We apologize in advance to the "old dogs" who know their cars down to the last bolt and have probably been using these tricks for years. However, this information is aimed at those of you who are just discovering the details of engineering thought or have simply considered these features a strange electronics whim. If you are one of those people for whom this is news - get ready, because the next trick can save you a lot of wondering in front of the block.
Have you ever left your car in front of the block and your neighbor calls you worried: "Hey, one of your brake lights and your front indicator light are on, your battery is going to die!"? You go out, check - really, only the left (or only the right) side of the car lights up discreetly. The first thought is: “The electronics are gone!“.
Relax, no need for roadside assistance. This is Parkleuchten – a function born on narrow and dark European streets, which has been mandatory in German cars for decades.
How does this “European standard“ work?
The idea is simple: when you park in a narrow, unlit place, you want your car to be visible to passersby, but you don't want to drain the battery with all the lights and dashboard on. Most people turn this function on by accident. And if you don't know, here's how it's done on purpose:
You turn off the engine and remove the key. You press the turn signal lever all the way up (for the right side) or down (for the left). This way, the car will leave only the outer dimensions on the side facing the road on.
Why is this ingenious?
The power consumption is minimal – modern cars use LEDs or specially limited circuits that can light up all night without jeopardizing the start in the morning. This way, your car is safe from inattentive drivers, without shining like a Christmas tree.
In older “Bears“ (W124, W210, etc.) this function is not on the turn signal lever, but is integrated into the light switch itself. If you turn it to the left from the “0“ position, you will see two positions with small pictures of parking lights – for the left and right sides, respectively.
There is also another trick related to the lights, which is an extra in many newer cars
It is about the “Follow Me Home“ function. If after you turn off the engine, pull the high beam lever towards you (as if you were blinking), the headlights will come on for exactly 30 or 60 seconds to light your way to the front door. Then they will turn off by themselves. Incredibly convenient if you live in a house or park in a dark garage.