pathway lighting
 

I got a mini-brochure in the mail from my dealer about little things in my "new" car that I may not know about. One of them is the pathway lighting feature but I can't seem to get it to work. In it, it states that after I shutoff the engine, I can pull the stalk toward me to enable light for X seconds (set in idrive). I've had that set to 30-60 sec but whenever I pull the stalk, all it does is engage the high beams and I must hold it. If I let go, it goes back off completely. What is this pathway lighting they're talking about?

The manual states something similar but I can't get it to work. Low beams are supposed to stay on, but they do not... nothing does actually.

this feature is very useful.

you need to have the headlamp switch in either auto mode or fully on.

it's always on auto mode. I've tried every mode actually, but it doesn't stay on. Like I mentioned, the only thing that happens when I pull on the stalk is the high beams, and then off when I release. Anyone with a US-spec have it working? I have comfort access (never insert/remove keyfob) if that matters.

The light switch can be off. Try opening the door. This feature has been around for awhile. I had it on my 02 4.6is........Phil

For those without comfort access, the key needs to be removed completely from the slot before you pull the high beam stalk for the pathway lighting to work.

For those with comfort access, the car needs to be switched off completely, not only engine shut off, before the pathway lighting will work.

It looks like I'll have to hit the OFF button twice then. Usually the only time it's completely off is when I touch the outside door handle to lock it - but obviously I wouldn't be able to pull the stalk at that point for the pathway lighting.

That's right. That's how it works on my E92 as well.

Press and hold the button for a little longer when you hit it - everything shuts off. It'll save you from a second press.

rh71,

What other little things about your "new car" were included in the brochure?

First, thanks for that tip about holding the STOP button down an extra second and it shutting down completely... works great, and the pathway lighting now works (the hit STOP twice thing lets it work too).

Here's the rest of the brochure:

- black ice warning at 37F degree threshold (that's why it will display 37 and not lower in the main screen)

- battery is found in trunk, contributes to 50/50 weight distribution. In a severe accident, the connection between the battery and starter cable is broken, helping to prevent a short circuit in the electrical system, which could potentially start a fire. (btw, is it safe to jump another vehicle with regular jumper cables because of the extra drag on such an electronically-sensitive vehicle?)

- the eye behind rearview mirror watches for moisture, regulates wiper frequency, brake drying where it puts pads in contact with rotors just enough to dry them. Tip: set your wipers on "A", they will turn on when needed. (update: this auto feature turns itself off the next time you start your car... so it's not worth it to even set it on auto when it hasn't rained yet.).

- keyfob memory sets seat, mirrors, climate.

- discourages thieves because key and ignition talk to each other. Tiny transponder in the key stores a code, each time you remove the key, the ignition changes the code. Next time your key is in the ignition it must have the right code out of one billion possibilities or it won't start. (umm, what if comfort access?)

- service interval indicator... not based on a time interval but on how you drive. BMW Assist TeleService senses when your vehicle needs new brake pads and notifies your BMW Service Advisor, who will then call you to set an appointment.

- hold down unlock to roll down all windows.