NYGOLF

How long to your headlights stay on when its on the "automatic setting"?

I think my confusion with the DRL's is that my auto headlights are staying on most of the time. Does it have to be really bright out to turn the headlights off? My morning commute (7am-8am) in NorCal, they stay on... When I get out of work, its dark, so I can't tell...

Just curious, thanks.

Wpg550

I believe there is a sensitivity setting for the auto headlights buried in the idrive menus (pretty sure I've seen it) which might be set to the highest sensitivity in your case. My lights will generally turn on in the garage, but switch off pretty soon after I start my commute at around 8am (still not full light yet). There is usually a week or two during the year where the lights get "confused" on grey cloudy mornings and I see them switching on/off/on a couple of times during the commute, but generally speaking they work as expected.

healthservices

I think it can be set in the iDrive.

nomis_nehc

My understanding is that the sensitivity is only adjustable by dealer or unless you have the computer and software to do so.

luigi524td

I don't believe the auto headlight sensitivity setting is owner adjustable. Mine works pretty well on auto for 95% of my driving situations. If I've needed to turn on my headlights for other situations (funeral procession, etc) I simply turn the dial.

NYGOLF

Anyone know where the sensor is for this? Can you use a flashlight on the sensor or something to test to see if the lights go off?

craigpinto

In the IDrive you can select whether you want the daytime running lights on or off.

That might be what you are seeing.

luigi524td

*Applies to US Models w/production date after September 2006 If I recall.

NYGOLF

I'm not concerned with the DRL function in the IDrive, the AE's work fine, which is what the DRL is I believe. With the light switch off, and DRL on, the AE's are on. With the light switch off, DRL off, AE's are off, no lights at all. When the headlight switch is set to automatic, the lights should turn on and off based on the light level. I notice that mine seem to be always on...