What is this indicator light

[airboss1998]

I have a 2006 X3 and wonder what this little indictor light is to the right of the headlamp switch, and above and left of the interior light rheostat? When I initially got the vehicle, I thought it was a 'bubble', or defect in the plastic. Then the sunlight shone on it at just the right angle and I came to the realization that it was an indicator light.

I've looked in the owner's manual and cannot find it described. I have yet to see it on, after nine months of operation, but am just curious what it is for?

Thanks.

[Plaz]

I believe it's an internal light sensor, not an indicator light. Probably for auto-dimming of interior lights or something.

[AzNMpower32]

Actually, I think it is some kind of indicator light, probably related to headlamp failure because it is present on both xenon and non-xenon cars.

[Ishniknork]

I think it's the light sensor for the auto lights setting.

[Supercourse]

Ishniknork is right, it is the sensor serving the automatic positon of the light switch. That's why there is no mention of it in the manual. Haven't tried this, but you could probably confirm that by covering it with masking tape, and seeing if the lights came on and stayed on in bright daylight. Covering it briefly with your finger won't do it as there is a damping/delay mechanism involved.

[X3 Skier]

Another guess is that it is a sensor for the instrument panel / radio lights brightness. I have noticed that sometimes when the auto headlights are on, the dash and radio lights have two different settings, brighter when it is dusk / dawn and dimmer at full darkness.

Cheers

[Sonoman707]

Ishniknork is right, it is the sensor serving the automatic positon of the light switch. That's why there is no mention of it in the manual. Haven't tried this, but you could probably confirm that by covering it with masking tape, and seeing if the lights came on and stayed on in bright daylight. Covering it briefly with your finger won't do it as there is a damping/delay mechanism involved.


Believe the auto headlights are handled through the sensor on the back of the interior rear view mirror.

My vote would go to sensor for the brightness level of the interior instrument / dashlights lights.

[AzNMpower32]

The sensor for Automatic Headlamp control is both behind the rearview mirror and also the photocell facing you on the rearview mirror itself (for vehicles such equipped).

[X3 Skier]

Another guess is that it is a sensor for the instrument panel / radio lights brightness. I have noticed that sometimes when the auto headlights are on, the dash and radio lights have two different settings, brighter when it is dusk / dawn and dimmer at full darkness.

Cheers

Just checked it and when I place my thumb over the lens, the LED's in the dash dim. QED, its the sensor for the inside instrument / radio / climate control illumination.

Cheers

[Sonoman707]

The sensor for Automatic Headlamp control is both behind the rearview mirror and also the photocell facing you on the rearview mirror itself (for vehicles such equipped).

I believe the photocell facing you on the rearview mirror is for the auto-dimming/darkening feature of the mirror (on vehicles equipped) when there are headlights behind you.

[AzNMpower32]

I believe the photocell facing you on the rearview mirror is for the auto-dimming/darkening feature of the mirror (on vehicles equipped) when there are headlights behind you.
It's smarter than just one sensor I think. I've put my finger in the hole behind the rearview mirror, and the headlamps still won't come on!

[Ishniknork]

Another guess is that it is a sensor for the instrument panel / radio lights brightness. I have noticed that sometimes when the auto headlights are on, the dash and radio lights have two different settings, brighter when it is dusk / dawn and dimmer at full darkness.

Cheers

Believe the auto headlights are handled through the sensor on the back of the interior rear view mirror.

My vote would go to sensor for the brightness level of the interior instrument / dashlights lights.

Just checked it and when I place my thumb over the lens, the LED's in the dash dim. QED, its the sensor for the inside instrument / radio / climate control illumination.

Cheers

Really? That's Cool! I never noticed they did that. Nor did I know there was a sensor in the rearview mirror. But I never use the Auto Headlight feature. I'm, at the least, smart enough to know when to turn them on! :D I did try it for a while but they come on way too early for me.

[Andrew*Debbie]

nevermind

[AzNMpower32]

Really? That's Cool! I never noticed they did that. Nor did I know there was a sensor in the rearview mirror. But I never use the Auto Headlight feature. I'm, at the least, smart enough to know when to turn them on! :D I did try it for a while but they come on way too early for me.
The sensitivity can be adjusted at the dealer; the default setting is "sensitive" (as opposed to normal).

If you have the adaptive bi-xenons, I would highly recommend you leave the switch in the A position, because that activates the swiveling/adaptive feature.

[Ishniknork]

Thanks AzNM. I didn't know the sensitivity was adjustable either. I have no problem activating the lights myself but I might check into the adjustment next time I have it in the shop. I don't have the adaptive Xenons either but plan to get them next time around.

[AzNMpower32]

Yeah, the sensitivity adjustment is there. Sadly, they seemed to have removed this on newer BMWs like the E90. I suppose they think "one size fits all"