Did you know ......

[sapphireblack]

Because i didn't, that there is an ambient lighting strip built into the E70 /71 door card, and it is wired!

Anyone know how to get it working?

[Leslie]

Yes I did see that , if the doorcard has been off for to fix a common waterleak its possibly not been plugged back in or the plug has been damaged

[sapphireblack]

Its not that Its not working as such, none have on either car. I removed one card for another task. I had no idea the light tube was even there let alone have a bulb/power to it. Its never been a topic that I recall ever seeing here or elsewhere. No mention of it in the manual either that i recall.

How are these activated? I assume it's just the doors with nothing else hidden away?

[sapphireblack]

Are we talking about the same thing? Not the puddle light in the bottom of the door. This is the plastic tube tucked under the armrest section, above the storage binnacle area.

[X5Sport]

I think they are LED rather than bulbs? They were at one point. Adjustment may be via the instrument lighting, but that’s the only thing I can think of. I’m not in the UK at present and it’s 40°C where I am, so not playing with mine to find out

[sapphireblack]

I've never had them working on the E71, which has a pretty high spec, i never knew they existed. Plenty of YT tutorials on retrofitting aftermarket kits, which lead me to believe they were not standard fitment.

The lower spec E70 being bereft of actuation, despite their physical presence wouldnt surprise me.

[Leslie]

They come on with the lights and are adjusted with the dimmer .

20250816_175027.jpg

[sapphireblack]

Could you elaborate please, this is an idrive setting somewhere? What lights need to be on for these to be adtivated? Do you mean the binnacle dimmer?

Not surprised that the pauper spec E70 has no offereings in the idrive "lights" menu. Ill have ro look into the E71 idrive tomoro.

[Leslie]

Side or dpped lights on and then the little dimmer wheel for the dash binnacle lighting will brighten or dim the door lighting tubes too.There is nothing in the I drive that ive seen but the later i drive may have ,mine is 2009 and if they are fitted id expect them to work , they only come on with the headlights .as you would never see them in daylight anyway.

[sapphireblack]

Many thanks for that, my vehicle task for Sunday is now somewhat obvious. They must be very subtle, I've never notivced them on the E71 which I've owned for a few years now

[sapphireblack]

Well you are of course correct. I never knew these existed, but to say the illumination is subtle, to the point of being near to useless is about right imo

Live and still learning,

[X5Sport]

It used to be called ‘Cat Eye’ lighting as there were also two faint orange LEDs in the roof console providing light on the centre console. Mine are turned way down and I’d forgotten they were there

[Leslie]

Id think they have faded a bit over the years too id need to have them on after dark too see what they look like

[sapphireblack]

I was out after dark last night, first time in ages. Now I know, i was looking, but although there's the faintest glow in the doors, I'd suggest the ambient lighting is about as useful as a proverbial chocolate teapot.

[Leslie]

Its just for to see in the door pockets I guess nothing more