When you leave you car on a shoulder and it's dark. And also to save battery.
Most German cars have that option attached to leaving the turn signal switch engaged when the car is stationary. Even if it's turned off and locked.

 

Lots of on street parking in uk and Europe. Sometimes required by law to indicate position of parked vehicle. Often a good idea when no street lights. Best to indicate the position of vehicle with the roadside lights to save half the current used.

Can save a moving car not seeing you. That's also why uk has retro reflective number plates of different colour.

 

Sorry to ask what may be an obvious question, but can someone explain exactly what those two buttons do?

 

Turn on select left or right side exterior lights. Your previous cars may have done the same thing with the turn signal stalk while the car is off.

 

How long do those lights then stay on once you've exited the car and locked it? If they go out as soon as the car is locked, I'm not really sure I see what the point is.

 

When I bought my car the SA told me they are for use in Europe. Given they are LED's the power consumption is minimal.

 

I've used them quite a bit over the years in the US. Typical scenario has been parking on an unlit suburban or rural street during a house party where the driveway of the host is either full or I didn't want to play the car shuffle when guests leave. I leave the street side parking lights on to make sure someone doesn't inadvertently back up or drive into me if the situation is tight. They are useful not only in the EU but also in the US. As for length of time, I've left them on for up to 4 hours.

 

Sorry if I'm dense, but why is using lights on just one side better than both sides (traditional parking lights)? Thanks!

 

European-centric BMW forum ...

Thread starter asks "What are these for and when would you ever use these?!?"

Hilarity ensues.

 

Truth.

Although that's changing along with the slow disappearance of manual shifters in many EU countries.

 

Re cup holders - damn right! Chocolate teapots! I wouldn't ever let anyone eat or drink in my car (never have since owning a beemer)!

 

I'm surprised there's no push to outlaw driving while eating/drinking -- it's probably as dangerous as texting.

 

^I've driven past a guy reading a novel before but I watched a police interceptors type programme where that was topped. A lorry driver cooking breakfast in a frying pan & portable stove - whilst driving!!!!

 

Anyone know how to get these buttons to work?
I've pushed them multiple times, but lights dont turn on.
Manual does not specify if they should be pushed before or after turning off the car.

 

Engine off. (Simple to test.)