[VWtoBMW]

Ordered the European switch so I can utilize the rear fog

Thanks to the DIY posted in the DIY forum, 5 minutes of simple labor and it was working !! The indicator on the dash appears as well

Before:


After:

[the infamous...]

[jedpause]

So this is disabled on US/CA models? Is that because it is illegal, or just not 'needed'.

If it's illegal, won't you have a problem (I find it hard to imagine it is illegal)... just seems crazy it is disabled in the first place... we use them a lot in drizzly/crappy/foggy London

[cpdp]

remember that sometimes the rear fog light itself is a danger

[remmib]

Think this is the first pics I've seen of the F10 rear fogs, cause I've never seen a F10 i real life driving with them on here.

[dbs600]

Can someone please post a link to the DIY page here?

And, any word on whether also applicable to the F01?

Thanks!

[bobblehead]

http://f10.5post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=597179

http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-F01-740...tch/ES2497350/

[rhinosaur]

Originally Posted by jedpause

So this is disabled on US/CA models? Is that because it is illegal, or just not 'needed'.

If it's illegal, won't you have a problem (I find it hard to imagine it is illegal)... just seems crazy it is disabled in the first place... we use them a lot in drizzly/crappy/foggy London

I have the exact same questions.
I find it unbelievable that they are disabled in some markets, knowing how important they can be in certain weather / road conditions!

[AP]

In the UK, they are only supposed to be used when the visibility drops below 100 metres but people do often use then when visibility does not justify it.
in those condtions, it can be a nuisance.

Glad BMW adopts 2 lights , a lot of manufacturers only adopt 1 light (I suppose that's the legal minimum) which at least safegauards against the unlikely event of a bulb failure.

[VWtoBMW]

Originally Posted by cpdp

remember that sometimes the rear fog light itself is a danger

Yup. Agree 100%.

I use it in heavy rain and snow. So rarely.

Some ahole in an A6 was driving the other night with his on. It was dry and clear so I went in front if him and turned mine on. He backed off and later shut his off so it has many purposes lol

[rhinosaur]

Originally Posted by VWtoBMW

Yup. Agree 100%.

I use it in heavy rain and snow. So rarely.

Some ahole in an A6 was driving the other night with his on. It was dry and clear so I went in front if him and turned mine on. He backed off and later shut his off so it has many purposes lol

It is also good to signal those lost souls who "forget" to turn the high beams off when you are in front.

[VWtoBMW]

Always do

[dbs600]

Thanks, Bobble!

[Seattle335]

Originally Posted by rhinosaur

I have the exact same questions.
I find it unbelievable that they are disabled in some markets, knowing how important they can be in certain weather / road conditions!

'Cos the antiquated US DOT would rather mandate the ugly orange side reflectors that probably date back to blinders on horse drawn carriages. When I traded in an M3 a few years ago, the dealer had to swap the orange reflectors back on to have the vehicle qualify for CPO.
BTW - I also swapped out the switch on my 550 and use the rear fogs only in heavy rain/snow.

[raleedy]

Rear foglights are not activated for US models for the simple reason, I think, that they are not required by state law governing lighting equipment. There may also be some places in the U.S. where they are not permitted (because they are too bright, I suppose); and there's always the problem of their being over-used by drivers who are not too bright. I find them a comfort in low-visibility conditions on the Interstate. You sacrifice the two-stage brake lighting, though, when you have them on.

[OzDriver]

Originally Posted by raleedy

You sacrifice the two-stage brake lighting, though, when you have them on.

In heavy fog all braking requires attention from the driver behind, you don't really need to distinguish between light and heavy.

[VWtoBMW]

I think if the rear fog is being used in heavy rain or snow, there will not be any (or minimal) urgent stops. It's probably more gradual calculated breaking. The amount of times that the rear fog is actually used is minimal so I think overall it is worth the upgrade.

[NAL]

I think the problem was that the rear fogs were being mistaken for brake lights. I had a Volvo that only 1 side rear fog was activated. I took it to the dealer and was informed that was done on purpose to avoid drivers thinking you were braking.

I have them activated on my '12 F10 535i and they are great to use in the heavy downpours here in Florida. Of course, you can always use your flashers. Many do.

[positiveions]

Actually that's really a must to have these days. Cool project.

[Sharbotcom]

Originally Posted by raleedy

Rear foglights are not activated for US models for the simple reason, I think, that they are not required by state law governing lighting equipment. There may also be some places in the U.S. where they are not permitted (because they are too bright, I suppose); and there's always the problem of their being over-used by drivers who are not too bright. I find them a comfort in low-visibility conditions on the Interstate. You sacrifice the two-stage brake lighting, though, when you have them on.

Nice pun

[Gilgorm]

Virtually every MB I've owned has had the one fog light on the drivers side. Why BMW installs everything except the switch doesn't really make a lot of sense.

[martin mustang]

I use them to push back suckers driving to close, often they think you hit the brake so back off a bit, but being stupid they get closer again, and I end up putting them on one more time.