auto headlight question

polly · 08-12-2011, 03:14 AM

hi guys

i got my headlight switch set on auto. i presume that the lights should switch off automatically when the sun is out. mine does it sometimes. if the lights stay on i have to put the switch on "0" position then move it back to "auto". then it stays off. any ideas why this is happening to my car?

thanks

Jon D · 08-12-2011, 04:11 AM

I've also found this and I think it's due to inaccuracies in the ambient light sensor. I don't think the sensitivity can be adjusted, but it's not something I'm worried about, so I leave the switch in 'O' until dusk and then switch to 'Auto'.

polly · 08-12-2011, 06:55 AM

thanks jon

mistry · 08-12-2011, 10:00 AM

I've also noticed this, seems to happen even in bright sunlight.

But like you Jon I've not worried about it.

LuvMyE92 · 08-12-2011, 12:14 PM

A search of the forum would find that this is a comment complaint.

flashlights · 12-02-2011, 04:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jon D

I've also found this and I think it's due to inaccuracies in the ambient light sensor. I don't think the sensitivity can be adjusted, but it's not something I'm worried about, so I leave the switch in 'O' until dusk and then switch to 'Auto'.

Then that will surely render the auto function usless.

flashlights · 12-02-2011, 04:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by polly

hi guys

i got my headlight switch set on auto. i presume that the lights should switch off automatically when the sun is out. mine does it sometimes. if the lights stay on i have to put the switch on "0" position then move it back to "auto". then it stays off. any ideas why this is happening to my car?

thanks

I have this same problem as you with my 520d. and was told by my BMW dealer that BMW UK know about this problem and have called it "Blue-Sky-Syndrome" It's when certain light angle hits the sensor (located on the rear veiw mirror clusters) that set it off, or headlights "On" in this matter. Now, I have had cars (Merc, lexus) with auto headlights function before and they seem to work perfectly! But when I told this to the dealer's so call "Top mechanic" he said "because your car has so many sensors and the complex way it has to deal with it all, sometimes it switch the lights on as a safety precaution" (Bull Crap!) I thought. Also when I asked " will BMW produce an update programme to cure this problem?" the answer was an abrupt "No!" I think you have to e-mail BMW UK, or BMW SA in your case to find out more and really have a big moan!

Jon D · 12-02-2011, 05:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flashlights

Then that will surely render the auto function usless.

Not if you have adaptive lights.

08-12-2011, 03:14 AM	#1
polly Second Lieutenant 123 Rep 241 Posts Drives: 2010 e90 m3 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: south africa iTrader: (0)	auto headlight question hi guys i got my headlight switch set on auto. i presume that the lights should switch off automatically when the sun is out. mine does it sometimes. if the lights stay on i have to put the switch on "0" position then move it back to "auto". then it stays off. any ideas why this is happening to my car? thanks
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08-12-2011, 04:11 AM	#2
Jon D Brigadier General 224 Rep 3,016 Posts Drives: 2022 840d Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Scotland iTrader: (0)	I've also found this and I think it's due to inaccuracies in the ambient light sensor. I don't think the sensitivity can be adjusted, but it's not something I'm worried about, so I leave the switch in 'O' until dusk and then switch to 'Auto'.
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08-12-2011, 06:55 AM	#3
polly Second Lieutenant 123 Rep 241 Posts Drives: 2010 e90 m3 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: south africa iTrader: (0)	thanks jon
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08-12-2011, 10:00 AM	#4
mistry Captain 43 Rep 827 Posts Drives: F11 530D Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: South West iTrader: (1)	I've also noticed this, seems to happen even in bright sunlight. But like you Jon I've not worried about it.
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08-12-2011, 12:14 PM	#5
LuvMyE92 Occasionally frequent poster 3000 Rep 2,744 Posts Drives: CT5V-Blackwing Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: RTP NC, USA iTrader: (0)	A search of the forum would find that this is a comment complaint. __________________ Current inventory: F22 & G05 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing w/3 pedals Past: E24,E28(3),E34,E36,E37,E38(2),E39(4),E46,E89,E92 (obviously),F01,F06,F10,F30,F87,G12,G30(2),G82(2)
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