Running Fogs as DRL's

[nfarmer]

I have been giving some thought to doing the above especially as I now have LED CREE bulbs in the fogs on my pre-facelift E85!

Basically I think I need to do the following to achieve what I'm looking for.
1 I would like to leave the wiring intact so that it could be reverted back to original
2 I think I need to fit take a relay with a fused separate power feed to it with a power output to the fogs
3 The relay would need a trigger from a source which become live with the ignition turned to position 2, thus turning the fogs on.
4 The relay would need a second trigger from a source which become live with the lighting, thus turning the fogs off. (I believe thats a legal requirement)

Hopefully that would leave the fog light function as from the factory so they could be turned on and off as needed in the case of fog

In essence I think that is all I would need - or am i off my trolley and way off beam.

If I'm not any suggestion where to connect to the live side side and connect up the two triggers would be very helpful

But please tell me if I'm barmy

Norman

Just found this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/UNIVERSAL...arts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item35c732b3df on ebay and it seems to be the answer so now all I need to decide is where to connect the three wires to.

 

[bcworkz]

You can identify the proper wires in the WDS. The references to each module will have small images showing you where the module is located.

I've given this some thought as well, similar function can be achieved with two relays in series, one NC, the other NO. The NO is pulled by the factory DRL signal, which can be coded to operate by the dealer or INPA/DIS software. The NC is pulled by any sidelight signal. This would override the normal fog light switch. You could wire in a bypass switch to select whether to use factory switching or relay switching, but I'm not sure how to configure it to work automatically.

FWIW, I ultimately decided against doing this because, one, I think the fogs are too low to be effective DRLs, they disappear to on coming drivers below the slightest rise. And second, even if you install proper DRL lighting in the fogs, people will assume you are a douche for driving about in fine weather with your fogs on, though they are no longer true fogs, they remain in fog position. I don't really care much what others think in general, but I also believe in not unnecessarily raising the ire of others without good reason.

I don't intend to convince you to not do this mod, I hope it goes well for you. I'm just offering an alternative thought for the sake of information.

 

[nfarmer]

very helpful indeed especially the link to Planet BMW, not seen that source before.

Food for thought would like to have DRLs (perhaps) not too happy with aftermarket, I know I could set the headlights as DLRs but that just looks as if you've forgotten to switch then off.

But many thanks again

Norman

 

[corsaire77]

It is impossible to mistake fogs for DRLs, even in the old fog lamp housings, as the light is completely different - a sharp contrastive spot.

As for height, the EU requirement is minimum 25 cm above the ground, so the OEM fog height is within the norm. I agree, though, that the OEM fogs with a LED bulb are a bit too "deep" for the DRL function. A good aftermarket set (Philips, Osram, Hella) with a bright passive light moved to the very front is visible for incoming traffic. Chinese knock-offs are hardly visible at all.

Apart from the automatic switch, the lens should have an embossed homologation mark for the DRL purpose; otherwise there will be a legality issue.

The downside to aftermarket DRLs is the loss of the fog light function. An example on my car: