The Bimmer Basement

[Mpower5266]

I would have tossed you the keys and hitchhiked home for $300.

I thought it was a deal. This is pretty much why I don't work on other people's cars.

 

[gearhead1960]

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Never seen hinges like that on a VW. Is that custom?

He and I discussed me doing a full correction and detail but he baulked at the price and I was giving him a hook up. I was going charge $300 for a full paint correction, wheel coating, engine detail, and interior detail which seemed like a deal to me since I would likely have 12 hours into it. Oh well, I was excited for some new detailing content.

He probably squeeks when he has to pay for anything...

 

[dubber]

Anyway, while we were at the show I noticed some bad scratching on my buddies Golf R hood. So we went back to my house to see if I could correct it. Something other than a Bmw in the garage...

The scratching didn't show on camera but it looked like a cat got on the hood or something. I hit it with some Jescar correction and sonax perfect finish, and then topped it with Jescar Powerlock.

It came out awesome, I enjoyed working on something other than white.

He and I discussed me doing a full correction and detail but he baulked at the price and I was giving him a hook up. I was going charge $300 for a full paint correction, wheel coating, engine detail, and interior detail which seemed like a deal to me since I would likely have 12 hours into it. Oh well, I was excited for some new detailing content.

Looks great!

Its not surprising the reaction some people have. You have to laugh (internally) at some of the looks and comments when you present a value transfer for work done.

 

[M-technik-3]

You were going to do all "He and I discussed me doing a full correction and detail but he baulked at the price and I was giving him a hook up. I was going charge $300 for a full paint correction, wheel coating, engine detail, and interior detail which seemed like a deal to me since I would likely have 12 hours into it. Oh well, I was excited for some new detailing content."

FOR $300? I could only wish to have that level of detail done for that price.

 

[tennesseewj]

I'd much rather someone baulk on the front end than complain about price after the work is done!

Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk

 

[Mpower5266]

There is a little free mod in the Bmw e9x community called the "Lego Mod." Basically everything is already in the cars for rear fog lights except Bmw "sabotages" the switch. The switch is even already in the car, they just put some plastic tabs in to stop it from moving and remove the piece that presses the button on the circuit board. You can see why they call it the Lego mod, most people actually make the piece out of Legos.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

I took the switch apart and found the piece that I needed to replicate.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Couldn't find any Legos but I do have some nylon laying around. Nylon stock is quickly becoming my favorite thing to work with. Did some measuring, cutting, and filing until I had something that looked familiar...

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

The only thing left to do was to cut the stops off the button. My Klein flushcutters made quick work of that.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

I put everything back together and as you can see from the video it clicks perfectly.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Buttoned it back up, started the car and pressed the button. This is a good sign.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

And of course some shots of the fogs on and off.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

I have some LED bulbs and a sticker for the button that I hope matches the front fog switch on the way. Now I am ready to scare tailgaters, and of course be seen in the rain and fog...

 

[Ronin22]

I love this simple mods/hacks.
Functional, pretty and immediately rewarding!

 

[Mpower5266]

I love this simple mods/hacks.
Functional, pretty and immediately rewarding!

Yep. I also enjoyed over building the piece. Ill hopefully never see it again but I wanted it to be clean in case someone sees it at some point. Most people just use legos or a pen cap or wire nut.

 

[M-technik-3]

So was this optional equipment on e9X or was just never meant for NA market? How many other Easter eggs are hidden awaiting discovery?

 

[Mpower5266]

So was this optional equipment on e9X or was just never meant for NA market? How many other Easter eggs are hidden awaiting discovery?

I'm not sure, I think it just wasn't meant for North America. Its weird that they would spend the money on the dummy switch but also install the bulbs in the tails. Although I think the brake lights can be coded to flash the rear fogs under heavy braking so maybe thats why the bulbs are there. There are a ton of cool little options I turned on with Carly, like rolling the windows up and down and folding the mirror with the key. Even that intake manifold I installed was pre-wired for the DISA valves.

 

[dubber]

Awesome! Reminds me of the DRL delete with some of my old VW's was simply pulling the headlight switch, and bending a pin. That usually also included replacing with a Euro switch, which then allowed you more choice in lighting options while removing the orange markers as the DRLs.

 

[WhoWhatNow]

The additional brake bulbs are part of the brake force display function. Under hard braking the extra lights come on so let the people behind you know you are braking hard. The fog light feature is a euro only function. I believe that all cars have the majority of the hardware because it was cheaper to include it on all cars. Remember, functions like brake lights and HVAC controls are controlled by individual computer modules connected by CAN bus in these cars, so there is no additional wiring. Just a code in the computer to activate or deactivate most functions and a different switch in this case. If I remember correctly the E9x also had the majority of the factory theft deterrent system on-board as well.

 

[Mpower5266]

The additional brake bulbs are part of the brake force display function. Under hard braking the extra lights come on so let the people behind you know you are braking hard. The fog light feature is a euro only function. I believe that all cars have the majority of the hardware because it was cheaper to include it on all cars. Remember, functions like brake lights and HVAC controls are controlled by individual computer modules connected by CAN bus in these cars, so there is no additional wiring. Just a code in the computer to activate or deactivate most functions and a different switch in this case. If I remember correctly the E9x also had the majority of the factory theft deterrent system on-board as well.

I thought these were part of the brake force lights, I just couldn't remember. I wonder if I can code that on and still keep the fog light function.

 

[nc.detail]

Lapiz is such a good color! You quoted much lower than a 'friend' price.

 

[wout]

Are rear foglights not allowed in the states? Here they are standard and obliged. The only restriction is that the normal lights have to be on. A car can't pas MOT in Belgium if they don't have a rear foglight even when it doesn't has one when new (older cars for example).

 

[gearhead1960]

Are rear foglights not allowed in the states? Here they are standard and obliged. The only restriction is that the normal lights have to be on. A car can't pas MOT in Belgium if they don't have a rear foglight even when it doesn't has one when new (older cars for example).

Rear fogs are allowed. It’s just not a common option on most cars in the states. On my Mini Clubman it was a $100 option that I checked. Glad I did.


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[WhoWhatNow]

I thought these were part of the brake force lights, I just couldn't remember. I wonder if I can code that on and still keep the fog light function.

I’m not sure how the fogs work with the brake force lights. I had intended to do the mod on my 335i, but never got around to it.

 

[M-technik-3]

Your E36 had the roll up windows and shut the sunroof from factory dating back to 92. Guess buy making them in coding the factory makes extra bucks by just flipping an And Nor switch

Carly is a great product for the money I got it a few years back when I was having fuel issues with my E36 that was supercharged.

 

[capww8]

If you hold down the “unlock” button on your wagon key for a couple seconds, the windows don’t roll down already?

 

[jay8s]

There is a little free mod in the Bmw e9x community called the "Lego Mod." Basically everything is already in the cars for rear fog lights except Bmw "sabotages" the switch. The switch is even already in the car, they just put some plastic tabs in to stop it from moving and remove the piece that presses the button on the circuit board. You can see why they call it the Lego mod, most people actually make the piece out of Legos.


Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

I have some LED bulbs and a sticker for the button that I hope matches the front fog switch on the way. Now I am ready to scare tailgaters, and of course be seen in the rain and fog...

This is the best mod I did to my E60. I went through the LCM and am able to independently switch on my rear fogs without turning on my front fogs.

 

[madison069]

When you talk about rear fog lights, you mean actual fog light at the rear that is on while driving forward when you turn the fog lights on?

Are rear foglights not allowed in the states? Here they are standard and obliged. The only restriction is that the normal lights have to be on. A car can't pas MOT in Belgium if they don't have a rear foglight even when it doesn't has one when new (older cars for example).

 

[Mpower5266]

When you talk about rear fog lights, you mean actual fog light at the rear that is on while driving forward when you turn the fog lights on?

Yes. Its basically lights that are brighter than the normal tails so people can see the rear of your car in fog or bad weather. Here is a better shot with them on, its the light in the hatch that is brighter than the rest.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

 

[wout]

When you talk about rear fog lights, you mean actual fog light at the rear that is on while driving forward when you turn the fog lights on?

Yes. Modern cars have mostly 2 rear foglights, older ones only 1. At least one rear foglight is obliged. Front fog lights are optional. You can use the front fog lights without using the rears but not in the opposite way.

 

[madison069]

Yes. Its basically lights that are brighter than the normal tails so people can see the rear of your car in fog or bad weather. Here is a better shot with them on, its the light in the hatch that is brighter than the rest.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Yes. Modern cars have mostly 2 rear foglights, older ones only 1. At least one rear foglight is obliged. Front fog lights are optional. You can use the front fog lights without using the rears but not in the opposite way.

Are those the reverse lights but just turns on when the fog light switch is turned on?

 

[Mpower5266]

Are those the reverse lights but just turns on when the fog light switch is turned on?

No they are below the reverse lights and red. Here is a daylight photo of the tail lights.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

 

[Purist]

Blacklines,

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Ronin22]

Blacklines,

Couldn't agree more. They look awesome!

Is he doing a "bellísimo" or smoking a joint and throwing it away?

 

[Mpower5266]

Blacklines,

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Couldn't agree more. They look awesome!


Is he doing a "bellísimo" or smoking a joint and throwing it away?

Thanks guys..... did you know that the wagon version is different from the sedan and they are are on international back order and are likely NLA... I do, and I paid waaaaaay too much for them. Haha.

 

[Purist]

Couldn't agree more. They look awesome!


Is he doing a "bellísimo" or smoking a joint and throwing it away?

Hahaha, I'm not sure!!

Thanks guys..... did you know that the wagon version is different from the sedan and they are are on international back order and are likely NLA... I do, and I paid waaaaaay too much for them. Haha.

I do know that, but only because I remember you bringing it up before. Ha!

 

[Mpower5266]

I played around with the lighting on the wagon a little more this weekend. I added LED license plate lights, and LED bulbs in the rear fogs.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Just in time too, it was dark on my drive in this morning. I am not doing well with the time change.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

 

[Kriesel]

Wow those are BRIGHT license plate bulbs

Know the difference in lumens between the two bulbs, old vs. new?

 

[ChaseDE]

I plan to do the rear fogs on my wagon this weekend, didn't know about it.

My old W202 benz had the rear fogs factory, the headlight switch had a special position

I would pay you $500 easily for a paint correction and lord knows the old girls needs it right now

 

[Purist]

I played around with the lighting on the wagon a little more this weekend. I added LED license plate lights, and LED bulbs in the rear fogs.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Just in time too, it was dark on my drive in this morning. I am not doing well with the time change.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

This is typically one of the first things I do when buying a new vehicle. Swap in all LED lighting. Really helps give even older cars a modern look. Looks good!

 

[Mpower5266]

Wow those are BRIGHT license plate bulbs

Know the difference in lumens between the two bulbs, old vs. new?

I don't know the lumens but they look brighter in the photo than they are in person. They are fairly bright though.

I plan to do the rear fogs on my wagon this weekend, didn't know about it.

My old W202 benz had the rear fogs factory, the headlight switch had a special position

I would pay you $500 easily for a paint correction and lord knows the old girls needs it right now

Hit up @lakeshorebimmers on insta, he 3d prints the little piece you need to make the fogs work. My buddy hasnt brought up cleaning his car again so I guess I scared him off. He did just join a bourbon of the month club for $300 and buy a $4500 watch. I guess my time isnt worth it to him.

This is typically one of the first things I do when buying a new vehicle. Swap in all LED lighting. Really helps give even older cars a modern look. Looks good!

Exactly. Its a cheap way to update your car. I need to do the interior lights soon.

 

[Purist]

Exactly. Its a cheap way to update your car. I need to do the interior lights soon.

Bingo! This is the kit I went with for my E90:

E90 LED Kit

 

[Mpower5266]

Bingo! This is the kit I went with for my E90:

E90 LED Kit

I need to get that on order, way easier than looking up all bulb numbers.

 

[Mpower5266]

Since it stopped raining for 20 minutes this week, so I took the 02 out for a little spin and snapped a couple of pics. I am happy to report that the grill badge didn't fall out..

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

I had a little free time so I started on the e9 wheels I picked up. I need to pick up some stronger scotch brite today, this was slow going.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

I am hoping to have some more progress pics from the body shop today.

 

[Ronin22]

That 02 is just so nice and clean. Can't help but want one every time I see it.

Wouldn't it be easier to send the E9 wheels to get sandblasted? I know it's not DIY, but anything involving sanding is a pita hehe....

 

[Mpower5266]

That 02 is just so nice and clean. Can't help but want one every time I see it.

Wouldn't it be easier to send the E9 wheels to get sandblasted? I know it's not DIY, but anything involving sanding is a pita hehe....

I'm just going to rattle can them with the tires still on. I eventually hope to get BBS or WEDs, these are temp wheels. I have a sand blaster but its crazy messy.

 

[tncumminsguy]

that wagon