get it to the dealer for activation. Now I have to take some pics of the installed product.

I did the lamp itself yesterday. It took me two minutes, since I couldn't get the masking tape off the wires

For those who are wondering how to get the blank out, you can reach underneath the car to the area around the blank. There are two clips on the blank. Squeeze the clips and push, and the blank should pop right out of the bumper. The wiring for the lamp is above the blank. Ours was taped up with beige masking tape (not electrical tape), and folded over so at first I didn't see the connector.

Even inoperative, the red lamp looks far better on the back of the car than the black blank. Makes me think MINI should have used a red reflector rather than the black thing.

I'm hoping to do the switch bank this weekend...

-Eric