What are these red lights?
 

On my '02, there are 2 tiny red lights behind the rear reading lamps (in the center of the car roof). Thay come on when the parking or headlights are turned on. What are they for?

Thanks

Ambient Lighting

When is dark turn your lights on and place your hand over the gear shifter it will be illuminated

Correct. Aesthetics, no real purpose.

not just for aesthetics, they are totally functional
 

front and back these lamps illuminate your hands and controls you're going to touch. thing is that since most of the time one is driving in the city with a lot of lighting they aren't very useful. but get out to the countryside and they are very handy since it's so dark.
when you reach out to touch a control you can see your hand. try touching something in total darkness, not as easy as you think. and at speed, every split-second counts.

this is just another example of the beautifully thought out ergonomics of BMW.

Agree with UncleBob as to their value, and they do look cool when in a really dark area.

Red is chosen as it's the ideal colour not to disrupt the eyes for nightime visibility. Ask any pilot.

yeah, its helpful...