Lights

Post Thu Feb 03, 2005 2:49 am

I've currently got 2 E30s, and the sidelight (position 1 on the switch) works differently on each of them. The older one has the top bit (seperate bulb) on with ignition off, but with ignition on the main bulb comes on at a dimmer intensity than main beam. The newer one just has the top bit on whatever position the ignition is in.
I think I prefer the older style, but what actually controls this, and can I change my new car the behave like the old one?

Post Thu Feb 03, 2005 9:36 am

One of your E30's is fitted with dim-dip, it's supposed to help for when people forget to switch from sidelight to dipped headlight at night so they've got some kind of light at the front of the car. This is controlled by a small inline capacitor wired in just behind the headlamp.

Post Thu Feb 03, 2005 10:18 am

Ok thanks Simon, I'll have a look for that

Post Sat Feb 05, 2005 2:36 am

Is this capacitor inside the headlight unit itself? I had a look at both cars and couldn't see anything different, the wires for this headlights (two) got straight from the connector into the loom and then the wherever...