Headlights won't turn on when engine is off.

[BavarianZHP]

Basically I cannot turn on the headlights or fog lights on without starting the car. Tried with the key inserted and without. Upon activating the headlights with the knob in the cabin, I can hear and see the Xenons "deploy" but they do not illuminate. Battery is fully charged. Parking lights/hazards work. Wondering if there's something wrong with the ignition switch?

Note: Spark plugs are out at the moment, but that isn't related to the problem.

[llll1l1ll]

From what I know with BMWs, most things except the parking lights and hazards won't work unless the key is in the "ON" position.

[spoonerDee]

It's normal. It's so you don't drain your battery by leaving your headlights on.

Also If you have the car on, turn the lights on, then turn it off but still in position 1 or 2 they will cut off automatically.

[alexandre]

Yup normal. If you need some light... Flick the blinker stalk as if you were flashing your highs, with no key in ignition, and it'll turn on your xenons for 30 secs.

[az3579]

To clarify, the key has to be in position 2 for the Xenons turn on.


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[BavarianZHP]

Ahhhh! I see. Every time I work on the car I learn something new. I realize that the trunk light cannot be manually deactivated (no visible hard switch to press) and the switch is actually in the trunk lock, oh well. Oh, is there suppose to be a hood light? I had a hood light on my old car - it was so convenient. Opening the hood would activate it.

[telijah]

Nope, no hood light.