MINI2

MINI Division · May 14th, 2003, 02:05 AM

Well, we said that we would pass your comments regarding rear fog lights along within MINI and we did. We’re happy to report that MINI is working diligently on getting you what you’ve asked for. While we are certain that our current rear lighting arrangement offers more than adequate signaling, we also really believe in doing our best to satisfy our customers. We’ve appreciated all you’ve had to say on this subject and because of what you’ve said, we’re all listening.

As these types of enhancements are compounded by regulatory and technical challenges, we ask that you remain as patient as you’ve been until we can update you further.

Thanks again for your support and your input.

MINI USA Customer Relations

wdubs · May 14th, 2003, 02:55 AM

Here is the article and the link:

Mini will get a rear fog lamp in the not-too-distant future, says Jack Pitney, head of Mini’s U.S. operation.
Big deal?

Well, it is to 729 signers of an e-petition (petitiononline.com/MINIfogs) irked over a disabled fog lamp that dresses the Mini’s rear end. Europe gets the working edition of the lamp, but U.S.-spec cars are lacking the bulb, switch and software to activate the light. Pitney says all U.S. Minis, new and used, will get rear fog lamps.

http://www.autoweek.com/cat_content...._code=05902078

Mini1380 · May 14th, 2003, 03:10 AM

09:15 May 13, 2003.
Mini will get a rear fog lamp in the not-too-distant future, says Jack Pitney, head of Mini’s U.S. operation.

08:58 April 28, 2003
Michael McHale, Mini communications manager, says BMW's product marketing group, which decides the content in vehicles, opted to make rear fog lights unavailable on the U.S. version of the Mini.

3 cheers for Jack Pitney. 1 Giant raspberry for Michael McHale.

KAMAKAZI · May 14th, 2003, 04:16 AM

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU,

Mr MINIDIVISION you are the best!!!!!!

If you accomplish this feat (and i wish you the best) you will be remember nightly in all of our prayers.

I think MINI2 should think up some honor for this great man (woman?). MINI2 CUSTOMER RELATIONS MAN OF THE YEAR!!

goin440 · May 14th, 2003, 04:40 AM

???? Just pull the plug out of rear lights and splice wires 1 and 4.

MiniMan7 · May 14th, 2003, 05:25 AM

Ummm... what about Canada?

stryder · May 14th, 2003, 05:38 AM

Wow, that's a really useful first post wdubs.

Now we can all speculate why they finally decided to do this, and how its going to get done etc (especially the 'new and used'), though maybe Pitney will answer it in the questions we posed last month....

goin440 · May 14th, 2003, 05:39 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by wdubs
Europe gets the working edition of the lamp, but U.S.-spec cars are lacking the bulb, switch and software to activate the light

Actually, the bulb is there.

The fog lights are the top section of the rear taillights that aren't lit when the lights are on or brake applied

Pull the harness out of the rear taillight. The harness numbers the wires 1- something. Simply splicing wires 1 and 4 gives you "fogs" in braking.

Ask your local hardware for wire splicers: They look something like [UU]-[UU] Place the wires on one side in each "U" then snap shut. You only need two (one right and left).

Plug harness back in to the assembly and enjoy. Now, both top and bottom light up when brake is applied.

Looks better than stock.

Spy Car · May 14th, 2003, 05:41 AM

Goes to show one person can make a difference! Thanks Jason
Livingood!

This may save some lives one day. Thanks for sticking with it.

MINIAC · May 14th, 2003, 05:41 AM

According to Autoweek:

Quote:

Jack Pitney says all U.S. Minis, new and used, will get rear fog lamps.

Wonder how much the retrofit will cost

Casey · May 14th, 2003, 05:48 AM

"Jack Pitney says all U.S. Minis, new and used, will get rear fog lamps" - that wording almost makes it sound like they will be recalled to have them fit, but I can't believe that will be done. Kit will prolly be fairly spendy - as it will require a new toggle bank.

nonsequitur · May 14th, 2003, 06:15 AM

This is a very significant move by MINI, in response to energetic and inspired effort by a number of people. There is a deserved congratulations to those who helped make it happen, and also a need for appreciation to MINI.

Jack Pitney has stepped up here to respect and help his customers. We should make sure this gets a proper "Thank you."

cooper4us · May 14th, 2003, 06:44 AM

Thank you, thank you MINIUSA.

Now another wish.....

Can you offer the CVT Transmission in the Cooper 'S'?

heartbeat · May 14th, 2003, 06:48 AM

so...will we have to pay to get the extra toggle and software? jack's wording is a bit vague (goodjob official MINI copywriter!)

mine is coming in July...i wonder if this issue will be resolved by then?

MiniMan7 · May 14th, 2003, 06:50 AM

I'm still wondering... is Canada going to get the rear fog lights too!?

Spy Car · May 14th, 2003, 06:53 AM

Here are my other wishes:

1) Please don't dumb down the car by "softening" the suspension in response to J.D Power surveys. The SS+ is great the way it is!

2) Please don't dumb down the car by eliminating the Gertag manual transmission in favor of any form of "automatic". Let's keep the MCS a divers car.

Smokey 4 · May 14th, 2003, 07:27 AM

And my other wish, (just one that's all)

Fix the windshield, quit calling it rock chip induced.

The rocks aren't that smart to hit the same spots on all those windshields, are they?

P.S. thanks for the fog lights and thanks to Jason

94SwiftGT · May 14th, 2003, 07:42 AM

I'm glad that Mini if going to make the rear fogs functional.

I recently took a trip and it was very foggy for the better part of hour and a half.

I really wish that the rear fogs were functional as it would have made me feel more secure, and would have made my car more visible.

I did see an Audi that had rear fogs, and I spotted the Audi long before I could see cars that didn't have them.

I would like to thank Mini for realizing that this is a safety feature that we should have.

cooper4us · May 14th, 2003, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Spy Car
Here are my other wishes:

1) Please don't dumb down the car by "softening" the suspension in response to J.D Power surveys. The SS+ is great the way it is!

2) Please don't dumb down the car by eliminating the Gertag manual transmission in favor of any form of "automatic". Let's keep the MCS a divers car.

It amazes me how some people want to impose their Talibanistic views onto others....geeez!

Hey MINIUSA, I want (And many others do) a MCS with an upgraded CVT capable of handling power and torque to 200HP. Keep offering the 6-speed Getrag for those who enjoy the driving experience and the occassional 'boneheads' that have a very narrow view of life....

And for the rest of us that have come to appreciate the fantastic CVT in the regular Cooper we would love to have a CVT version of the MCS.

This is America, not Iraq or Cuba, therefore, we all are entitled to freedom of choice, even if those choices, don't agree with ours.

chiph · May 14th, 2003, 07:51 AM

Thanks MINIUSA!
I've been longing for this feature.

Chip H.

May 14th, 2003, 02:05 AM	#1
MINI Division MINI2 Regular Join Date: May 2002 Local Time: 12:12 AM Posts: 64 Offline	Rear Fog Lights Well, we said that we would pass your comments regarding rear fog lights along within MINI and we did. We’re happy to report that MINI is working diligently on getting you what you’ve asked for. While we are certain that our current rear lighting arrangement offers more than adequate signaling, we also really believe in doing our best to satisfy our customers. We’ve appreciated all you’ve had to say on this subject and because of what you’ve said, we’re all listening. As these types of enhancements are compounded by regulatory and technical challenges, we ask that you remain as patient as you’ve been until we can update you further. Thanks again for your support and your input. MINI USA Customer Relations

May 14th, 2003, 02:55 AM	#2 (permalink)
wdubs MINI2 Newbie Join Date: May 2003 Location: Baltimore, MD Local Time: 07:12 PM Posts: 1 Offline	Rear fog lamp coming to the United States Here is the article and the link: Mini will get a rear fog lamp in the not-too-distant future, says Jack Pitney, head of Mini’s U.S. operation. Big deal? Well, it is to 729 signers of an e-petition (petitiononline.com/MINIfogs) irked over a disabled fog lamp that dresses the Mini’s rear end. Europe gets the working edition of the lamp, but U.S.-spec cars are lacking the bulb, switch and software to activate the light. Pitney says all U.S. Minis, new and used, will get rear fog lamps. http://www.autoweek.com/cat_content...._code=05902078

May 14th, 2003, 03:10 AM	#3 (permalink)
Mini1380 Living in Mini Wasteland Join Date: May 2001 Location: Arkansas Local Time: 06:12 PM Posts: 351 Offline	09:15 May 13, 2003. Mini will get a rear fog lamp in the not-too-distant future, says Jack Pitney, head of Mini’s U.S. operation. 08:58 April 28, 2003 Michael McHale, Mini communications manager, says BMW's product marketing group, which decides the content in vehicles, opted to make rear fog lights unavailable on the U.S. version of the Mini. 3 cheers for Jack Pitney. 1 Giant raspberry for Michael McHale. Sold the Cooper. Now driving the Traveller. I mean Clubman.

May 14th, 2003, 04:16 AM	#4 (permalink)
KAMAKAZI MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jul 2002 Local Time: 12:12 AM Posts: 166 Offline	THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, Mr MINIDIVISION you are the best!!!!!! If you accomplish this feat (and i wish you the best) you will be remember nightly in all of our prayers. I think MINI2 should think up some honor for this great man (woman?). MINI2 CUSTOMER RELATIONS MAN OF THE YEAR!! Cooper S Brg/w sport package

May 14th, 2003, 04:40 AM	#5 (permalink)
goin440 Numb from Jäger Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Indiana Local Time: 07:12 PM Posts: 557 Offline	???? Just pull the plug out of rear lights and splice wires 1 and 4. -goin440 IB/IB MC

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May 14th, 2003, 05:25 AM	#6 (permalink)
MiniMan7 Let's Motor. Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Hamilton, Ontario Local Time: 09:12 PM Posts: 2,891 Offline	Ummm... what about Canada? http://www.mini2.com/gallery/personal/16791/32165.jpg

May 14th, 2003, 05:38 AM	#7 (permalink)
stryder Sponsor/Moderator/Other Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Cleveland Local Time: 07:12 PM Posts: 3,267 Offline	Wow, that's a really useful first post wdubs. Now we can all speculate why they finally decided to do this, and how its going to get done etc (especially the 'new and used'), though maybe Pitney will answer it in the questions we posed last month.... Magic 8-ball was correct. All be in awe of Magic 8 ball.

May 14th, 2003, 05:39 AM	#8 (permalink)
goin440 Numb from Jäger Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Indiana Local Time: 07:12 PM Posts: 557 Offline	Re: Rear fog lamp coming to the United States Quote: Originally posted by wdubs Europe gets the working edition of the lamp, but U.S.-spec cars are lacking the bulb, switch and software to activate the light Actually, the bulb is there. The fog lights are the top section of the rear taillights that aren't lit when the lights are on or brake applied Pull the harness out of the rear taillight. The harness numbers the wires 1- something. Simply splicing wires 1 and 4 gives you "fogs" in braking. Ask your local hardware for wire splicers: They look something like [UU]-[UU] Place the wires on one side in each "U" then snap shut. You only need two (one right and left). Plug harness back in to the assembly and enjoy. Now, both top and bottom light up when brake is applied. Looks better than stock. -goin440 IB/IB MC Last edited by goin440 : May 14th, 2003 at 05:59 AM.

May 14th, 2003, 05:41 AM	#9 (permalink)
Spy Car I miss Ruthie Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: City of the Angels Local Time: 04:12 PM Posts: 6,425 Offline	Goes to show one person can make a difference! Thanks Jason Livingood! This may save some lives one day. Thanks for sticking with it. Last edited by Spy Car : May 14th, 2003 at 06:45 AM.

May 14th, 2003, 05:41 AM	#10 (permalink)
MINIAC MINI Profiler Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: City By The Bay Local Time: 04:12 PM Posts: 8,620 Online	According to Autoweek: Quote: Jack Pitney says all U.S. Minis, new and used, will get rear fog lamps. Wonder how much the retrofit will cost

May 14th, 2003, 05:48 AM	#11 (permalink)
Casey MINI2 co-founder Join Date: Jan 2001 Local Time: 07:12 PM Posts: 655 Offline	"Jack Pitney says all U.S. Minis, new and used, will get rear fog lamps" - that wording almost makes it sound like they will be recalled to have them fit, but I can't believe that will be done. Kit will prolly be fairly spendy - as it will require a new toggle bank.

May 14th, 2003, 06:15 AM	#12 (permalink)
nonsequitur MINI2 Master My Classifieds Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Seattle area, WA Local Time: 04:12 PM Posts: 1,471 Offline	This is a very significant move by MINI, in response to energetic and inspired effort by a number of people. There is a deserved congratulations to those who helped make it happen, and also a need for appreciation to MINI. Jack Pitney has stepped up here to respect and help his customers. We should make sure this gets a proper "Thank you." '02 MINI Cooper CVT(6/12/02; Indi Blue/Black, R-81 7-hole 15x5.5" or NZO 16x6.5") '67 Austin Cooper S (6/26/67; Tartan Red/Black, 10x4.5")

May 14th, 2003, 06:44 AM	#13 (permalink)
cooper4us MINI2 Master Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Florida Local Time: 07:12 PM Posts: 1,423 Offline	Thank you, thank you MINIUSA. Now another wish..... Can you offer the CVT Transmission in the Cooper 'S'? '02 MINI Cooper CVT On Order: 2004 MCS (Est production date: 9/5/03)

May 14th, 2003, 06:48 AM	#14 (permalink)
heartbeat MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: roanoke, VA Local Time: 07:12 PM Posts: 26 Offline	so...will we have to pay to get the extra toggle and software? jack's wording is a bit vague (goodjob official MINI copywriter!) mine is coming in July...i wonder if this issue will be resolved by then?

May 14th, 2003, 06:50 AM	#15 (permalink)
MiniMan7 Let's Motor. Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Hamilton, Ontario Local Time: 09:12 PM Posts: 2,891 Offline	I'm still wondering... is Canada going to get the rear fog lights too!? http://www.mini2.com/gallery/personal/16791/32165.jpg

May 14th, 2003, 06:53 AM	#16 (permalink)
Spy Car I miss Ruthie Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: City of the Angels Local Time: 04:12 PM Posts: 6,425 Offline	Here are my other wishes: 1) Please don't dumb down the car by "softening" the suspension in response to J.D Power surveys. The SS+ is great the way it is! 2) Please don't dumb down the car by eliminating the Gertag manual transmission in favor of any form of "automatic". Let's keep the MCS a divers car.

May 14th, 2003, 07:27 AM	#17 (permalink)
Smokey 4 MINI2 Master Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Hills of NC Local Time: 07:12 PM Posts: 752 Offline	And my other wish, (just one that's all) Fix the windshield, quit calling it rock chip induced. The rocks aren't that smart to hit the same spots on all those windshields, are they? P.S. thanks for the fog lights and thanks to Jason

May 14th, 2003, 07:42 AM	#18 (permalink)
94SwiftGT MINI2 Regular Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Florida Local Time: 12:12 AM Posts: 67 Offline	I'm glad that Mini if going to make the rear fogs functional. I recently took a trip and it was very foggy for the better part of hour and a half. I really wish that the rear fogs were functional as it would have made me feel more secure, and would have made my car more visible. I did see an Audi that had rear fogs, and I spotted the Audi long before I could see cars that didn't have them. I would like to thank Mini for realizing that this is a safety feature that we should have.

May 14th, 2003, 07:50 AM	#19 (permalink)
cooper4us MINI2 Master Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Florida Local Time: 07:12 PM Posts: 1,423 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by Spy Car Here are my other wishes: 1) Please don't dumb down the car by "softening" the suspension in response to J.D Power surveys. The SS+ is great the way it is! 2) Please don't dumb down the car by eliminating the Gertag manual transmission in favor of any form of "automatic". Let's keep the MCS a divers car. It amazes me how some people want to impose their Talibanistic views onto others....geeez! Hey MINIUSA, I want (And many others do) a MCS with an upgraded CVT capable of handling power and torque to 200HP. Keep offering the 6-speed Getrag for those who enjoy the driving experience and the occassional 'boneheads' that have a very narrow view of life.... And for the rest of us that have come to appreciate the fantastic CVT in the regular Cooper we would love to have a CVT version of the MCS. This is America, not Iraq or Cuba, therefore, we all are entitled to freedom of choice, even if those choices, don't agree with ours. '02 MINI Cooper CVT On Order: 2004 MCS (Est production date: 9/5/03)

May 14th, 2003, 07:51 AM	#20 (permalink)
chiph Spectator Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Raleigh, NC Local Time: 08:12 PM Posts: 1,563 Offline	Thanks MINIUSA! I've been longing for this feature. Chip H. ex-MINI Cooper S owner and all around good-guy

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