console gear indicator light
 

As I was out shoveling snow at 1AM :tsk: , I noticed a light on near the gear shift. The 'P' indicator was still on. Is this normal?:dunno:

Yes, the P is always lit. Similar to how in some vehicles the digital clock is always on.

:iagree: Mine is always on as well. There will be some who will report that there's is not always on, but either way, it is very normal.

This is normal.
I had an issue a while back with a flat battery and had to call BMW out.
I mentioned the light on the gear shift and was told this was normal.
The tech did a drain test on the battery which involved measuring the standy current after the car was locked.
The electrical system stays in "standby" for 15-20 min after the car is locked and then system shuts down, at which point the gear shift light goes out.

(FYI The cause of the flat battery was my V50 mobile phone not shutting off and staying on charge which eventually flattened the battery)

As a point of clarification, the indicator light does not go out after the "shutdown" on all X5's. Mine is on 24/7. Some do, some don't. It's normal either way. BTW Laurence, I like your avatar :thumbup:

Glad to see BMW has some consistency in the way their cars work :tsk:

[hint]This is another thing that needs to be put in a FAQ for this site. [/hint]

What might be confusing some is that it the indicator light comes back to life when you use the remote or open a door so they don't realize it has been off? :confused:

Nope, again, mine is on 24/7, and many have reported the same. I know, because I can look inside the window first thing in the morning and see it on.

Our 2001 is always on. Not just the P, all the letters/numbers. No battery drain issues.