lights button

Hi all,
I picked up a beutiful 2012 3.5D on Wednesday and I didn't have the chance to really enjoy it because I live in CT and have to deal with Sandy's aftermath.
I'ne noticed an extra button on the right of the light main button ( marked with 0, 1, 2 ) and has the fog lights symbol on top. Also, it has a wheel (similar to the dimmer ) that allows changing from 0, 1 and 2. Do you guys know what that is?
Thank you.

is the manual handy?

the manual does not say anything about it, even the sales person did not know what the button is.

So this post has been bugging me. I downloaded the driver app (iOS) and searched about in the X5. Didnt find anything. Then I decided maybe the x3 might have this feature. BAM. The 0,1,2 according to the x3 quick ref guide, it is for the headlight range (I have no clue what it does, cause their is not mention of it in the x5 or in detail in the manual, but try to see at night if each number changes the headlight range)? I have never heard of such a thing before so, anyone care to chime in here.

I had this on my 520 D when I lived in the UK. It was to adjust the angle of the headlights. I'm surprised you would have this feature on a US spec model.

...subscribed.

Wait what? Isn't the switch next to the light switch, the one to dim the dash, etc. You shouldn't have the manual leveling because the Bi-Xenons auto level themselves.

Does OP have HUD? Maybe it's the switch to "move" that?

OP, get a picture.

I thought the HUD switch only was a push button to turn on (brightness and etc were accessible thru idrive).

Again if this is a new feature for the D, amazed. OP do you also have a switch for the rear fogs?

I think we need a picture of the switch, I can't find anything online.

Wel, there are two different part numbers for the switch, depending upon whether or not you have HUD:

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...13&hg=61&fg=35

sorry, I did not have a change to take and post an actual picture ( I lost power after Sandy and just got it back few hours ago ), but the light switch is identical with the one posted by Penguin:
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...13&hg=61&fg=35
The cars with HUD have the HUD button on the upper right corner of the part listed above and do not have the rotating wheel ( with 0,1 and 2 position ) bellow.
My car does not have HUD and it seems to me that the upper right button and the wheel bellow are not operational. Am I missing something?

As I mentioned earlier, that switch is
For headlight range (check the drive app from BMW on the iOS store).
If u can find a garage door, go thru the different numbers and see if they change the position of the beam from ur headlights

Adjusting the headlights manually is a EU thing, I wonder if your car got a part from a wrong bin at the factory... or it's one of those cars BMW re-routed to the US market due to low demand overseas.

Originally Posted by smyles

Adjusting the headlights manually is a EU thing, I wonder if your car got a part from a wrong bin at the factory... or it's one of those cars BMW re-routed to the US market due to low demand overseas.

The thought did cross my mind, but I dont see BMW trying to leave dash components from EU spec vehicles on US vehicles. Its a costlier part then just a US spec part light switch. Again maybe the component manager decided "HEY, its more expensive to purchase US spec parts. Lets just start putting in EU spec parts, unplug the connector for that click wheel"

Best way to clarify the situation, would be
A) Take a picture, not a engineers diagram of the headlight switch
B) At night, find a garage door, and observe the headlight beam, as you scroll through each setting.
1) If its truly not working then i think this should pretty much clarify the puzzle were all trying to figure out.
2) If it does work, GREAT. The OP either has a one of vehicle (LOL) or its a dummy wheel.

Regardless OP, this clickwheel is a awesome find

OK, guys! I finally got a chance to take a picture. I'll try tonight to see if rotating the wheel does anything to the lights.

I wonder if manual lights adjustment is prohibited by DOT regulations.

OP, was it a brand new car? Maybe a previous owner had some retrofit project in the works...

It looks like OP had a Euro light switch retrofit done? Because the US spec cars don't have the manual light adjustment or the button for the rear fog.

Check if the manual adjustment works OP. The Bi-Xenons are supposed to be auto leveling

If this is a factory mistake, it could be interesting...like getting a coin with a minting error!

if it IS the wrong part, getting it documented and seeing what BMWNA says, would be worth a small effort... (indeed, could you imagine a "one vehicle recall" if someone decides this affects the DOT lighting certifications!??!?) Anyway, I'd refuse to allow them to fix it- they cannot force you, it is your property and you have the absolute right to decline any correction. I would want it documented, as you can already see people will say 'someone modded it before you'

A

the car is brand new and this is how it came straight from the factory. The button and wheel are not functional and don't bother me a bit. The lights are self adjusting. I'll be curious to see if anyone else gets the same set up, or if my car is inique.

Resale Value just went up!

Could it have rear fog lights?

Doesn't look like THAT big of a deal. I suspect that BMW would simply have your local dealer perform a part swap sometime in the next few weeks when they get a new part in, right?

As I said, I'd want it on record with a work order, so BMW will have to say "yes, we erred"....and then you say "leave it alone".


In an age when everyone has a copy that someone else has, it is kinda interesting to see. (Never mind that maybe someone could code that feature ON for you...)