Side lights are the low-intensity front lights used to mark a BMW’s presence in low visibility or when the vehicle is parked. They are separate from daytime running lights (DRLs) and full headlights, and they often function as parking/position lights in modern BMWs.
In this article, we explore what side lights are, how they differ from other lighting functions, how to operate them on BMW models, and what owners should know about them across different generations and configurations.
Defining side lights in a BMW
Side lights, commonly referred to as parking or position lights in many markets, are designed to provide a modest amount of illumination so the car’s presence is visible to others without using the full headlights. On many BMWs, these lights are integrated into the headlight assembly and can be activated via the light switch or in Auto mode, depending on the model year and market.
To help place them in context, BMW’s lighting system typically includes DRLs, parking/side lights, turn signals, fog lights, and, on higher-end models, adaptive or laser headlights. The exact configuration varies by model, year, and country, but the basic purpose remains consistent: improve visibility and position signaling while conserving energy when full headlights are not needed.
Before exploring how to use them, it’s useful to understand where side lights fit within the broader BMW lighting family.
- Daytime Running Lights (DRLs): automatic, daytime-only illumination designed to increase daytime visibility without full headlights.
- Side lights / Parking lights: low-intensity front lights used when the car is parked or in low-visibility conditions.
- Headlights: full-beam and low-beam illumination for night driving.
- Turn signals: indicated by the usual blinking lights to show intent to turn or change lanes.
- Fog lights and cornering lights: provide additional visibility in poor weather or when cornering at night (where equipped).
Below are the main lighting categories you’ll encounter on BMWs, with side lights highlighted for context:
Understanding these categories helps drivers know when side lights should be used and how they interact with DRLs, indicators, and other front lighting on BMWs.
How to use side lights on BMWs
BMWs typically offer intuitive controls for lighting, with the exact behavior depending on model year and option packages. The following guidance covers common setups found across recent BMW lineups.
- Locate the exterior light control, usually a rotary switch on the left side of the steering wheel. Set the switch to the PARK/side lights position to engage parking lights.
- In Auto mode, DRLs will automatically illuminate when the ignition is on, while parking lights may engage as needed based on the vehicle’s system and your chosen settings.
- To switch off the lights completely, rotate the control away from PARK/Auto to the Off position or as your model’s switch allows.
- In some models, holding or pressing a stalk or switch may temporarily activate the parking lights if you need to signal the vehicle’s presence while parked; refer to your owner’s manual for exact steps.
In practice, side lights are most commonly used when you’re parked on a street or in a low-visibility situation where you want to mark the car without running the full headlights. On newer BMWs, the lighting system is designed to balance safety with energy efficiency, often using DRLs during the day and reserving parking lights for specific conditions or manual activation.
Difference between side lights, DRLs, and other lighting
It helps to separate side lights from DRLs and from full headlights:
- DRLs are designed for daytime visibility and usually stay on whenever the engine is running, providing a high-visibility footprint without full illumination.
- Side lights/parking lights are lower-intensity and are intended for parked or very low-light situations.
- Headlights (low beam and high beam) provide full illumination for night driving and poor visibility; they typically are not used in daylight unless required.
Explanation of contexts where each is used and how they interact:
Understanding these distinctions helps BMW drivers use the correct lighting mode for safety, energy efficiency, and legal compliance in various jurisdictions.
Legal and safety considerations
Lighting requirements vary by country. In many European markets, side lights (parking lights) are used when a vehicle is parked on a street or in low-visibility situations and can be required by law in certain conditions. DRLs are typically mandatory for new cars in many regions to improve daytime visibility. BMWs are designed to meet these standards with configurable settings that suit local regulations, while offering automatic features to simplify compliance for drivers.
Model-specific notes
BMW 3 Series (G20, 2019–present)
In the latest 3 Series models, BMW commonly integrates parking lights into the front headlight cluster. The light switch typically includes an Auto position, with DRLs operating automatically during the day and parking lights available when you select the PARK setting or in low-light conditions depending on the configuration.
BMW X5 and other SUVs (G05 and newer)
On modern BMW SUVs, side lights behave similarly to sedans, with parking lights accessible via the exterior light control. Depending on the trim, you may have adaptive LED headlights that adjust beam pattern while the parking lights remain a separate, low-intensity option for parked or slow-speed scenarios.
Older BMWs and pre-facelift models
Earlier BMWs used more distinct, manual control for parking lights, often requiring a specific position on the rotary switch or stalk. The underlying purpose remains the same, but the exact control layout can differ by generation and market.
Maintenance and bulb types
Many modern BMWs use LED-based DRLs and parking lights, with some trims offering Xenon or High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights and optional adaptive features. If a parking light is not functioning, it’s often a bulb issue or a fault with the lighting control module. Given the variety across generations, consult your owner’s manual or a dealer for model-specific bulb type and replacement procedures.
Summary
Side lights on a BMW are the vehicle’s low-intensity parking/position lights designed to enhance visibility and indicate the car’s presence without using full headlights. They sit alongside DRLs, indicators, and headlights within BMW’s versatile lighting system. While operation varies by model and year, most recent BMWs let you engage side lights via the light switch in the PARK position or Auto mode, with DRLs handling daytime illumination. Understanding how these lights work helps drivers use them safely and in compliance with local regulations, across the range from compact sedans to large SUVs.
For model-specific guidance, check your vehicle’s owner’s manual or consult a BMW dealer, as exact controls and features can vary by year, trim, and market.
What do side lights look like?
Sidelights (sometimes called parking lights) are positioned on the four corners of your car. At the front, they are usually contained in the same unit as your normal headlights. When illuminated, they emit a small white light.
How do I turn on BMW side lights?
And there we go comes on that side as well. So let's just get check that that's on this side. There we go that's the rear light illuminated. And the front as you can see it's only on the one. Side.
How to turn off side light BMW?
Switching off the roadside parking light: Press the "OFF" button on the light switch or turn on drive-ready state. For more information, refer to your Owners Manual. Was this article helpful?
What are BMW side lights?
Sidelights, also known as “Parking Lights” serve as an alternative to your dipped beam headlights.