headlight always on in auto mode - BMW 1 Series Coupe Forum / 1 Series Convertible Forum (1M / tii / 135i / 128i / Coupe / Cabrio / Hatchback) (BMW E82 E88 128i 130i 135i)

SfValley335i · 10-31-2012, 10:03 AM

I just noticed that my headlights are always on even during mid afternoon. The light switch is set on auto....

Does anyone know where the auto on/off headlight sensor is for our cars? I thought it would be on the dash near the windshield but I didnt see anything.

Roshi · 10-31-2012, 11:26 AM

Check your owners manual - you can turn off the DRLS.

SfValley335i · 10-31-2012, 01:35 PM

Haha is that all it is... I thought the angel eyes were the drl... easy fix thanks

Cozy · 11-02-2012, 02:01 AM

The DRLs are the angel eyes, your xenons should not be lit unless it's dark enough. I swear that my lights are time based i.e. if it's 6pm they come on even if it's still perfectly light but maybe they are just sensitive. During normal daylight though my lights are off.

The light sensor I believe is next to the rain sensor at the top centre of the windshield, by the rear view mirror so maybe give that area a cut back with a degreasing cleaner and then a polish.

Dackelone · 11-02-2012, 02:47 AM

The headlights use Infrared (IR) light sensor to detect when to turn on. Like when its bright but foggy out, they will switch on. Also IF you use your wipers... they will also switch on.

IF you look closely at the headlight switch... when the headlights are on there is a tiny green led lamp. When the green led is on, the headlights are on.

Someone posted a long time ago that the Infrared (IR) light sensors are built into the headlights. Another reason why the headlights cost so much!

IF you hack the instrument panel cluster there is a way to adjust WHEN the headlights switch on. I also believe there is an adjustment menu when using a BavTech (BT) scan tool in one of the menus. Or your dealer can also adjust when the lights witch on.

My headlights turn on just fine. They are almost perfect when in the auto mode. EVery once in a while I will have to turn them on manually... but for the most part they know AND turn on when I need them.

10-31-2012, 10:03 AM	#1
SfValley335i Colonel Drives: Current:135i Sold:335i sedan Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: City of Angels Posts: 2,003 iTrader: (7)	headlight always on in auto mode I just noticed that my headlights are always on even during mid afternoon. The light switch is set on auto.... Does anyone know where the auto on/off headlight sensor is for our cars? I thought it would be on the dash near the windshield but I didnt see anything. __________________ Made 417whp/403wtq in 2008 no meth/nos
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10-31-2012, 01:35 PM	#3
SfValley335i Colonel Drives: Current:135i Sold:335i sedan Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: City of Angels Posts: 2,003 iTrader: (7)	Haha is that all it is... I thought the angel eyes were the drl... easy fix thanks __________________ Made 417whp/403wtq in 2008 no meth/nos

11-02-2012, 02:01 AM	#4
Cozy Major Drives: E82 135i Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Surrey, England Posts: 1,212 iTrader: (0)	The DRLs are the angel eyes, your xenons should not be lit unless it's dark enough. I swear that my lights are time based i.e. if it's 6pm they come on even if it's still perfectly light but maybe they are just sensitive. During normal daylight though my lights are off. The light sensor I believe is next to the rain sensor at the top centre of the windshield, by the rear view mirror so maybe give that area a cut back with a degreasing cleaner and then a polish. __________________ BMW 135i N54 \| Black Sapphire \| M-Sport \| BMS 10mm Spacers (Rear) \| Eibach 5mm Spacers (Front) \| Gunmetal 261M 18" Wheels \| Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta 225/255 \| LCI Tails \| COBB AP Stage 1+ \| Matt Black Grilles \| BMW PE + Resonator Delete \| N55 Midpipe \| Rieger Tuning Matt Black Diffuser \| ETS FMIC

11-02-2012, 02:47 AM	#5
Dackelone Moderator Drives: 135i Silber mit/Rot 6MT N54 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Bayern, Germany Posts: 13,018 iTrader: (0)	The headlights use Infrared (IR) light sensor to detect when to turn on. Like when its bright but foggy out, they will switch on. Also IF you use your wipers... they will also switch on. IF you look closely at the headlight switch... when the headlights are on there is a tiny green led lamp. When the green led is on, the headlights are on. Someone posted a long time ago that the Infrared (IR) light sensors are built into the headlights. Another reason why the headlights cost so much! IF you hack the instrument panel cluster there is a way to adjust WHEN the headlights switch on. I also believe there is an adjustment menu when using a BavTech (BT) scan tool in one of the menus. Or your dealer can also adjust when the lights witch on. My headlights turn on just fine. They are almost perfect when in the auto mode. EVery once in a while I will have to turn them on manually... but for the most part they know AND turn on when I need them. __________________ Dackel's European Delivery Museum Guide 1addicts at Stelv1oPass

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10-31-2012, 11:26 AM	#2
Roshi Private Drives: 550i Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: S. California Posts: 95 iTrader: (0)	Check your owners manual - you can turn off the DRLS.