Rear fogs poll - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

H-townbenzoboy · #1 06-27-2004, 12:43 PM

By request from sixto.

-Joe

BoostnBenz · #2 06-27-2004, 01:56 PM

It seems like my switch can do the rear fogs and there is the opening for the bulb there but no wiring or plate to give it the juice.

oldnavy · #3 06-27-2004, 05:34 PM

I would not run the rear fog lights in this country for the confusion it might cause most drivers here in US. Most of the time when I run into really bad fog I will turn on the E flashers anyway.

I have however wired the rear fog's to the brake lights in the Jetta and now have very noticable rear brake lights on the VW. I plan on doing the same to the Benz, for the same reason. They both have just one small brake light on each side, I want two on each side. I just have to get another pair of bulb holder's from the dealer or from a junker, then run a jumper wire from the brake light on each side to the new bulb holder.

#4 06-27-2004, 08:55 PM

Oldnavy.

I don't understand why this would be confusing?
In Europe the fog light is only mounted on one side
of the vehicle so no confusion is possible.

On the other hand having brake,tail lights and
directionals using only one bulb like in the domestic
vehicles is more confusing and dangerous.
You never know what the person in front of you
is going to do.

I drive a schoolvan and when we approach a
railroad crossing we have to use our emergency
flashers.
But on chevy vans when you step on the brake the
flashers stop working.
Yes, they stop working!!!
Can you imagine the confusion that this creates.
I can.
That's why I'm for the Euro designs.
Amber for directionals
Red for brake and tail lights and a seperate bright red
light for foggs.

I never understood why the foglight wasn't adapted
here in the US.
It's safer and since 95% of the people here ride
about a foot from each others bumper I think this
should be a mandatory safety precaution.

But then again this would rob body shops from income
and thus the goverment would have less income too,
since less taxes would be collected.
This would also make traffic move a little better with
less accidents and less gasoline usage.
Resulting in more income losses since gasoline is also taxed.

And if someone with a half a brain would acually
go around and take a good look at some traffic situations
then a large number of traffic jams and back ups could be
eliminated.

Sorry for ranting.

Louis.

oldnavy · #5 06-27-2004, 09:50 PM

It would be confusing, because in the US you can drive around with lights burned out or broken and seldom get stopped, and we have a very poor quality inspection of the cars on the road. That's something they don't have a problem with in Western Europe. I was behind and one lane over from a PU truck the other day, and when he applied the brakes his white backup lights would come on. The cop that was behind the PU never stopped the guy, just went his own way.

Too many half wits would just run the rear fogs so they would look cool and blind people behind them at night. Look how many doofus's run them all the time, because they think they are "cool". If I remember correctly in Europe if you are caught with fogs on and it's not foggy it is a healthy ticket. For real in Germany where the ticket cost is based on income.

I would rather have my 123 have 4 brake lights then the two standard brake lights. Also neither of my cars stop flashing when brake is applied. Where we live we seldom have fog, so additional brake lights make more sense then rear fogs.

TwitchKitty · #6 06-27-2004, 09:56 PM

Never heard of them. I do have an unbutchered Euro car, do I have have them?

BoostnBenz · #7 06-27-2004, 10:06 PM

Yes I'd like to add a few (a third brake light and use the fog light positions) more brake lights to my MB as well, I'm not pleased with one on each side. It is no coincedence since most of our MBs getting in accidents seem to be getting rear ended.

Turn on your low beams, pull on the handle, it should pop out once for the front fogs, then twice for the front and rear fogs.

lietuviai · #8 06-27-2004, 10:28 PM

On the subject of vehicle inspections we have none here in Washington state except for emissions in the more populated areas. While I might support the idea of vehicle inspections due to the number of jalopies that are on the road that don't even have working brake lights, to me personally it would be redundant since I always make sure that all my lamps and other safety equipment is top working order. I put the safety of my family above anything else.

BoostnBenz · #9 06-27-2004, 10:33 PM

While that is the way it should be I almost think that either inspections will have to become mandatory or enforce burnt out lights much more because to many people just don't know or care. I'd say I follow at least one car every day that started with about 4 brake lights and only has 1 of them left. I hope all that money they saved on light bulbs will pay for their deductible and insurance increase.

lietuviai · #10 06-27-2004, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BoostnBenz
While that is the way it should be I almost think that either inspections will have to become mandatory or enforce burnt out lights much more because to many people just don't know or care. I'd say I follow at least one car every day that started with about 4 brake lights and only has 1 of them left. I hope all that money they saved on light bulbs will pay for their deductible and insurance increase.

Personally, I'd like to see someone who has no working brake lights be the one held responsible for a collision if it happened.

BoostnBenz · #11 06-27-2004, 11:03 PM

Well that would make them at fault, hence their insurance would increase. I've seen people with NO brake lights before too but that is pretty rare.

Only one light on my car doesn't work, it is the dim front passenger side marker. For some reason just that light is difficult, blinker always works. I think I'll cut the wire back a little and resolder it. As soon as I touch the wiring it works again. No big deal but I like for ALL of my lights to work.

BF_JC230 · #12 06-27-2004, 11:07 PM

i use mine when i need to - in bad weather.

i had to wire it, ran from oem switch.

also am using a third brake light.

the majority of americans look at driving as a luxury that provides them with transportation - not a privillage that must be shared with other motorist...i will also say that in germany they are much better drivers - my first experience in rain, they spaced out four cars, turned on fogs and drove even paced...

but they are trained by government approved car instructional schools and a driver licsence will cost you about $1000 american...they also drive less than americans in general and ustilize an amazing public system...

here in the usa you are lucky if they turn on their headlights and they still are on your rear plate...

also 99% of americans do not know what a rear fog is...even at school ( i went to an automotive/product design school) the car guys had no idea...and they are designing cars! (and yes that includes tail lamp graphics and housings)

i get "you had a brake light on or out all the time..."

id rather be seen then hit
jake

BoostnBenz · #13 06-27-2004, 11:17 PM

To reword that as something even more true, I think most drivers in US take it for granted. They figure they have the right to drive a car even if they don't know what they are doing or doing it safely.

Tirebiter · #14 06-28-2004, 12:04 AM

Please keep in mind that some model Mercedes will blow out their cruise control amplifier if too much resistance is present in the brake light circuit.

BoostnBenz · #15 06-28-2004, 12:09 AM

I would relay it if I added any lights.
http://gdl-online.com/bulb.html
I'm not sure how far you could take that theory but he says at least all bulbs are the same.

View Poll Results: Do you ever use your rear fog light(s)?
Yes	11	37.93%
No, I have the ability to, but I don't bother to use them	1	3.45%
No, my MB is not wired to do that	17	58.62%
Voters: 29. You may not vote on this poll