Quote:
Originally Posted by Qsilver7
Are you familiar with any of the online VIN decoding sites? If not, click the following link and enter the last 7 digits of your VIN, then click the correct symbol. This will give you the build sheet for your BMW.
Look for option code S563 along the left side. If you do NOT see it...then you won't have the lights in the door as shown in the diagram in my previous post. Although you may have the lights that shine down on the center console.
Click here to decode your VIN and check for option code S563: https://www.etkbmw.com/bmw/EN/vin/decoder/online
The console/center dash illumination has been around for decades...my 97 e38 has that feature. The e38 750iL also had them in the lights on C-pillar lights and they came to be called "porn lights" as they cast that same subtle amber mood lighting on the C-pillar. These light assemblies also became a "hot mod" for other e38 7 series models when they could procure them from junk yards or V12 part outs. 
{mood lights in overhead panel that shine down on center dash and console in my 97 e38...& other BMW models since this generation}
E38 750iL "porn lights" that illluminate the C-pillar
 |
So I actually went to look under the armrest of the doors of the X5 today. And underneath there is a think strip of what looks like plastic running across (under the armrest of the door).
So maybe there are strips of 'ambient' lights that aren't active or deactivated? coding issue? Carly?