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Subject: DDEs installed, with a 'switch' - Euro fog light switch.... Author: sealbeach740 : member since January, 2004 : 7585 posts Posted on: 2006-01-06 03:03:48

This isn't a DDE install instructional, but, just a twist on how to make your install a little more custom. LA-Sean (Sean), JL (James), apwe38/Allan (Allan) and I installed DDEs (Umnitza Predator Chromiums) on Allan & my 7s last week. There are some very good info on DDE installs on http://www.e38.org/ , so this post will be about using a Euro fog light switch to allow you to turn your DDEs off or on, like your fog lights. Basically, a custom (& a tad expensive) switch! A big shout out to Vaheh @ Crevier, Tyrone & JAMES (pics of his switch + wiring info) for their help in making sure I ordered the right parts - thanks guys!!

OK, here's the mod info. First we're replacing the OEM fog light switch with a switch from a Euro 7 & the bezel (part numbers will follow). Here's a pic of that switch installed:


Notice the 4 settings (vrs. the 2 settings on our fog light switch):
1) no front fogs or rear fogs on (we used the rear fog settings for the DDEs, so this is no front fogs or DDEs on
2) front fogs on only
3) DDEs on only
4) front fogs & DDEs on

The install goes like this. First pull the knob off the fog light switch, then unscrew the nut, then pull the round bezel off and push the switch back into the dash. Next, you have to pull your cluster out (see e38.org for the how to, but it's very easy), and now you can pull the switch out thru the missing cluster opening:



The original connector to the switch has 3 wires (power - when your lights are on, ground and ground for the front fogs), while the Euro switch needs 4 wires (extra ground for the rear fogs which we used for the DDEs), so we added a PC connector wire + pin to fit into the open 4th slot on the existing connector:



Next, and the hardest part, was to extend that wire (which is a switched ground wire) to the engine compartment from the cluster area in the interior. We decided to try to slip the wire (via a coat hanger with some protective tape on the end (thanks, Magnum!) thru the existing rubber grommlet used for the hood release cable. To get access to this area, the plastic cover over the under dash area just above the brake & gas pedal had to be removed (a couple of screws & plastic pins). Then, from inside the cabin, push the coat hanger out thru the grommlet towards the brake master cylinder area just under the hood on the drivers side:


You can hopefully see the coat hanger sticking out from under the grommlet.

Attatch the wire to be extended to the end of the coat hanger & pull it thru slowly & carefully. Once thru, we chose to run this wire up to the edge of the hood closest to the windsheild, across the hood and down to the other side of the car, over by the fuse box. That's where we tapped into the ground for the DDEs. That's it! We wired our DDEs to come on when the key is in position 2 or above, but we can now turn the DDEs off if we wish. The power wire for the DDE realy was run to an open fuse box slot under the hood on the passenger side. Then, in place of a fuse (which was wired inline), we used a wire with a spade to tap into an unused slot that's hot when the key is in position 2 or higher - we picked the tire pressure fuse slot since I don't have that option. That's it for the wiring!!

To me, the Euro fog light switch looks cool & a little different than most other 7s. I like being able to choose between the front fogs or the DDEs, both, or neither. Pretty cool & unique (to me).

Here's the Euro fog light switch & bezel part numbers & cost from Crevier(you can use the existing knob & nut):
switch: 61-31-8-363-684 $33.80
cover: 61-31-8-363-688 $12.40

Again, thanks gotta go to James & Allan for helping with my & Allans install, but especiallly to Sean, for his patience & knowledge in the DDE install & figuring out how to wire the fog switch. I did the easy part, the online homework in finding the right stuff to use, while Sean did a lot of the dirty, tedious work, with our help. I've got to take my hat off to all of those who've done DDE install(s) - it's not fun and it's slow, careful work. It's been said over & over again, but it's worth repeating here - be very careful about bending the rings - DON'T!! They do break the tiny tube inside the ring very easily.

It's one mod that I'm glad is done. Doing most of two cars (& figuring out how & where to wire the fog light switch took from roughly 9:30am to 8pm, including lunch & dinner. We went very slow, and Sean had to explain how & why to all of us. I don't think I would have tackled this project on my own. It's only the help from good friends that got this one done!


The final product. Not the best pic, but you've seen DDEs before. BTW, I have my DRLs turned on here (for now), but the Pred Chromiums do look pretty bright.


Steptronic Sealbeach740
2000 740iS, oxford green/tan 53k - Nav, 16x9, MKIV, Basslink, clear corners, TV, TFT LCD screen in back, reversed steptronic +/- shift mode,
backup camera, gauge rings, chrome MPars, AIC hi-beams, DRLs, Hoen fogs, quad brake lights, 6 disc DVD changer, CDC/DVD switch relay,
///M pedals & DDEs controled by a Euro fog light switch.
1995 525i, also oxford green/tan 133k - stock, except for upgraded headlights (much needed!)
2001 RX300 - very stock, very comfortable, very dependable, very boring.....

• DDEs installed, with a 'switch' - Euro fog light switch.... (pic) (url) - sealbeach740 2006-01-06 03:03:48 (8417 views)
  • IMHO, this is the best setup for DDE's. 2 thumbs up to Sean, Keith, JAMES. & - JL 2006-01-06 15:17:03 (332 views)
    • Come on, James! I saw you with Allan pulling headlights & - sealbeach740 2006-01-06 16:17:38 (231 views)
  • Thanks for the replies, guys. I appreciate it. (nt) - sealbeach740 2006-01-06 14:04:30 (253 views)
  • Now here the challenge to make it look OEM.. - 740sporter 2006-01-06 14:01:35 (345 views)
    • Interesting. Sean was talking out loud about the same thing. - sealbeach740 2006-01-06 16:15:19 (273 views)
  • Very cool, and very imaginative! (nt) - Brian 2006-01-06 12:49:39 (242 views)
  • WAY cool....That adds a nice touch, you'll get the DRL's de-programmed? - Magnum 2006-01-06 12:09:00 (279 views)
    • Yeah, I probably will, but I'm not in a rush to take it to the dealer. - sealbeach740 2006-01-06 12:40:34 (276 views)
  • Now, if we could figure out to control the brightness of those DDEs - zigor911 2006-01-06 11:20:08 (323 views)
    • Interesting idea, but since they are more like flourescent (sp?) - sealbeach740 2006-01-06 12:43:39 (256 views)
  • Re: DDEs installed, with a 'switch' - Euro fog light switch.... - mjazbong 2006-01-06 10:44:17 (253 views)
    • Let me know if you need or want some help. It's easier with 2 people. (nt) - sealbeach740 2006-01-06 12:44:34 (226 views)
  • It was an all dayer? Got to see it next week. Nice! (nt) - bmw635 2006-01-06 10:23:01 (257 views)
    • Yeah, 2 cars was definately an all day project. But, we - sealbeach740 2006-01-06 12:45:33 (239 views)
  • Re: DDEs installed, with a 'switch' - Euro fog light switch.... - Socal7s Erik 2006-01-06 10:22:42 (247 views)
    • Thanks, Erik. But, I'm glad it's done! (nt) - sealbeach740 2006-01-06 12:46:00 (235 views)
  • Thats a good idea and the DDEs look good on you Ride (nt) - cleanride740il 2006-01-06 10:21:15 (254 views)
  • Great I have to put that on the list! Yes Tony after this month lets do the DDEs (nt) - silber98 2006-01-06 10:05:35 (221 views)
  • Excellent idea. The integration couldn't be better. Congrats! (nt) - J A M E S. 2006-01-06 09:46:20 (229 views)
    • Thank you for your pics & insight, JAMES. I appreciate your help (again). (nt) - sealbeach740 2006-01-06 12:46:48 (250 views)
  • Do any of the Philly guys want to have a DDE install party? (nt) - Tony K 2006-01-06 09:15:30 (239 views)
  • Good job. Unique and ellegant approach! (nt) - zigor911 2006-01-06 09:13:00 (240 views)
  • That's HELLA Tight ! (nt) - tdaniely 2006-01-06 09:07:07 (255 views)
  • Awesome idea! Makes me want to get the DDEs even more now (nt) - Tony K 2006-01-06 09:05:27 (243 views)
  • Luv the switch idea. I may have to install that one on mine. - vstoval 2006-01-06 08:18:19 (248 views)
    • LOL! Yeah, I guess not, unless you look at it as just adding a switch!! (nt) - sealbeach740 2006-01-06 12:47:39 (257 views)
  • Very nice - !!! (nt) - alicat 2006-01-06 06:23:44 (245 views)
  • Very trick, I like! (nt) - Dragnet 2006-01-06 03:33:15 (232 views)