My 2004 SL55 has dim red-orange lights up around the mirror. These lights are hard to see, since they are shrouded, but they illuminate the central console area softly at night, making it easy to find controls and in general making the c0ckpit feel cozy. My wife’s 540u has similar lights. My old 745i did as well.

My 2005 E500 has lights that glow dimly up around the mirror. However, these lights are not a soothing red-orange; they are white. They are not shrouded at all, quite the opposite. They don’t shine down on the console nearly so much as they shine in the driver’s eyes, as well as those of the front seat passenger. I find them distracting and borderline dangerous. And just so the folks in the back don’t feel left out, there’s a similar fixture back there.

What’s the point of this arrangement? Is it simply to save a couple of bucks, since the bulbs that provide the constant dim illumination at night appear to be the same bulbs that, supplied with higher voltage, light up the interior when the doors are opened. But the circuitry to vary the illumination level can’t be free. How much would it cost to stick a couple of LEDs up there? Or is there some greater purpose accomplished?

Jim

 

I am not sure if 2005 has this, but earlier models of the E-class (as well as new models of C-class) have an LED in the rear view mirror which shines down on the center console, illuminating it in darkness.

The ambient lighting in the roof area is for various purposes, but regardless if you find it annoying, it can be turned off (front and rear separately).

-s-

 

It can, indeed, and now it is. Thank you very much.

Jim