Xenons Stay On ALL the Time

[3002 tii]

My minimally optioned M does not have auto sensing wipers. I noticed however my xenons stay on all the time even when the switch is set to Auto, which is different from every other BMW I’ve had. Is that due to not having rain sensing wipers or did previous owner code this? I would’ve thought on bright sunny days only the inner “halo” would be on.

[Huz-Z]

It seems like your car has been coded to the Canadian specification for daytime running lights. I bet the lights stay on even with the headlight switch to Off. With the headlight switch in Automatic, do the taillights and side markers illuminate in the evening of if you drive into a dark location like a poorly lit parking garage? If so, likely Canadian-spec.

Personally, I think the Canadian standard for daytime running lights is superior and safer than the US requirement because with the xenons always on, our small cars are much more visible. The only down-side is that the car will go "vroom' eh!". And the horn will sound like its saying "excuse me".

Sorry for that last one - couldn't resist - its Friday and a long weekend!

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by Huz-Z

It seems like your car has been coded to the Canadian specification for daytime running lights. I bet the lights stay on even with the headlight switch to Off. With the headlight switch in Automatic, do the taillights and side markers illuminate in the evening of if you drive into a dark location like a poorly lit parking garage? If so, likely Canadian-spec.

Personally, I think the Canadian standard for daytime running lights is superior and safer than the US requirement because with the xenons always on, our small cars are much more visible. The only down-side is that the car will go "vroom' eh!". And the horn will sound like its saying "excuse me".

Sorry for that last one - couldn't resist - its Friday and a long weekend!

If switched to OFF (middle setting), the xenons turn off. I’ll try playing around with Carly...

[KevinC]

Originally Posted by 3002 tii

If switched to OFF (middle setting), the xenons turn off. I’ll try playing around with Carly...

Then I don't think it's the Canadian DRL thing as you wouldn't be able to turn them off. Sounds like the light sensor is FUBAR and thinks you're in the dark all the time when the switch is in auto.

[Huz-Z]

Originally Posted by KevinC

Then I don't think it's the Canadian DRL thing as you wouldn't be able to turn them off. Sounds like the light sensor is FUBAR and thinks you're in the dark all the time when the switch is in auto.

Agree that if doesn't seem to be the Canadian DRL setting. If it were the light sensor, I would expect the tail lights etc. to be on as well with the light switch in auto. Recalling that these cars do weird things when the battery is at end of life, could it be as simple as checking the battery to see if it needs replacing?