Euro Light Switch for E90 Sedan

mikekilpatrick · 09-21-2010, 12:07 AM

Well, I just put in the Euro Light switch on my Halogen equipped E90 2008 Sedan. Took all of 5 minutes for the Mod, thanks to the DIY post for the help! I had a little doubt as to whether the Euro switch would work with a halogen equipped BMW as I had read that it would only work with HID Xenon optioned cars, but it DOES work with ANY model it appears. I made sure to keep the light switch in the OFF position before the removal and during the installation of the new switch. No errors, no problems, just a new switch that now allows me to have rear fog lights on the car! Paid 80 bucks shipped on the new switch and it does work beautifully.

I really recommend this mod, but make sure to use in safety, those rear fogs are REALLY bright and would be able to blind another driver. Might be good to flash a person with high beams in your rear view, but that is about it.

Thanks again for all the posts my fellow BMW owners!

Mike

chowser51 · 09-21-2010, 12:09 AM

how much was the light switch? i just shoved a piece of plastic in mine and used a rubberband to give it bounce and it works great. my switch doesn't light up though. but i can see the indicator on the dash that i have it on.

mikekilpatrick · 09-21-2010, 12:19 AM

My feeling is that if you are going to fork out 40-50 grand for a car, and you are going to do a mod, spend the money and do it right. Not a big fan of plastic pieces and rubber bands in the main component that provides light for the car. I like the way it lights up and it only took 5 minutes for the mod.

To each their own, but I think the switch is well worth the money.

Zasquatch · 09-21-2010, 06:03 AM

Hey, I'm new around here, back in a BMW after a while of trying other options...

So what's the point of rear fog lights? I've never heard of them or seen them on a car for that matter...

psubimmer08 · 09-21-2010, 06:40 AM

Where did you purchase the switch from?

psubimmer08 · 09-21-2010, 07:08 AM

Also, are these fogs installed on the 06 325i's?

Thanks

m@rco · 09-21-2010, 07:24 AM

Mind you that - in Europe - rear fog lights shall only be used when visibility is less than 50 meters (~55 yards). And that happens rarely! You risk a fine when using them incorrectly because it creates the impression that drivers are braking. To distinguish between a brake and fog light, many European car manufactures decided to have only one fog light. However, the use of fog lights still may lead to non-smooth traffic and has lead to head-tail collisions in the past. This and the absence of severe fog in the US may be the reason that fog lights are not installed on US cars. Use them wisely and don't irritate the people behind you! Other than that, enjoy having your new gadget.

cb1111 · 09-21-2010, 07:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m@rco

Mind you that - in Europe - rear fog lights shall only be used when visibility is less than 50 meters (~55 yards). And that happens rarely! You risk a fine when using them incorrectly because it creates the impression that drivers are braking. To distinguish between a brake and fog light, many European car manufactures decided to have only one fog light. However, the use of fog lights still may lead to non-smooth traffic and has lead to head-tail collisions in the past. This and the absence of severe fog in the US may be the reason that fog lights are not installed on US cars. Use them wisely and don't irritate the people behind you! Other than that, enjoy having your new gadget.

The reason that rear fogs are seldom installed in the US is because there are no laws governing them and people are clueless as to their use.

IIRC, all European countries require the presence of a rear fog on the driver side of the car (left for the continent, right for the UK) but many manufacturers install two - some remove the lightbulb from the passenger side.

There are many ares in the US where severe fog is an issue but there is nothing quite as annoying ans being behind some idiot (usually mid '90's Jaguar XJ's, 2000-2003 Audi A6 or Land Rovers) that has his rear fogs on in clear weather.

Kevin Harney · 09-21-2010, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by psubimmer08

Also, are these fogs installed on the 06 325i's?

Thanks

AFAIK they are installed on all E9x's.

Kevin Harney · 09-21-2010, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Annino

Hey, I'm new around here, back in a BMW after a while of trying other options...

So what's the point of rear fog lights? I've never heard of them or seen them on a car for that matter...

The point of rear fog lights is to increase the visibilty of your car from the back in severe inclement weather. This helps to prevent drivers from rear ending you due to lack of visibilty.

wrickem · 09-21-2010, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikekilpatrick

My feeling is that if you are going to fork out 40-50 grand for a car, and you are going to do a mod, spend the money and do it right. Not a big fan of plastic pieces and rubber bands in the main component that provides light for the car. I like the way it lights up and it only took 5 minutes for the mod.

To each their own, but I think the switch is well worth the money.

+1 and easiest mod ever.

I just got mine for my newly ordered 3, which isn't even built yet so it can be the first thing I install when I get the car. I use mine a lot driving along the foggy river in the early morning on my way to work.

E90SLAM · 09-21-2010, 10:20 AM

I used to help some friends with their light switch....doing the lego mod...

ChasVS · 09-21-2010, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikekilpatrick

I really recommend this mod, but make sure to use in safety, those rear fogs are REALLY bright and would be able to blind another driver.
Mike

Ah, those are the same bulbs that are used for the "panic stop" brake lights. They will certainly be distracting, but then that's the idea as a Rear Fog light. To be seen.

mikekilpatrick · 09-22-2010, 01:50 PM

I bought the light switch from raf555, he had a couple for sale. He shipped super fast and kept me informed of the purchase transaction very well. Excellent purchase from him.

DFWTCP · 09-30-2010, 03:47 PM

Hey...I was really excited on reading the Euro light switch mod BUT...in searching through several dealers on the net I am now told that BMW has completely stopped allowing import of any parts that are "Euro only" and that the part is not available anywhere. Does anyone still have a source?
Thanks
DFWTCP
I found the source in the E90post!!!!
ECS Tuning definitely still selling Euro switch. A Little more pricey ($117) but worth it to me to have factory appearance in the new BMW.

linlaoboo · 09-30-2010, 03:58 PM

I did the mod without spending a dime. A 40K car should come equipped with more gagets than cheaper cars, not making you pay for them in options but that's beside the point. I only use it on assholes that with high beams or people that tailgate which we have lots of here. Then I turn them off.

hdrewh · 10-02-2010, 08:17 AM

Just did mine. Ordered the part from ECS tuning. Frankly I'm not sure how much use it will get but I'm happy to have it regardless - it bothered me on principal that my car had this feature all wired up and ready to go, but "disabled".

Rochdale Pioneers · 10-02-2010, 01:13 PM

I don't understand why your cars don't have this fitted. Its all about visibility. You ever drive in heavy rain where spray means the cars in front are barely visible? Thats when you need "fog" lights.

We get dense fog not that often. Massive walls of spray yo can hardly see through? Lots. All lights on.

Blackadder · 10-02-2010, 01:19 PM

I had my rear fogs done when my stereo install guy was putting in the new speakers. He had it done with a piece of plastic in about 5 mins. I have only used it once in dense fog on my way over to Kelowna (mountain pass).

wrickem · 10-02-2010, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rochdale Pioneers

I don't understand why your cars don't have this fitted. Its all about visibility. You ever drive in heavy rain where spray means the cars in front are barely visible? Thats when you need "fog" lights.

We get dense fog not that often. Massive walls of spray yo can hardly see through? Lots. All lights on.

Because most Americans do not read the owners manual and can not be trusted with them. Just about every Audi and Jag in NJ has its rear fogs on in normal weather because they don't even know what the button they just pushed is for.

mikekilpatrick · 10-03-2010, 12:20 AM

YUP, I live in NJ and I had a damn Jag in front of me just last week doing that EXACT thing! Stinking rear fog lights were on so I got in front of him and flashed MY fog light several times to let to turn HIS OFF! The idiot had NO clue why I was doing the flash! A$%h#l%s of the world seem to unite.

mikekilpatrick · 10-03-2010, 12:22 AM

But the fact remains that Jags DO have theirs operational and BMW's do not. I think if a customer ASKS for the rear fog lights, they should/will be knowledgeable to turn them on/off at the appropriate times.

09-21-2010, 12:07 AM	#1
mikekilpatrick Major 229 Rep 1,084 Posts Drives: 2013 BMW F10 550 Xdrive Msport Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Philadelphia (South-NJ) iTrader: (20)	Euro Light Switch for E90 Sedan Well, I just put in the Euro Light switch on my Halogen equipped E90 2008 Sedan. Took all of 5 minutes for the Mod, thanks to the DIY post for the help! I had a little doubt as to whether the Euro switch would work with a halogen equipped BMW as I had read that it would only work with HID Xenon optioned cars, but it DOES work with ANY model it appears. I made sure to keep the light switch in the OFF position before the removal and during the installation of the new switch. No errors, no problems, just a new switch that now allows me to have rear fog lights on the car! Paid 80 bucks shipped on the new switch and it does work beautifully. I really recommend this mod, but make sure to use in safety, those rear fogs are REALLY bright and would be able to blind another driver. Might be good to flash a person with high beams in your rear view, but that is about it. Thanks again for all the posts my fellow BMW owners! Mike
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09-21-2010, 12:09 AM	#2
chowser51 Colonel 2025 Rep 2,807 Posts Drives: F33 430 and F39 M35i Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Cleveland, OH iTrader: (3) Garage List 2018 BMW 430i xDrive [0.00]	how much was the light switch? i just shoved a piece of plastic in mine and used a rubberband to give it bounce and it works great. my switch doesn't light up though. but i can see the indicator on the dash that i have it on.
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09-21-2010, 12:19 AM	#3
mikekilpatrick Major 229 Rep 1,084 Posts Drives: 2013 BMW F10 550 Xdrive Msport Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Philadelphia (South-NJ) iTrader: (20)	My feeling is that if you are going to fork out 40-50 grand for a car, and you are going to do a mod, spend the money and do it right. Not a big fan of plastic pieces and rubber bands in the main component that provides light for the car. I like the way it lights up and it only took 5 minutes for the mod. To each their own, but I think the switch is well worth the money.
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09-21-2010, 06:03 AM	#4
Zasquatch Captain 36 Rep 708 Posts Drives: '07 BMW 335i Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: CT iTrader: (15) Garage List 2007 BMW 335i [0.00]	Hey, I'm new around here, back in a BMW after a while of trying other options... So what's the point of rear fog lights? I've never heard of them or seen them on a car for that matter...
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09-21-2010, 06:40 AM	#5
psubimmer08 New Member 0 Rep 20 Posts Drives: 2006 BMW 325i Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Enola, PA iTrader: (0)	Where did you purchase the switch from?
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09-21-2010, 07:08 AM	#6
psubimmer08 New Member 0 Rep 20 Posts Drives: 2006 BMW 325i Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Enola, PA iTrader: (0)	Question Also, are these fogs installed on the 06 325i's? Thanks
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09-21-2010, 07:24 AM	#7
m@rco First Lieutenant 23 Rep 322 Posts Drives: '20 540i; '07 328i; '03 R1150R Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Boston iTrader: (0)	Mind you that - in Europe - rear fog lights shall only be used when visibility is less than 50 meters (~55 yards). And that happens rarely! You risk a fine when using them incorrectly because it creates the impression that drivers are braking. To distinguish between a brake and fog light, many European car manufactures decided to have only one fog light. However, the use of fog lights still may lead to non-smooth traffic and has lead to head-tail collisions in the past. This and the absence of severe fog in the US may be the reason that fog lights are not installed on US cars. Use them wisely and don't irritate the people behind you! Other than that, enjoy having your new gadget.
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09-21-2010, 10:20 AM	#12
E90SLAM Supreme Allied Commander 1963 Rep 61,781 Posts Drives: A BBS WHORE Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: . iTrader: (6) Garage List 2022 BMW X3 sDrive30i [0.00]	I used to help some friends with their light switch....doing the lego mod... __________________
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09-22-2010, 01:50 PM	#14
mikekilpatrick Major 229 Rep 1,084 Posts Drives: 2013 BMW F10 550 Xdrive Msport Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Philadelphia (South-NJ) iTrader: (20)	I bought the light switch from raf555, he had a couple for sale. He shipped super fast and kept me informed of the purchase transaction very well. Excellent purchase from him.
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09-30-2010, 03:47 PM	#15
DFWTCP New Member 3 Rep 9 Posts Drives: 335d M-Sport Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: MO iTrader: (0)	Euro Light switch mod Hey...I was really excited on reading the Euro light switch mod BUT...in searching through several dealers on the net I am now told that BMW has completely stopped allowing import of any parts that are "Euro only" and that the part is not available anywhere. Does anyone still have a source? Thanks DFWTCP I found the source in the E90post!!!! ECS Tuning definitely still selling Euro switch. A Little more pricey ($117) but worth it to me to have factory appearance in the new BMW. Last edited by DFWTCP; 09-30-2010 at 04:45 PM.. Reason: Found answer to my own question
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09-30-2010, 03:58 PM	#16
linlaoboo Private First Class 6 Rep 172 Posts Drives: 07 328xi 6MT Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: New Joysey iTrader: (0)	I did the mod without spending a dime. A 40K car should come equipped with more gagets than cheaper cars, not making you pay for them in options but that's beside the point. I only use it on assholes that with high beams or people that tailgate which we have lots of here. Then I turn them off. __________________ 07 328xi
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10-02-2010, 08:17 AM	#17
hdrewh Lieutenant 70 Rep 441 Posts Drives: '09 E90 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: New York iTrader: (3)	Just did mine. Ordered the part from ECS tuning. Frankly I'm not sure how much use it will get but I'm happy to have it regardless - it bothered me on principal that my car had this feature all wired up and ready to go, but "disabled". __________________ 2009 E90 328i Montego Blue, Black Leather, 6MT, ZPP, Logic 7, HD radio, CA, fold-down seats, PDC. ED pickup 6/12/2009 mods: Koni FSDs, Eibach Pro's, Sport/Heated Seats, BMW Perf. short shifter, M-tech shift knob/e-brake handle/steering wheel, split armrest, black grilles, 50% tint, 3M clear bra.
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10-02-2010, 01:13 PM	#18
Rochdale Pioneers First Lieutenant 23 Rep 371 Posts Drives: F10 520d SE Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Stockton on Tees UK iTrader: (0)	I don't understand why your cars don't have this fitted. Its all about visibility. You ever drive in heavy rain where spray means the cars in front are barely visible? Thats when you need "fog" lights. We get dense fog not that often. Massive walls of spray yo can hardly see through? Lots. All lights on.
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10-02-2010, 01:19 PM	#19
Blackadder Captain Blackadder 11 Rep 170 Posts Drives: 2009 335D Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Mission, BC iTrader: (0)	I had my rear fogs done when my stereo install guy was putting in the new speakers. He had it done with a piece of plastic in about 5 mins. I have only used it once in dense fog on my way over to Kelowna (mountain pass). __________________ 2009 335d - Space Grey Metallic - Grey Dakota Leather Audio control LC6i interface + base remote feeding a Boston Acoustics GT50 5 channel amp. Eclipse SC8365 + Focal 165 VRX, rear SP5010. MB Quart RSH304 12" subwoofer. AF&AM
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10-03-2010, 12:20 AM	#21
mikekilpatrick Major 229 Rep 1,084 Posts Drives: 2013 BMW F10 550 Xdrive Msport Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Philadelphia (South-NJ) iTrader: (20)	YUP, I live in NJ and I had a damn Jag in front of me just last week doing that EXACT thing! Stinking rear fog lights were on so I got in front of him and flashed MY fog light several times to let to turn HIS OFF! The idiot had NO clue why I was doing the flash! A$%h#l%s of the world seem to unite.
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10-03-2010, 12:22 AM	#22
mikekilpatrick Major 229 Rep 1,084 Posts Drives: 2013 BMW F10 550 Xdrive Msport Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Philadelphia (South-NJ) iTrader: (20)	But the fact remains that Jags DO have theirs operational and BMW's do not. I think if a customer ASKS for the rear fog lights, they should/will be knowledgeable to turn them on/off at the appropriate times.
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