2 stage sidelights? Whatever next!

[Andy325i]

Is this a normal E30 thing or is there something going on


Here are my sidelights with the ignition OFF



Then with it ON



Then headlights



Then mainbeam




What do yours do?!?!

Andy

[ratbark]

Yep.

It's known as dim-dip. If I remember correctly it came out with the facelift model........although I could be wrong, it's been 13 years since I was in a BMW workshop

Mark.

[ed325i]

My pre face lift e30 does that but my e34 doesnt. I have seen e30's driving around with just the little top side lights on Which is what I would like on my e30.

ED

[Brianmoooore]

This is the dim dip drive function, which looked at one time as if it was going to become compulsory on all cars, to prevent muppets driving around with just parking lights on. It was introduced on E30s just pre face lift, IIRC, and was deleted around the end of 1988 or the beginning of 1989.
The function is produced by a large wire wound resistor assembly mounted just behind the left hand headlamp on the inner wing, and a couple of yellow relays at the back of the glove box.
I like the function, and actually removed one from a scrapper yesterday with the intention of using it in a M5X touring I'm building up.
If you have it, and want to get rid of it, the easiest way is to unplug two black round two pin rubber connectors on the left hand inner wing.

[Andy325i]

This is the dim dip drive function, which looked at one time as if it was going to become compulsory on all cars, to prevent muppets driving around with just parking lights on. It was introduced on E30s just pre face lift, IIRC, and was deleted around the end of 1988 or the beginning of 1989.
The function is produced by a large wire wound resistor assembly mounted just behind the left hand headlamp on the inner wing, and a couple of yellow relays at the back of the glove box.
I like the function, and actually removed one from a scrapper yesterday with the intention of using it in a M5X touring I'm building up.
If you have it, and want to get rid of it, the easiest way is to unplug two black round two pin rubber connectors on the left hand inner wing.

That would explain why the 1990 car has it and the 1991 doesn't! Did think it very odd!

Thankyou Brian, you come to the rescue again

Andy

[ad318i]

both my post facelifts have that