A lighting unit (10) with a housing (12) and a light disc (11) is suggested, which extends along a vehicle exterior mirror (1) with a housing covering the mirror head. The housing comprises at least two lighting means (14, 14′, 14a, 14b), whereby the lighting means (10) carries out a first function as an indicator, and decouples light in a first decoupling region (5) according to the guidelines of the legal regulations. The lighting unit illuminates at least a second region, whereby the at least second decoupling region (6) lies closer on the vehicle, and the lighting unit (10) carries out the function of a warning display visible to the driver.