bmw 2003 x5 parking light issues

bower21up

I have a 2003 bmw x5 just recently i got the check parking light message on the dash and found the near side parking light not working.
I took the bulb out to confirm the replacement required and replaced the old bulb till a replacement can be otained.
Now i find that when i put on my lights the indicator light eluminates.
I am led to believe on the newer models they compensate but is this so with the 2003 deisel sport as it didnt until i removed the bulb today.

Obukit

Take the bulb out, turn it 180 degrees around, and then put it back in. Should solve the problem.

Some bulbs are only designed to go in one position but can be "forced" in the wrong way quite easily.

captainawsome

Yes that's normal, it's so there is atleast some light on the side of the car to show the vehicle width when it's dark. Replace the bulb and the indicator will go out when your check control message does.

colino

Damn clever (annoying!) BMWs. The LCM senses one corner of the car is "unprotected" and puts voltage to a nearby light to compensate. Be careful of the bulbs you buy though, they can be supersensitive to bulb types (they do a cold check of all bulbs before you even switch them on) and sometimes a mismatch of bulbs will be sensed as a failing bulb and the warning on the dash will come up. Sometimes quicker and easier to swap rear bulbs as pairs.

bower21up

Thanks to all,
yes result. I obtained a bulb replacement and replaced outside the shop only to be let down by the indicator light staying on. What next i ask myself? Home and google it.
Got back in car, no messages on dash, quick walk round vehicle, result all back to normal.
must need ignition on to reset brain. Thanks once again for all replies.