[jojo t]

HI all. Does anyone know if there is a way to be parked with the engine running and all lights, front and rear, off?

[mmm50i]

It can only be done via coding.

There are 2 different items needed to be coded. The first is for the front head lights. The second is for the DRLs (you can turn off just the rear DRLs or both the front and rear DRLs at the same time)

[jojo t]

well, if that is truly the case, I must say this is the most stupid car issue Ive ever heard of.

[jad03060]

Originally Posted by jojo t

well, if that is truly the case, I must say this is the most stupid car issue Ive ever heard of.

You the driver for a robbery team? Why do you really care if the lights are on while the vehicle is running? On the newer vehicles, the lights are all LEDs, and are likely to outlive many of the other bits of the vehicle.

[BobsM3Coupe]

Originally Posted by mmm50i

It can only be done via coding.

There are 2 different items needed to be coded. The first is for the front head lights. The second is for the DRLs (you can turn off just the rear DRLs or both the front and rear DRLs at the same time)

DRL's (F&R) can't be turned off for US vehicles.

[bandersen]

Originally Posted by BobsM3Coupe

DRL's (F&R) can't be turned off for US vehicles.

Well, they are for my MY22 40. Are you speaking of the LCI MY 24?

[mmm50i]

Originally Posted by BobsM3Coupe

DRL's (F&R) can't be turned off for US vehicles.

As in it's illegal to turn them off? or it can't be done via coding as well for a US spec car?

Front DRL is mandatory where I live, but I'm able to code them off. I've tried it for fun during the initial days of coding my car, but I ultimately decided to leave them on for safety reasons.

[SKBSY8]

Have you try to turn off the lights using the lighting panel by your left knee (while in seating position) ? There is a off button where you can turn off all the light (except the DRL).

I remember seeing an option in the setting where you can turn off DRL. I could be wrong and I can double check tonight.

[IFlyX5]

Originally Posted by SKBSY8

Have you try to turn off the lights using the lighting panel by your left knee (while in seating position) ? There is a off button where you can turn off all the light (except the DRL).

I remember seeing an option in the setting where you can turn off DRL. I could be wrong and I can double check tonight.

It is indeed an option in iDrive.

[Qsilver7]

Originally Posted by jojo t

HI all. Does anyone know if there is a way to be parked with the engine running and all lights, front and rear, off?

Originally Posted by jojo t

… I must say this is the most stupid car issue Ive ever heard of.

I’m somewhat confused (see reasons below):

1. Your location has you in the US…so DRLs can be turned off in iDrive (pic was posted by forum member).

2. The headlight switch has a dedicated OFF button (see pic below with the OFF button circled in red for all the configurations for the switch).

If I didn’t want any lights on with the engine running…my first move would be to turn them off…and the headlights, tail lights, and DRLs can all be turned off on your car.

Are you saying that when you turn these features off…they still illuminate if you start the car (or leave the engine running)?

If you haven’t turned the headlight switch OFF…and turned off DRLs…do it and report back if you were successful in initiating “incognito mode”.

[SKBSY8]

Originally Posted by Qsilver7

I’m somewhat confused (see reasons below):

1. Your location has you in the US…so DRLs can be turned off in iDrive (pic was posted by forum member).

2. The headlight switch has a dedicated OFF button (see pic below with the OFF button circled in red for all the configurations for the switch).

If I didn’t want any lights on with the engine running…my first move would be to turn them off…and the headlights, tail lights, and DRLs can all be turned off on your car.

Are you saying that when you turn these features off…they still illuminate if you start the car (or leave the engine running)?

If you haven’t turned the headlight switch OFF…and turned off DRLs…do it and report back if you were successful in initiating “incognito mode”.

Edited:

Tested it out, incognito mode does work in this case. Turn off DRL from iDrive for good then just press “off” from the lighting switch. One thing I forgot to test is whether the setting will remember by itself or not.

Not recommend for doing this for safety reason so 🤷🏻‍♂️ but it does work 😆

[Chonkapotamus]

I was able to get my 23 45e fully blacked out but still running through iDrive and the light off button. As for why: my kid has soccer practice at a field with a super crowded parking lot. During early spring it's cold, so I stay in the car with the engine running. With the DRLs and parking lamps on, people block up the parking aisle with their turn signal on, assuming I'm getting ready to leave. Going dark keeps that from happening.

[Qsilver7]

Originally Posted by jojo t

well… I must say this is the most stupid car issue Ive ever heard of.

Based on other forum member’s testimony of being able to “go dark”…apparently the car doesn’t have a “stupid” issue….and your experience appears to fall into the “operator error” category. Unfortunately you’ve ghosted your post and haven’t returned to tell us if any of the suggestions given were successful in getting the car to do what you wanted.

Originally Posted by SKBSY8

Test(ed) it out, incognito mode does work in this case. Turn off DRL from iDrive for good then just press “off” from the lighting switch. One thing I forgot to test is whether the setting will remember by itself or not.

Originally Posted by Chonkapotamus

I was able to get my 23 45e fully blacked out but still running through iDrive and the light off button.

Thanks for posting back that it is possible to go “incognito”. We all learn when the “collective” puts their heads together.

[jojo t]

I appreciate all of the input , except qsilver. Today is the first time I have checked the forum in many days. No, I did not abandon or ghost or leave. Just havent been on the forum. It was very "stupid" when I learned that I could not turn the lights off unless I coded. Now, through this forum, I have been enlightened. Thank you to most of you... I will try to turn them off next time Im in the car. Thank you again to almost everyone...this is what forums are for, helping each other

[Qsilver7]

Despite publicly stating you did not appreciate any help from me...I do appreciate that you updated your thread that the suggestion given helped enlighten you (as well as the "collective" in case someone else runs into the same issue). I'm glad you now know that what you wanted to accomplish from the onset is actually doable.