Is there a purpose for them? other than a place to hold the little light bulb?

 

Well, they look cool.

And I've noticed most BMW's have them, so it must be a genetic German thing...

 

Yeah, it's a European thing.

The streets are narrow because they and many of the buildings pre-date automobiles. So cars often end up parking where they can... even with two wheels up on the sidewalks so traffic can get by.

Because of that, cars have the side markers for additional safety.

 

It's just another way to you-i-fy your Mini.

 

Yes, to me it is a strictly BMW thing and frankly I'd be just as happy if they weren't there on either gen car.

 

The turn signals on the side? It is so that when you are in traffic, you can see when someone wants over, when the front and rear signals arn't visible.

 

The scuttles themselves just look plain cool. I think all cars should have side blinkers (ah, who am I kidding... way too many bozos out there that don't use their signals at all....).

I want a set of the ones in the accessory catalog, but they're a little bit pricey.

 

the other reason is because our front and rear blinkers do not wrap around to the sides/corners of the vehicle. there needs to be some signaling to driver's facing your car sideways that you are turning.

 

Smart! Good analysis!

 

I wish more cars had them.