Proximity lighting with keyless entry?

[DaveUK100]

Hi all,

I just picked up my 2015 i3 Rex today (US model with giga trim). Loving it so far, but I had one question about the keyless entry...

On my wife's 5 series and my old Lexus RX, the lights of the car would illuminate when you walked up to the car with the keys in your pocket (lights under the door handles and under the side mirrors). This happens before the car is even unlocked, you just have to be close enough for the car to detect the key. I've noticed that this doesn't happen with my i3 though and I actually need to touch the door handle or manually press the unlock button on the key for any lights to come on.

Is this normal for the i3? And can this be changed via a code? I miss the nice illuminations as I walk close to the car

Thanks!

 

[jadnashuanh]

As far as I know, that's the way all BMW's work. If you want lights, you have to use the remote to unlock the doors, or wait until your there an touch the handle if you have comfort access. On the i3, that also means that the sensor doesn't need to be broadcasting with much power, which is more critical on an EV than an ICE.

 

[DaveUK100]

Thanks for your reply. I assumed the same, that it's a power saving measure...but was hoping that it's configurable somehow

On my wife's BMW 2014 528i xDrive, the door handle lights and side mirror lights illuminate when you are close to the vehicle (no need to unlock or touch the car).