I've done a search, but I still have a frivolous question:
 

What is the purpose of the lights that go on if I turn my light switch on to the left? These are the ones that only light up on the left (front and rear) or right (front and rear), but not both. I've got a 1984 300SD. And, yes, I looked in the manual. That tells me what but not why.

:confused:


edited to add: And since I'm asking stupid questions anyhow, why do I see so little mention of 300SDs from 1984? Was that year rare or crappy or something?

here ya go: http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?threadid=45092

A European or German requirement. While parked at the road side and waiting you turn on the lights on the side of the car that is closest to the traffic. This way you can be seen by the traffic on the road.
Additionally when you pull the light switch to turn on the fog lamps. the forst pull turns on the front fog lights. The second click turn on the rear fog lamp. The left side inboard red light comes on at a rather bright setting. this is so cars behind you, in the fog, can see you better.

For our European posters if this is wrong, let me know. Additionally, are thes a German requirement or european requirement.

Dave

Re: I've done a search, but I still have a frivolous question:
 

Probably because nothing ever goes wrong with them;) :D

In Europe I believe you'd have a PAIR of rear fog lights, not just one side.

Gilly

My 1983 German model 240D has only one rear fog light (on the driver's side). There is a spot for one on the passenger's side as well, but there is no bulb receptacle.

parking lights
 

My '74 Porsche has a similar setup and I was told it was for "marker" lights. They show, apparantly, that you are sitting still, and which side of the vehicle is "toward" the traffic.

kma

Dave has it right. My friend - a German national with a work visa - said it's for parking, depending on which side of the street you're parked. Interesting design.... doesn't use more lights than necessary which saves the battery.

The concept is excellent, but you can't use them in this country. I've tried it and was embarrased each time when someone went to the michrophone to make the announcement that there was a GREEN MERCEDES WITH THE LIGHTS ON. Even at a private party someone will ring the door bell to let somene know that there is a car parked in the street with the lights on. No one in this country understands the concept.

Peter

Thanks everyone!

I won't try this in the US. Maybe Canada.

:cool:

just ran across this...

http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthread.php?t=39820

They are right.. They are for parking.. I spend a lot of time over sea's and you must use them in most places when parking on the street at night.. If you do not you will get a ticket every time.. I know that from experience..

Ken

I had the exact same thing happen to me. When I first got hte car, every time I'd park on the street, I'd leave the marker light on on that side, and got someone saying that I had left my lights on multiple times.

However, the only reason I stopped using it was because, for some reason, if I left them on overnight, the battery would die. This didn't happen at first, but even with a brand-new battery and a system that's supposed to be left on for a while, I kept getting the dead battery. I think that one of the bulbs (or something else) may be drawing more than it's supposed to...

I think it's a great concept (same with the rear fog lights, which my car has the socket for neither :()...too bad the U.S. hasn't caught on...

As far as people in this country not getting it. I think that applies to more than just the park lights. I have spent quite a bit of time in Germany and other Northern/Western European countries with my work and whenever I have to come back home, I experience a bit of dread at having to put up with most of the drivers in this country. Yes the Germans drive fast on the autobahn, but they are courteous. If they see you approaching from behind, they simply move over and let you by. Here I have had more people cut me off as if they are trying to control my speed than I can count. Also I have noticed that most western european drivers are very orderly about how they drive. In this country, drivers are just too unpredictable to be safe. I think we should convert all the interstate highways into autobahn type roads and let Darwinism take care of itself.....Safer roads in the long run and population control.....

Hawk180 .. I must say you live in one of the worse places to drive on the west coast.. Seattle is the one place I really do not like.. Just can't stand all those people over in the fast lane making a right turn across all the lanes to get off the freeway.. In a trip thru that city you can see every law broken several times.. We always go thru there trying to take our time and miss all the crazy drivers.. A real task.. However the freeways are getting worse all up and down the west coast.. Makes you want to stay home more..

Ken