[sarpal123]

I've just picked up my replacement 50e and noticed that the side light icon in the instrument cluster is missing, as in there is no icon! Turning OFF the 'Automatic driving lights control' button turns on the dipped lights and displays the Low-beam headlight icon.

In my previous 50e the side light icon did display so my question is - is this a fault in this car or is it a new 'feature' (or lack-of-feature)?

Thanks in advance...

[LDT]

Click the lever type switch at the end of your turn signal stalk although UK builds may differ?

[sarpal123]

The left steering column lever has a button for displaying the fuel consumption (based on other settings) and a button for toggling main beam. This doesn't affect the daytime running lights display (AFAIK)

[nZtiZia]

in my 2021 45e, activating AUTO on the lighting panel doesn't display any icons in the cluster UNLESS the lights are actually on. for example, during the day when no headlights are needed, there's no icon in the cluster, but when it gets dark enough, the AUTO setting turns on the low-beams and parking (side) lights, and only at that point do i see their icons in the cluster.

i would think this behavior is the same on the 50e?

[BMPHIL]

Originally Posted by sarpal123

The left steering column lever has a button for displaying the fuel consumption (based on other settings) and a button for toggling main beam. This doesn't affect the daytime running lights display (AFAIK)

The button on the left lever (bottom) is for auto headlights not for toggling main beam. Have you checked the settings in idrive, will see what is on the instrument panel in my car tomorrow.

[sarpal123]

Originally Posted by nZtiZia

in my 2021 45e, activating AUTO on the lighting panel doesn't display any icons in the cluster UNLESS the lights are actually on. for example, during the day when no headlights are needed, there's no icon in the cluster, but when it gets dark enough, the AUTO setting turns on the low-beams and parking (side) lights, and only at that point do i see their icons in the cluster.

i would think this behavior is the same on the 50e?

I will have to test this when I get the car back (vehicle 2 back with dealer after 48Hrs). I checked this when I was behind a van in daylight - the sidelights <<>> were on but there was no light on the dash. Also, the photo at #1 was taken during the day, in Auto. Clearly it's user error, I'll have to rtfm and play when I'm back in the car.

[sarpal123]

Originally Posted by BMPHIL

The button on the left lever (bottom) is for auto headlights not for toggling main beam. Have you checked the settings in idrive, will see what is on the instrument panel in my car tomorrow.

OK, so I've just tried this out in the car and pressing this button in daylight has no effect and the sidelight icon remained on in either position. Reading the manual; it does look like the button activates high beam assist, which is only available at night, with low beam active (why you would not have it on at night is beyond me).

[Javiggan]

Originally Posted by sarpal123

I've just picked up my replacement 50e and noticed that the side light icon in the instrument cluster is missing, as in there is no icon! Turning OFF the 'Automatic driving lights control' button turns on the dipped lights and displays the Low-beam headlight icon.

In my previous 50e the side light icon did display so my question is - is this a fault in this car or is it a new 'feature' (or lack-of-feature)?

Thanks in advance...

That's your parking light symbol.

[sarpal123]

Originally Posted by Javiggan69

That's your parking light symbol.

so, why is it displayed (during the day) in my first 50e and the loaner I'm in now, but not visible in my second 50e that I had for 48Hrs? In all cases, the cars have the daytime running lights on. I can't think of another setting that I need to/should have set.

[BMPHIL]

That light is on all the time in my new LCI and was in my previous X5, I believe it is on if the daytime running lights are on and if fitted have to be on in UK and thus
will always be on.

[sarpal123]

Originally Posted by BMPHIL

That light is on all the time in my new LCI and was in my previous X5, I believe it is on if the daytime running lights are on and if fitted have to be on in UK and thus
will always be on.

Excellent, as I suspected; it should be visible, therefore it is likely that it is broken in my newest 50e and I'll have to take it up with my dealership. Appreciated

[nZtiZia]

Originally Posted by BMPHIL

That light is on all the time in my new LCI and was in my previous X5, I believe it is on if the daytime running lights are on and if fitted have to be on in UK and thus
will always be on.

Originally Posted by sarpal123

Excellent, as I suspected; it should be visible, therefore it is likely that it is broken in my newest 50e and I'll have to take it up with my dealership. Appreciated

interesting. i have DRLs on all the time but don't have the side parking light indicator on in the cluster and nothing's out of the ordinary as far as function goes. may be a country/market thing...

[BMPHIL]

Originally Posted by nZtiZia

interesting. i have DRLs on all the time but don't have the side parking light indicator on in the cluster and nothing's out of the ordinary as far as function goes. may be a country/market thing...

I don't think they have it in neither here or there

[sarpal123]

SOLUTION

BMW finally came back with the solution and it's all to do with the "BMW Iconic Glow".
If the iconic glow in the radiator grille is turned OFF (Exterior lighting, Additional settings, BMW Iconic Glow) then the "Side light" indicator in the instrument cluster is turned off. Turning the "BMW Iconic Glow" ON will display the "Side light" indicator light on.

I can't think of a scenario where that makes any kind of sense, but there it is.

[BMPHIL]

Originally Posted by sarpal123

SOLUTION

BMW finally came back with the solution and it's all to do with the "BMW Iconic Glow".
If the iconic glow in the radiator grille is turned OFF (Exterior lighting, Additional settings, BMW Iconic Glow) then the "Side light" indicator in the instrument cluster is turned off. Turning the "BMW Iconic Glow" ON will display the "Side light" indicator light on.

I can't think of a scenario where that makes any kind of sense, but there it is.

UK M60 doesn't have iconic glow but my light is on all the time!.

[sarpal123]

Originally Posted by BMPHIL

UK M60 doesn't have iconic glow but my light is on all the time!.

Which begs the question; why would it turn off when the iconic glow is turned off (if you have it)?

[six]

Originally Posted by sarpal123

Which begs the question; why would it turn off when the iconic glow is turned off (if you have it)?

Seems odd doesn’t it. Mine is on all the time as was it on my previous 40i.

The iconic glow makes sense, I don’t have that on my 50e (and would turn it off if I did ). The indicator light logic is flawed though, in my opinion!