I have yet to see anyone post on this specific topic, but what exactly are the front bumper parking lamps for? I really don't like them at all. Splitting the lamp in half with the turn signal seems like a sloppy and badly designed decision. It would be much nicer if you could just buy a new housing with only a turning signal in it and omit the parking lamp entirely.

As far as I can tell, if you just disconnect the parking lamp it won't throw a code, but i'd like to know if i'm missing something?

 

No one has posted on this specific topic because no one is as bothered by the design of the parking (a.k.a. running) lamps as you seem to be...

I for one, like the half-and-half design, and think it goes hand in hand with many of the other quirky design features on the car.

That's why we love 'em!

 

That's fair, but I would still like to know what exactly they are supposed to be used for if anyone knows.

 

They're parking lamps AND turn signals, that's what they are for... There isn't much place to fit both in the headlights, especially with the xenons. To be honest, I've never heard anyone complain about those before. I don't know why they're bothering you that much, it's a fairly clean way to do it. All cars have them and the location depends on more than one thing (space available, hood/bumper shape, country regulations, etc).

Any defective or missing factory lamps can get you a fine.

 

I suppose i've only taken issue with them because they don't seem to serve any useful purpose. They must have one, but I haven't been able to find an answer.

 

I really don't get what you're trying to achieve here. Parking lamps are required on cars, as well as turn signals. Unless you can put a light on the corner of the bumper and that it's visible from both the front and side, you'll need one up front and one on the side. It's standard regulation for pretty much most countries.

 

It's basically just curiosity at this point. The Xenon's, and high beams/daytime running lamps cover the front of the car so where do these parking lamps fit in? I'm guessing countries might have different laws, so they exist as to not have to make different lighting designs.

 

If it's the weird egg yolk look you dislike, you can try a stealth/silver bulb so the lens looks all one color when the lamp isn't on. Pics in this post:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ml#post4179322

 

I believe these lights are called "position" lights and are required by law. Most people call them parking lights. They have to be either white or amber in color. Also if I remember from my 06 that did not have xenons the dealer had to reprogram the ECU if you wanted daytime headlights.

Conversely, if your taillight lens is broken and your car emits a white light on the rear side when moving forward you can be ticketed as only the backup light can be white.

 

Which country are you from? Every modern day car has parking lights integrated into the car somehow. I've never heard of anyone having an issue with or question the necessity of parking lights.

 

I'm in Canada. Since the parking lights are only running when my Xenon's are running, i was just trying to find out why exactly they are needed.

 

They turn on with position 1 of the light switch (no headlights). That's exactly why people call them parking lights — you can use them as marker lights while the car is parked. You can also think of them as the front equivalent of the taillights.