Switching ambient lighting on and off on BMW i4

Ambient lighting can be found in many cars nowadays. By now, it’s almost a standard feature.
While hardly a mechanically necessary feature, it goes a long way to enhance the atmosphere within your cabin. That makes a big difference to some, especially if you spend a lot of time driving.
The BMW i4 is one of many electric vehicles with an ambient lighting option. This page walks you through turning it on and off and adjusting the settings.
You’ll find all this information in your owner’s manual. It’s well worth reading before using the BMW i4 ambient lighting or changing its settings!

How to turn BMW i4 ambient lighting on

Follow these instructions to activate the BMW i4 ambient lighting.

1. Go to Apps.
2. Choose Interior lighting.
   • On some models, you’ll then need to tap Ambience.
3. Check the box next to Ambient lighting.

Ambient lighting will now activate. You’ll see the LED strips illuminating throughout the cabin.
It will automatically turn off when you lock your car.

How to select the color of the BMW i4 ambient lighting

You change the i4 ambient lighting color from the same menu (Interior lighting/Ambience).

1. On the center console iDrive system, open Apps.
2. Select Interior lighting.
   • You might then need to select Ambience.
3. Tap the Color option underneath the ambient lighting checkbox.
4. Select the color of your choice.

You’ll be shown a wide array of ambient lighting color options. These include reds, blues, whites, greens, and so on.
The i4 seems to have slightly more ambient lighting LED color selection options than its competitors.

Can you change the brightness level for the i4 ambient lighting?

Again, adjust the brightness from the same ambient lighting menu.
Follow these instructions to change the light intensity of the BMW i4 ambient lighting.

1. Open the iDrive menu and go to Apps.
2. Select Interior lighting.
   • You might need to select Ambience here, depending on your model and location. This is an additional step, and not everyone needs to do it.
3. Find the Brightness option.
4. Adjust the brightness using the scale to your desired level.

Somewhere in the middle works well for most people. Of course, it depends on the vibe and atmosphere you’re going for!

Adjusting the dynamic light settings

Dynamic ambient lighting means the colors change depending on individual actions.
The most widely-used example is that of open doors. With dynamic ambient lighting activated, the LED strips on open doors flash red.
The colors will also change with other actions, such as incoming calls.

1. Open Apps from the iDrive menu.
2. Select Interior lighting.
   1. If applicable, choose Ambience. Most i4 drivers can skip this step.
3. Check the box next to Dynamic light.

Of course, you can turn dynamic ambient lighting off by unchecking this box.

Can you dim the BMW i4 ambient lighting at night?

You can! The i4’s menu comes with a specific option for this. It’s a great feature, ensuring you don’t get glare from the lighting at night.
Here’s how you activate this feature. Once more, it’s in the same ambient lighting menu as everything else.

1. Open Apps on your i4’s center console.
2. Pick Interior lighting.
   • If necessary, choose Ambience.
3. Scroll down to Reduced for night driving. Check the box.
   • Your model might have a similar feature name, such as Dimmed for night driving.

Do you need to turn the ambient lighting off when you leave the i4?

Provided the ambient lighting is switched on (the box is checked), it’ll switch off automatically.
You don’t need to go into the menu to deactivate it every time. Doing this will mean the LED strips never illuminate.
Simply park up and leave your car. Let the ambient lighting system do its thing.
If the ambient lighting stays on when it shouldn’t, visit a local BMW service provider.

How to turn the ambient lighting off on the BMW i4

Finally, you might decide ambient lighting isn’t for you. You may have just bought the car and want to turn the setting off.
This is very simple.

1. Look at the touchscreen (iDrive system) in the center console.
2. Open Apps.
3. Find and select Interior lighting.
   • Depending on where you’re from and your model, you might need to choose Ambience. Most drivers won’t need to do this.
4. Uncheck the box next to Ambient lighting. Do this by tapping it.

The BMW i4 ambient lighting will turn off and won’t reactivate unless you go back into this menu and recheck the box.

Read your BMW i4 owner’s manual for the most in-depth information. You’ll find a PDF version below.