[WJohnG3]

I just got my first BMW - a 2020 540i with MSports Package plus some other nice features 360 cameras is cool!)

While looking around and learning about it, I noticed this button on the right side of the steering column. Google found some really old results that seem to imply it’s some kind of power windows circuit breaker reset?

I have some coding questions for another post coming. Searching educated me quite well but a couple key questions remain.

[arkhi]

It makes your grille light up.

https://www.getbmwparts.com/oem-part...on-63172468335

[WJohnG3]

Originally Posted by arkhi

It makes your grille light up.

https://www.getbmwparts.com/oem-part...on-63172468335

oh that’s cool!, thanks. I couldn’t find it in the manual but I was looking for controls around the steering column.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by arkhi

It makes your grille light up.

https://www.getbmwparts.com/oem-part...on-63172468335

I didn’t know the 2020 had that feature. Never seen it.

[Chappers 71]

Originally Posted by NGT2

I didn’t know the 2020 had that feature. Never seen it.

Looks as though it’s been added by a previous owner as the button seems to be installed upside down

[Warp Ten]

Disappointed. I thought it was a "Summon a cute girl" button. --Bob

[WJohnG3]

Originally Posted by Chappers 71

Looks as though it’s been added by a previous owner as the button seems to be installed upside down

I noticed that (upside down!) and figured the same - it was a 1 owner vehicle as a Lease so perhaps they did it? I push the button and the little LED that is seems to have on the button does not light up. I need to test to see if it actually has the LED lights.

The grill lighting is only on if parked? Or is that button supposed to make them come on all the time (when headlights are on?)?

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by NGT2

I didn’t know the 2020 had that feature. Never seen it.

I have seen the kit in the BMW store. I don't think it is a factory orderable option. Very cool though. Looks like a lot of miscellaneous parts needed, including a new steering column cover with a hole in it for this button, or I guess you could pull out the door knob/deadbolt drill bit, lol.

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by WJohnG3

I just got my first BMW - a 2020 540i with MSports Package plus some other nice features 360 cameras is cool!)

While looking around and learning about it, I noticed this button on the right side of the steering column. Google found some really old results that seem to imply it’s some kind of power windows circuit breaker reset?

I have some coding questions for another post coming. Searching educated me quite well but a couple key questions remain.

Can you post some pics at night of the grill with it on? Just curious. Welcome to the club and congrats!

[Chappers 71]

Originally Posted by WJohnG3

I noticed that (upside down!) and figured the same - it was a 1 owner vehicle as a Lease so perhaps they did it? I push the button and the little LED that is seems to have on the button does not light up. I need to test to see if it actually has the LED lights.

The grill lighting is only on if parked? Or is that button supposed to make them come on all the time (when headlights are on?)?

No idea, I dislike the bloody things…but I’m just old & a miserable bugger

[WJohnG3]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

Can you post some pics at night of the grill with it on? Just curious. Welcome to the club and congrats!

Will do. I'm curious if it even comes on. I have seen an official BMW video on how to enable it so it much be an official option at some level.

I do have Welcome and Goodbye own my iDrive and can set the timeout so let's what it does tonight after dark...

[LogicalApex]

Originally Posted by WJohnG3

Will do. I'm curious if it even comes on. I have seen an official BMW video on how to enable it so it much be an official option at some level.

I do have Welcome and Goodbye own my iDrive and can set the timeout so let's what it does tonight after dark...

It can be ordered with the car as a port installed option or after delivery from BMW directly with the option for a dealership to install it (I assume at an extra cost). Port installed options are installed for free.

I am not a fan of illuminated grills so I skipped it on my order.

https://www.shopbmwusa.com/PRODUCT/8...GRILLES-CHROME

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by WJohnG3

Will do. I'm curious if it even comes on. I have seen an official BMW video on how to enable it so it much be an official option at some level.

I do have Welcome and Goodbye own my iDrive and can set the timeout so let's what it does tonight after dark...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=852jHRo9GgQ

Oh I wasn’t saying it’s not official or a genuine BMW part, I just think it may be something you buy and add it on yourself. Just speculation.

[WJohnG3]

Ok so the grill does indeed glow when I block the car with the keyfob and presumably if I just unlock by touching the door handle.

The button on the steering column does not seem to do anything though. I tried pushing it several times while the grill was out/ car running or not etc. the LED on the button never comes on and it does not control the grill illumination.

Maybe I need to code the button feature in?

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by WJohnG3

Ok so the grill does indeed glow when I block the car with the keyfob and presumably if I just unlock by touching the door handle.

The button on the steering column does not seem to do anything though. I tried pushing it several times while the grill was out/ car running or not etc. the LED on the button never comes on and it does not control the grill illumination.

Maybe I need to code the button feature in?

Yeah, sounds like that switch isn’t hooked up internally or maybe just doesn’t work. Being installed upside down doesn’t give much confidence in the install. I’ve read some product descriptions. Doesn’t sound like it needs to be coded. Right now, yours is functioning as designed without the switch, which would allow you to turn it on while driving.

That said, have you tried to push that button while moving to see if it works?

[WJohnG3]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

Yeah, sounds like that switch isn’t hooked up internally or maybe just doesn’t work. Being installed upside down doesn’t give much confidence in the install. I’ve read some product descriptions. Doesn’t sound like it needs to be coded. Right now, yours is functioning as designed without the switch, which would allow you to turn it on while driving.

That said, have you tried to push that button while moving to see if it works?

ah, good point. I’ll try the button while driving at night. Of course I can’t see the grill while driving but i can at least see if the button itself lights up. I’ll have to get my wife to drive ahead of me to see if the grill actually lights up

[LogicalApex]

Originally Posted by WJohnG3

ah, good point. I’ll try the button while driving at night. Of course I can’t see the grill while driving but i can at least see if the button itself lights up. I’ll have to get my wife to drive ahead of me to see if the grill actually lights up

It does. I’ve seen 1 in the wild and it was lit while they were driving.

I also linked to the BMW store above and they also note it lights up while driving.

The BMW radiator grille Iconic Glows set new standards: When the car is opened and before it is locked, they illuminate the kidney grilles and the area in front of the car, thus creating a hitherto unique optical feature. Functionality · The grilles glow when the car is opened, while driving and before it is locked. (US Only) · The LED lights are integrated in the radiator grille so that the frame and the bars are illuminated with white light from above. · The lights illuminate the area in front of the car. This area can therefore be illuminated while climbing in and out of the car.

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by WJohnG3

ah, good point. I’ll try the button while driving at night. Of course I can’t see the grill while driving but i can at least see if the button itself lights up. I’ll have to get my wife to drive ahead of me to see if the grill actually lights up

Tip/trick I use. I drive around a strip mall or small shopping center where the glass from the stores acts as a mirror.
If I read the functionality correctly, without the switch it will shut off when you move. Then the switch is supposed to be used to turn it back on while moving. I don’t think it will turn if on and off while stopped. Pretty sure the welcome light settings take over on that.

[NGT2]

After seeing the picture, I’d kind of like to have it just for novelty if it. Doubt I’d use it much other than just to fuck around. I typically like subtlety as I progress into the middle aged portion of life. But it does look kind of cool.

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by NGT2

After seeing the picture, I’d kind of like to have it just for novelty if it. Doubt I’d use it much other than just to fuck around. I typically like subtlety as I progress into the middle aged portion of life. But it does look kind of cool.

I had the same thought, collect toys even if I don't use them. I really thought I was done adding to my grill collection, but this may be on my list as it's pretty much gloss black like my M-Performance one I have on. I do want the button and I can't find anything on how this installs. I'm guessing you need a new steering column cover.

[Chappers 71]

Well…fuck me I’ve heard it all now, I would have thought better of You Guys.
If Mandingo & 2022m550i also like/would like one/think it’s cool then that’ll be it & for me & I’ll give up all hope

Quote:
NGT2
I’d kind of like to have it just for novelty if it.

Joe-BMW33
I had the same thought

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by Chappers 71

Well…fuck me I’ve heard it all now, I would have thought better of You Guys.
If Mandingo & 2022m550i also like/would like one/think it’s cool then that’ll be it & for me & I’ll give up all hope

Quote:
NGT2
I’d kind of like to have it just for novelty if it.

Joe-BMW33
I had the same thought

You see, the key for me and Rod is that it can be shut off. I totally get that it's a rolling ricer with it on all the time, but with it off, it's just a black grill.

No fucking way Mandingo and 2022M550i are joining in on this one. They will be joining you on giving us shit.