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R56 Heres a simple question and fairly inexpensive

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Old 05-21-2007, 10:50 AM
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Heres a simple question and fairly inexpensive

I keep seeing the rear of the MCS and some have the red fog lights and some don't. The more I look the more I think the lights even the rear out. The ones without appear to have a little cutout that hasn't been "punched" out yet?. This isn't a big deal for me but for $100.00 bucks, is it worth it. Any comments would be appreciated. Has anyone not got them and now wished they had. I no, I am getting very wishy washy but can't help myself.

Thanks as always.
 
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Old 05-21-2007, 10:54 AM
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My dealer comped ours.
I kinda like the idea of them. How long does it take a tailgater to get the idea?
 
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Old 05-21-2007, 11:04 AM
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Originally Posted by 4xAAA
I kinda like the idea of them. How long does it take a tailgater to get the idea?
An infinite amount of time, unfortunately. I had high hopes for the rear fog light in serving this purpose, but it really doesn't work. If someone is really on your ***, like one of those big trucks that like to ride your bumper on the highway, they won't see the fog light below the front edge of their vehicle. In those instances, I prefer opening the sunroof and flipping the bird.
 
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Old 05-21-2007, 11:13 AM
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If you live or drive in a fog/heavy rain prone area, they are very worth it. But, if you install them yourself, you will have to have the dealer program them to work. As a tailgater deterent they are pretty much useless. They aren't exactly xenon strobes. They are about the brightness of brake lights. They can be seen a considerable distance before your tail lights can, but they certainly aren't going to be bothersome to a tailgater, other than, perhaps, as a warning you are getting pissed off (if you flash them on and off).
 
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Old 05-21-2007, 11:19 AM
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I think they are worth their weight in gold if they prevent a rear ender in rain fog or snow. . Well worth the $100. They look good. Besides you wont have blank switch spaces on your dash.
 
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Old 05-21-2007, 11:34 AM
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Besides you wont have blank switch spaces on your dash.
Not having a blank was worth the $100 to me.
 
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Old 05-21-2007, 01:00 PM
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I got them. I think they look better. The cars at the dealer that didn't have them looked like they were missing something.

On the way home from the dealer I hit heavy fog, so I've had a chance to use them. Didn't get rear ended. Keeps the elephants away too.
 
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Old 05-21-2007, 01:05 PM
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They are worth it to me if for nothing else than it keeps you from having a blank toggle switch.
 
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Old 05-21-2007, 01:32 PM
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I ordered the rear fog lamps cause I thought it looked better and I'm fearful of getting rear-ended.
 
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Old 05-21-2007, 02:05 PM
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I agree with dneal...not having a blank on my toggle cluster is worth $100.
 
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Old 05-21-2007, 02:11 PM
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Ditto, I ordered one on my MC for the 100 bucks, just to ovoid the blank switch, seems stupid not to have them operate with the front fog lights though.
 
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Old 05-21-2007, 02:21 PM
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I dunno if they fit the R56 but some of the aftermarket sites had a rear fog light for the 1st gen MINIS in both white & red & it was only around $20
 
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Old 05-21-2007, 02:24 PM
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Besides the fog purpose it is good for a couple of other things. It does deter some tailgaters. If your friends are following you in traffic it is easier to determine which car to follow.
 
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Old 05-21-2007, 02:57 PM
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Originally Posted by MotorMouth
They are worth it to me if for nothing else than it keeps you from having a blank toggle switch.
My feelings exactly
 
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Old 05-21-2007, 03:25 PM
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Originally Posted by chrisneal
An infinite amount of time, unfortunately. I had high hopes for the rear fog light in serving this purpose, but it really doesn't work. If someone is really on your ***, like one of those big trucks that like to ride your bumper on the highway, they won't see the fog light below the front edge of their vehicle. In those instances, I prefer opening the sunroof and flipping the bird.
Yeah, I have to agree. Doesn't work for tailgaters. You could ride you're brakes... flash your brakes... turn your hazards on. Most will just try and get even closser at that point.

I like 'em, though. I commute through and are that gets some pretty dense fog in the early morning hours. Quite a few people seem outdrive their vision/brakes in the stuff. A little bit more peace of mind on those mornings.
 
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Old 05-21-2007, 10:04 PM
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I didn't spec them, and wish I had. For a mere $100 I could've had a full bank of toggle switches and no punch-out sections in the rear.

I seem to recall my significant other scoffing at my idea of spending additional money for a toggle, and then on our second outing in Henry wondering why I hadn't sprung for it.

Serves me right for listening to an outsider.
 
  #17  
Old 05-21-2007, 11:20 PM
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Don't forget that you can't just flick on the rear fog anytime to warn somebody off. The rear fog doesn't activate unless your headlights or front fogs are already on.
 
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