Lighting and lighting fixtures (BMW 3 Series E46)

Parking lights

When the switch is in this position, the lights on both sides of the vehicle are on. For information on single-sided parking lights, see the information later in this Section.

Low beam

If you turn off the ignition while the low beam is on, only the parking light will remain on.

# You can enable the "light me up to the door" function: the low beam will remain on for some time after the car is locked.

Warning about headlights not switched off

When you turn the key to position 0, if the low beam has not been switched off, a buzzer sounds for a few seconds to remind you of this.

Vehicle lighting for daytime driving*

If desired, the light switch can be left in the second fixed position. In this case, when the ignition is turned off, the exterior lighting will also go out.

# It is possible to customize this function.

Instrument lighting

The brightness of the backlight is adjusted by rotating the knurled wheel.

Headlight range control*

The low beam direction can be adjusted according to the vehicle load, which helps to avoid blinding oncoming drivers with headlights.

Data in brackets refers to driving with a trailer.

• 0 (1) = 1-2 persons without luggage
• 1 (1) = 5 persons without luggage
• 1 (2) = 5 people with luggage
• 2 (2) = 1 person, the car trunk is fully loaded

Observe the permissible axle load standards for the rear axle of the vehicle (refer to Specifications).

If the car is loaded, you should reduce the beam range, otherwise your car's headlights will blind oncoming drivers.

Vehicles with xenon headlights* are equipped with automatic headlight range control.

High beam / parking lights

1. High beam (blue indicator light).

2. Light signal (blue indicator light).

3. Parking lights.

Parking lights left or right

With the ignition key in position 0, move the turn signal stalk to the desired position. It will lock in the position corresponding to the turn signal being on.

Anti-fog lighting devices

Fog lights*

When the fog lights are on, a green indicator light on the instrument panel lights up.

Rear fog lights*

When the rear fog lights are on, a yellow indicator light comes on on the instrument panel.

Follow the rules governing the use of fog lights.

Interior lighting

The illustration shows an example of a passenger compartment light together with individual lighting lamps.



Interior lighting is controlled automatically.

Manual switching on and off of interior lighting

Press the key.

If the interior light needs to be turned off for a long time, hold the button down for about 3 seconds.

To cancel this mode, simply press the key.

Footwell lighting lamps

The operation of these lamps is similar to the operation of interior lighting.

Individual lighting lamps*

Individual lighting lamps located at the front* next to the interior light and in the rear seat area* (refer to illustration), can be switched on and off using keys located near the corresponding lamps.

To prevent the battery from discharging, all interior lights will be switched off approximately 15 minutes after the ignition key is turned to position 0.