Unlock this Hidden Feature in Your BMW

[@thekingofmeerkats]

Well, did not know you guys across the pond didn't have rear fog lights! Very handy here in the UK for those foggy winter mornings!

[@thecevi9179]

I mean its required in every EU (in your case ex EU) country right?

[@ML-si5ht]

@@thecevi9179 yes mate, we have right hand drive versions of the "euro" spec cars. It amazes me in a country like America which has every type of climate possible you don't get rear fog lights as standard!

[@SJ-pb6jx]

If only people realised that they don’t need them to keep them switched on when it’s slightly misty in nose-to-tail traffic 🫤

[@GHZZZ1]

@@SJ-pb6jx Yea. Also, Heavy rain IS the right time to use them, if people didnt know. Its hard to see the tail when its heavy rain.

[@Pyrex_lex]

We don’t have much of a fog problem here still should be standard equip

[@faisalmehmood5375]

I think those floating caps are so cool. I got them for my M140i. Really adds a tiny hint of premium to the look of the car.

[@BavarianM]

Lol

[@Welovedaxies]

The only bit of premium

[@The1Nuttyprofessor]

The floating caps are place holders for higher end models...spent some time design automotive switches...very compact and interesting work as a design engineer.

[@jilbertm1084]

These lights also serve as "stage 2" brake lights. If you come to a sudden stop, these lights will turn on in addition to the normal brake lights. I purchased a Euro spec light switch panel from Turner Motor Sports for around $140 and it didn't require coding.

[@biboo6681]

My European model 2 series doesn’t do this. When I suddenly brake hard, the brake lights fill flash quickly, and the hazards lights will come on automatically as I come to a stop or very slow speed.

[@RossBayCult]

What did you type in the search or ask in the store? BMW light switch with rear fog light button?

[@deucedom55]

Could you please give us the part number of the switch panel that you ordered and to be sure it fits a G30?

[@carlsagan3065]

140 is quite a bit more than free

[@Lazairgeorge]

Ok, I pony'd up for a like new OEM UK version of the whole light switch assembly, and just got it in the mail today. Took me literally less than about a minute to pull the original out and replace it. Then opened ProTool and toggled Rear Fog light in FEM AND REM and BAMM! I now have rear fog lights that not only light up the rear lights, but show the icon on the dash cluster when turned on. Thanks Justin. Great how to!! Keep em' coming.

[@rosemont83]

Wonder if this will work on a US F82. Fun fact, one time I got pulled over for rear fog lights in my old Jaguar. Officer thought my brake lights were stuck on but I'm like those are rear fog lights sir. His reaction was "What in tarnation? Have a good day"

[@gmcminitruck]

That's why only one fog light should be used. On the driver side only!

[@NHILLproductions]

Great video. Thanks. I’ve seen and used the rear fog lights when I was stationed overseas. They really make a difference in heavy fog.

[@justinbuice]

Thanks!

[@Flint_Westwood]

Great video, nicely done. I'm in the UK so have the rear fogs but interesting to see the differences between the two market specific specifications. That last tip to remove the centre caps though! Thanks for that one, mine are a little corroded and I thought I would need to remove the wheels to pop them off from the rear. 👍

[@KP-kc1ec]

You can get the decal and add it to your button. A quick online search should bring up retailer options. Great vids!

[@CRCov]

I've had floating caps for years and never had an issue. I do wd -40 them once a year to keep them floating good. I always get comments about them from people. The dealer were the ones who offered them to me when i got my BMW. They always give you a free gift and i took these, no brainer.

[@lukezi3952]

Crazy that these arent a stock feature in the US. Makes a very big difference in fog/heavy rain/ snow etc...

[@maksimignatenko862]

I wish these fog lights were brighter. So I could use them when somebody who drives behind me with their high beams on.

[@DC-dc6ey]

That’s pretty much the only time I use mine.

[@plaid_cloud]

Thanks just “upgraded” my F31 M Sport! Got the euro switch assy off eBay and coded with Carly

[@gmcminitruck]

@4:35 Nope, ONLY ONE fog light should be used. On the driver side only, so the left one. The right one is for RHD markets! Two rear fog lights are easily mistaken for brake lights and don't add anything safety wise. Also note that the rear fog light is only to be used when visibility is less than 50 meters and NEVER in rain!

[@pauldzim]

Wow thanks! I have a Porsche Macan with rear fog lights. Only the one on the driver's side lights up, I figured the other one was burned out, but now I know it's because of US regulations.

[@Bobcat9]

The 2001 and 2002 Oldsmobile Aurora, which was made only for the American market, came standard with dedicated rear fog-lights embedded in the bumper, as a pair.

[@masonlivingston9705]

It’s 12:30 in the middle of the night and I ran into my garage to do this and I’m thrilled to say the least.

[@NicoEvaluates]

You can take out the button without removing anything else. Open your driver's door, pry the button out with a plastic trim tool from the left seam of the button. Slides out very easy.

[@justinbuice]

Good to know!

[@acepilotson3331]

I saw a “triple flash” brake light option. I always liked that, unlocking it is the same? Great video.

[@squirrel8296]

I've definitely seen US-spec vehicles with rear fog lights as a factory option (I want to say it was on Mini and VW, but it might have been something else). My guess is BMW doesn't enable them on BMWs in the US because rear fog lights are not required and because they're so uncommon and unknown here that most people wouldn't use them.

[@Jackhammer909]

my Audi SQ5 does have them enabled from the factory

[@Scotford_Maconochie]

I seen rear fog lights on some Land Rover and Volvo on the roads here.

[@justinbuice]

coincidently I saw a Mercedes with them the day I uploaded this. Must just be a BMW thing to disable them.

[@1evilman_]

Volvo had theirs enabled in the US 30 years ago

[@tylaturner]

My mom has a Q7 Factory and it has rear fog lights

[@goldridder]

Been a couple years since I watched your videos. Nice progression. Very professional.

[@justinbuice]

Thank you for checking in!

[@masonwilliams4787]

There are are actually quite a few car models sold in the us with rear fog lights. Land rovers, jaguars, Mercedes, and Audis have rear fog lights on us models.

[@ML-si5ht]

Must be cheaper to leave it in rather than take it out lol

[@davidrosenblum2178]

I did this mod a while ago and it is possible simply to use a flat trim tool or screwdriver to pop the “switch” out of its housing without removing the air outlet as shown here. But I am glad to have found this video as I really wanted to replace it with the Euro switch housing and just ordered it from Turner… along with some sequential turn signals for the mirrors. And I got those spinners for the wheel centers too. After a while one of them “liberated” itself somewhere so I was forced to purchase another set. Bummer but they’re all still on and do look cool. Cheers!

[@TheBoyWhoWonders]

In Germany, rear fog lights (RFLs) are only allowed to be used if you can't see any further than 50 meters (164 ft). You are also obligated not to exceed 50 km/h (30 mph) while using them, no matter what road you are driving on. RFLs 100% DO blind drivers behind you. Unlike high beam lights, in normal weather conditions RFLs blind you gradually. The effect is especially harming because people don't realize they are being blinded - you will see "spots" for minutes after looking away. First hand experience. Modders, please keep that in mind.

[@badejenkins]

Wow did this mod in about 10 minutes. Hardest part taking the three tabs off. Thanks for your video.

[@rotilaovidiu9325]

It`s 1am here, just saw your video and I gave it a go! As always, awesome DIY! I read the comments, and as @Nico Evaluates said, you don`t need to remove the whole light switch block, just use a plastic trim tool, pry it from the left side, and it will pop very easy, took me about 10 seconds to do this. I pulled out my trusty Carly adapter (too lazy for Esys) and coded just like in your video. Before you start cutting the plastic tabs on the button, I suggest to push the button-rings on the circuit board with your finger to see if everything works (if not, you don`t need to make the button push-able). If you see a light come up on your dash for the rear fog lights and also you see a new set of light in the rear view mirror, you are good to go! Cut the 3 tabs on the button, I did it with a sturdy steel cutter, took me about 1 minute, put everything back, and congratulate yourself for a job well done and benefit from a function that you had but did not work because of the button and coding. Greetings from Romania!✌👍👌🤘

[@bogdanradulescu870]

You have missed that the fog light panel was made in Romania :) on 20/08/2016 :)

[@jameshickam1787]

What happens when the internal light, 'doesn't' appear? I have a F33 2016 428i, and I do have the US style Justin has above, and I've trimmed the three stoppers, so that it goes in similar to the fog light button. But I can't seem to get the instrument light to come on.. thanks. @justinbuice @rotilavidiu9325

[@andyroberts7786]

There’s a good reason models sold ‘across the pond’ don’t have the fog light option….you don’t really get any 😂 and take it from someone from ‘this side of the pond’, there’s nothing worse than a 🛎️ end with their fog lights on when there’s no fog, just trying to make their car look “Cool”

[@brianjoitescu]

Discount Tire installed my static center caps in the wrong orientation (not centered with the M emblem) and I was about to pop all of my wheels off to fix it, but now I don't have to because of your suction cup tip. Thank you! I didn't even think of that! Keep up the good content!

[@gypsyking4234]

I just did this on my 2018 330i, was pretty easy to do. Thanks Justin.

[@jimwright8651]

Justin, Do you.(or anyone), know if the 2020/F32 430i has the fog lights in the taillight from the factory? I just coded my wife's car with Carly for this as we live in an area that regularly gets dense fog. The dash shows the new light activated, but nothing new lights up in the taillight.

[@paddy-s]

Speaking of legal regulation. I'm from Germany and we have kind of a weird law about the rear fog lights. Your are allowed to turn them on if your visible range is less than 50 meters. BUT as you turn them on, you confirm that you only see that far, so you also have to drive maximum 50 kph (30 mph). If you drive faster with rear fog lights, you broke the law. Thats why most people never turn them on. 🙃 But even police doesn't take that as serious.

[@arthurpayne4013]

Glad to see you guys in America get fog ,as we do in the UK 🇬🇧

[@kfiatooh666]

In Europe they are mandatory, but people do not have a clue how to use them! They are to make your car visible from distance when you are alone on the road in fog or heavy rain. But it's common that there is a traffic on the road, a little of mist comes in, and some clever drivers lights them up. Don't turn them on when someone is behind you, because he clearly can f*k see you - he's just behind! And bright red rear light blinds the driver behind. Use them just like high beams.

[@cujbaion1]

On many european cars outside Germany only the left rear fog light it's present while on the right side it's the backward gear signal.

[@alexh5257]

Thanks for the info, followed your instructions and now have a rear fog light on a ‘17 320!

[@hyde_official]

you know what cool man, you used the rear light to create a really nice cinematic looking shot with this practical light from the car. and definitely i am going to do the same fog light hack. looks like you can code it with bimmercode so i'll be doing this mod

[@Blvnco717]

Best f30 on KZbin hands down 🙏🏾🔥

[@justinbuice]

I appreciate that! 🙏

[@rrusselljr67]

Yeah you did this video a couple of years ago with a 3 series. I looked into it with my 3 series and surprisingly enough I had all the hardware installed and followed your tutorial and boom rear fog lights. Thanks Justin

[@justinbuice]

Nice!

[@ChristopherWilcox]

This is a cool mod! Thanks for sharing. Funny that the button works by removing just some plastic. Just want to let you know, that I coded my F30 to be able to turn on the fog lights (front) with the park lights on. Gives me the option if I want fog lights but not my headlights

[@justinbuice]

nice! I'll have to try that

[@ChristopherWilcox]

I found the info on bimmerpost. I can't seem to post a URL here, though

[@Kevin-ep6kx]

I turn these on for tail gaters or pople with high beams on

[@justinbuice]

😆

[@djsincuk]

Hey Justin, don't know if yours will be the same but in the UK the Rear Fog lights will only come on with dipped headlights (Low Beam) Great video by the way 👍👍

[@colingarner6175]

The problem is most people in the UK don’t know when to use fog lights and when not to use them . So most people blind people behind them by having the fog lights on when they shouldn’t . Only use rear fog lights if visibility is less than 100 metres and you can’t see anyone behind you . That’s the law .

[@harryc266]

This is why I see so many videos of American highways with huge crashes in the snow and fog! This is insane 😅

[@Bobcat9]

Lack of rear fog lights isn't the reason. Most American drivers are idiots, that's why.

[@airy1990]

I had that button on my e90 and I’ve always wondered why they took it out because I’ve definitely used it! Thanks for the info I’m going to do this now…

[@eitasful]

I'm from europe, this guy has something to say to F30 users. I Like.

[@laroysamuel711]

I have a set of those floating caps They do come off if you hit a hard bump that's why I had to order an extra set just in case

[@jelavan]

I installed my DEPO tails on my F30, now whenever i back up the rear fogs light up not the reverse lights lmaoooo

[@thirst4petrol537]

Well i wouldnt really use that mod at night because those rear foglights r really really bright and they can actually blind people behind you when used in non foggy conditions. That's also why these are illegal to use here when there's no fog or bad visibility

[@thirst4petrol537]

Oh ok u said exactly that in ur video haha, i was typing this as i was watching the video 😅

[@kmtb2011]

in europe those fog lights are bright red and located near the brake light, the light in your video is used as reverse light in european market

[@hasan_440i]

I do have a rear fog light option on my f36 and never used it lol It's way too bright when it's on also very annoying for the drivers behind me

[@rubalouba]

in the rain it's horrible, for FOG use only

[@1DonFF]

It's for fog use only hence rear fog light

[@FF-li6zj]

In germany it is only allowed to use rear fog lights if the visibility is below 50m, and you are only allowed to drive 50km/h. Expect to be honked/flashed at if you drive around with your fog lights on, this is considered antisocial and you will be fined EUR 20,-.

[@reeve7929]

anyone know if a 2011 323i would have this?

[@ruvimsakalosh8744]

I love little hidden features like this great video👍👍

[@jg_media9]

So chillin so satisfying to watch 👌 looks like I know my next mod to the F30

[@kentuequi]

I would have liked to see the results of your new weighted caps!

[@Julzilla]

They are sold in Australian Marker too

[@assai74]

The rear fog lights are 3 times brighter than the breaklights. Therefore in germany they are only allowed in fog with line of sight less than 50m. Otherwise they interfere with the visibility of brakelights.

[@norbsi]

Thank you for blinding the cars behind you with your new foglight mod!

[@kolokta]

Being a bimmer owner here in the UK, front and back fog lights are just a natural part of the car’s exterior 😹 never considered the American market not having them 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@mrmiagi6052]

The Audi s3 has this tail light fog light feature also. It also has it for the headlight. I believe 2017+, it’s not a mod it’s just a stock feature

[@brytonluis]

Good video! Where did you get those rims??? What size?

[@jeffreybackes4664]

Thanks again for the interesting DIY. I'm not sure if my M760i has this feature locked out, but there is a blank button there so there's a chance. Oh, and those center caps are so much fun, in ever picture my wheels looks so much better :)

[@Rhinozzzz]

I had an Audi A4 back in the 90's and it had a button for the rear fog lights and it worked.

[@awaspthatswatchingyou4559]

Been there done that. 07 335i/328i has the switch already put in. When you take it apart there will be a little white piece which presses the button. You can get one from the junkyard or online. Put it below the regular foglight button, remove the tabs and viola! Never had to code it though it was instant.

[@justinbuice]

I did it on my E90 as well. E90's don't need coding but F30's do.

[@awaspthatswatchingyou4559]

@@justinbuice I swapped trunks to 2011 and had to only code the turn signal lights ithink that's only thing I had to code on the car

[@NickFinan]

I don't have a button but I could send you the correct transfer so you can put the foglight symbol on your blank button.

[@juanjr.campos143]

Nice informational video bro, and hey do you mind linking me up with the app you use to code your BMW and would that app work for any BMW in general?

[@smpod01]

LOVE!!!! the phone suction cup method to remove the center caps!! =8-0

[@Mondaventure]

Two for one in this vid! With that rear fog, someone is gonna thank I’m reversing lol. Phone mount suction cup to remove centre cap - genius!

[@DB0310]

Excellent safety feature for rain, snow and fog. Happen to have a Carly and a dremmel. All done. Thanks a lot.

[@gmcminitruck]

Rear fog light and rain is an absolute NO!!!

[@KostasMol]

Nice vid & pleasure to watch as always!

[@michaelhall9138]

On my F10 I use the rear fogs for tailgaters.

[@AleksLazar]

Always puzzling why intentionally and at additional cost automaker would disable a safety feature 🤯

[@tracyyy99]

I believe it is the SVA rule, one of many the american market have to adhere to to get the car in.

[@JoanRuiz510]

Is there a guide to remove the driver side vent?

[@Boost_Performance]

Great video I didn’t know we could do that. I heard the side mirror lights can stay on all the time when the lights are in by coding is that true?😊

[@alanperez9238]

It is true! Only looks good if you have the oem side mirror lights not the sequentials.

[@russcam69]

Got the floaters on my 440i convertible and they were a snug fit on the stock wheels. swapped them out and haven't had any kind of loosening, but plenty of positive comments from everyone who's noticed them from the dealer's mechanics to my tire guy to friends and co-workers who seen them.

[@TonyWoody]

Maybe it’s a newer reg or something, because we had an Audi and Mercedes both from 2008 that had rear fog lights that you were able to switch on

[@owenchristou2544]

Could I code a dark feature to this button? (all lights turn off while driving)

[@flippy9133]

for cleaner look just buy the eu light switch

[@user-zz2ly8bh6o]

Is it possible to do this on a 2019 X5 G02? If so, link? Great video. Simple, easy, quick, well done.

[@Pivotal_Moment]

Honestly, I'm not a Beamer fan. But Justin, this was another kewl video to watch and ENJOY!! Definitely worth the time to view (just as all of your videos). Keep these great, wonderful and informative videos rolling 👌😎👍

[@justinbuice]

Thanks I appreciate that!

[@whaler4life507]

I would have never known you were not a BIMMER fan 🤔

[@whynotagain3639]

You've obviously never driven a BMW then. I was always a Ford or GM (Vauxhall) man my whole life, had same opinion as you. I drove a BMW and was converted immediately, much more fun to drive, cheaper than a Mustang in the UK too. To be honest if a secondhand Mustang wasn't so expensive in the UK, I'd never have bought a BMW and would still be a Ford man. Oh well, I blame Biden for not agreeing to a special trade deal, so American imports are more expensive than they should be.

[@mahlan]

Have you bought your first bmw yet?

[@jamiuuthman8251]

What is the best mode to drive my bmw series 7 to save fuel....I've been putting on Eco Pro mode, does it matter how long I can drive on a particular mode or I have to always switch it up?

[@nobody.no-one]

Hey JB! Awesome as usual 💖

[@FakeLeroy]

Hey man could you do a video on replacing the volume button on the steering wheel if possible?

[@richlee5578]

The only problem with them in the uk is people don’t know when to use them first hint of mist or rain and they turn them on then pass you doing 90 mph which in itself is the clue not to use em also in heavy slow moving traffic shouldn’t be used it just blinds the driver behind them,the time to use them is when visibility is down to about 50 yards

[@dennis3004psp]

rear fog light is only for 50meters and lower limited view

[@mikhailserebrennikov7017]

We have then too. My MINI Cooper S 2005 had it - as an option though.

[@99jivvity]

Love the wheels.

[@brianwarbis7161]

Nice video. I’m curious if you can code the “auto shutoff” feature to be deactivated by default.

[@TheTassMen]

YOUR WHEELS ARE SICK, I LOVE IT.

[@justinbuice]

Thanks!

[@owenmiller378]

The feature is turn signals! There’s a secret little lever on the left side of the steering wheel allowing you to make “flashy lights” on the back of your car. It can also double as a way to show people which way your car is going to turn!

[@randellgribben9772]

posted my reply.. then saw yours..deleted my reply lol

[@Nathannnn128]

good one, doofus

[@independentsoldier4274]

Ill never own a bmw. But this is a cool easy mod, great video. Fyi buy a vinyl stick for the fog button, anyone can custom make one now days

[@justinbuice]

thanks!

[@CarlosRamos-sh6hz]

i have a base model 2015 328i , i am curious if this will work on my car

[@thom71]

Yes, should work. I have a 2014 and was able to do it.

[@maxwellkeeling3781]

I have a 2015. They’re all the same, thankfully!

[@60secthebaptist9]

Look into custom waterslide decals to make your own button labels. I would also get a junkyard button and test clear paint to cover the button, to see if matte clear looks natural and like all the others that will keep the decal from tearing with use.

[@justinbuice]

Im looking into it, but i'd like the button to illuminate too

[@60secthebaptist9]

@@justinbuice im sure there is a better way, but. I would apply a template of the image cut the image out (maybe there is a chemical etching method that's possible) then tape the face and from the back fill the image cut out with clear epoxy - put waterslide on top of epoxy to clear up edges. light should still shine through.

[@MatthewMphotos]

Wish this could be done for the g20 330i

[@KaosII1968]

Not illegal in US..... All My Volvos have had this feature. It's weird because there are no front fogs on the 2016 S80. They turned them into DRL's and even though they're quite bright you cannot turn them on at night.

[@MrJoshmister]

How are rear fog lights not a legal requirement, but it’s still legal to use the brake light as the indicator !?

[@tracyyy99]

Excellent.. I'm in Europe, so don't have to do this mod. But this reminds me of the Golf Mk 7 where the centre arm rest is locked for the american market, but elsewhere on YT you can see how to get it open.

[@kirkthorpe5392]

It really is that easy. Took me 5 minutes total. And it was on my 430i GC.

[@justinbuice]

Nice!

[@buckybarnes3803]

Your photography "beauty shots" are so cool especially with that boat in the background. Also you kind of snuck in those floating center caps at the end-- you should just make a Shorts video for that installation with the existing film!

[@justinbuice]

Thanks! The freighter snuck up on me and I barely got the shot as it passed by! It's amazing how something so big is nearly silent!

[@JanKowalski-fz5ld]

Hello, I have a question, I did everything as you show in the video, including activating the rear fog lights, the indicator on the counter turned on after pressing the button, but the rear lights don't work? my car is bmw x1 f48 from usa :)

[@project9s888]

Thanks Justin. Pretty easy mod and helpful here in the summer monsoon season.

[@justinbuice]

Glad I could help!

[@christopherjefferson3561]

My Volvo S60 (2006) had one and used it every time it rained

[@artlayton1425]

I was going to remove my front seats to facilitate cleaning. When Iooked up the process using Oracleware VM, it said they seat bolts were one-time use and to replace with new. Comment? Beyond that, a great presentation for two simple change.

[@justinbuice]

I have re-used seat bolts when swapping seats in my previous BMW and it wasn't an issue. They are pretty substantial bolts (T50 Torx) and I don't think taking them our and re-torquing them will damage them structurally.