Side light bulbs?

[cherryredbenj11]

Bit of a weird one but, does the e30 have 4 side light bulbs? one at the top an bottom of each lamp. When the ignition is off (sidelights on) the top is illuminated. When the ignition is on/engine running (sidelights on) two lights appear? how do i get to the bottom light to change the bulb?

[jmc330i]

Should only be 1 at the top AFAIK on standard lights units, unless someone has added an extra bulb each side. Do you have the standard lights fitted? My touring had aftermarket jobbies fitted with 4 side light bulbs per lamp.

[cherryredbenj11]

As far as im aware theyre standard smiley headlights.

[jmc330i]

In that case, there should be 1 per lamp. I've not seen any standard smileys with 2 sidelights.
What is odd is that one set comes on only with the igniton and not with the original side lights, but it is possible that someone has added an extra set and wired them this way for some reason.

Can you see the bottom bulbs? Any chance you can get a pic?

[daimlerman]

Reads like you have 'dim dip' fitted;
Sidelights on and ign on also gives half power dip beam.

This is a throwback to the early '80's when it was usual practice to run in 'built up areas' on just sidelights.Pensioners were being destroyed at an alarming rate,so 'dim dip' was forced on car manufacturers as a solution until drivers were educated enough to use dipped headlights at all times.

[jmc330i]

Ooo, I've heard of that, but never seen it on an E30.

how do i get to the bottom light to change the bulb?

I take it the 'extra' sidelight isn't working on one side? If it is a dim dip feature, does the dip beam headlight work as normal?