LED headlights auto on/off

MaxRulz · 09-13-2012, 03:15 PM

I've noticed that my headlights are on almost all of the time. Even when it's bright outside at like 5pm and I'm wearing sunglasses.

Has anyone else had this happen? Is it normal?

I have LED headlights so maybe I just notice more because it's more visible, but on my old 335 I'm sure they weren't on anywhere near as often.

snipez999 · 09-13-2012, 04:22 PM

Are you sure these aren't the Daytime Running Lights which can be set from within i-drive?

MaxRulz · 09-13-2012, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snipez999

Are you sure these aren't the Daytime Running Lights which can be set from within i-drive?

Yeah it's the headlights or sure. Can see the reflection on the car in front when in traffic an also the little green light is on next to the light controls.

x6Hawkeye · 09-13-2012, 10:53 PM

I've not had this issue - sounds silly, but are you sure the light dial is set to "A" for auto?

If so, could be a sensor issue (I believe this is in rearview mirror). Worth checking first to see if anything's covering it prior to taking in fit service.

MaxRulz · 09-14-2012, 01:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by x6Hawkeye

I've not had this issue - sounds silly, but are you sure the light dial is set to "A" for auto?

If so, could be a sensor issue (I believe this is in rearview mirror). Worth checking first to see if anything's covering it prior to taking in fit service.

Yep def on auto. Nothing covering the sensor, not even dirt.

I'm wondering if the LED headlights don't wait for it to be as dark?

makdeniss · 09-14-2012, 03:12 AM

Dude, summer is over and the lights will be on more often

)) this is the time I usually forget about the AUTO mode and turn them to 0 during day and when it is getting darker I turn back on AUTO mode.

sariggs1 · 09-14-2012, 11:56 AM

My 2009 didn't do this but my 2012 does. Sometimes on early as 3pm on a sunny day. I thought maybe the area by the sensor was dirty but the car is clean...

zerrantoss · 09-14-2012, 12:47 PM

I am having the same problem. The headlight turns off only if it's a bright sunny day during summer.

Took it to the dealer and asked them to calibrate it. They said there is no way to do that.

I noticed that other X5 and X6 on the street also have the same problem.
So I ended up sucking it up and just switch the lights manually.

MaxRulz · 09-14-2012, 05:53 PM

Seems common then. Kinda weird! At least it not something like the wipers coming on when it isn't raining. I can live with my headlights on most of the time, and at least they look stinking good

makdeniss · 09-15-2012, 03:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MaxRulz

Seems common then. Kinda weird! At least it not something like the wipers coming on when it isn't raining. I can live with my headlights on most of the time, and at least they look stinking good

Yep, it's a normal thing. Sometimes I don't understand how they calculate the amount of light required for the lights to come one. Sometimes when it is sunny- they are on, sometimes when it is cloudy - they are off. Beets me, but I see all other BMWs with the same stuff.

motex · 09-15-2012, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MaxRulz

I've noticed that my headlights are on almost all of the time. Even when it's bright outside at like 5pm and I'm wearing sunglasses.

Has anyone else had this happen? Is it normal?

I have LED headlights so maybe I just notice more because it's more visible, but on my old 335 I'm sure they weren't on anywhere near as often.

One sugestion here......when you feel your headlights are ON, pull over and check if your rear stop lights are also ON, if they aren't it means you are OK in running daylights mode, if they are ON it means your main lights are really ON

mrmomo313 · 09-17-2012, 04:35 PM

I have the same problem, they turn on ridiculously early just as you said when its still bright out. I just switch it to 0 and turn it back on when I need to. Annoying but I deal with it. My Audi has a setting to have the headlights turn on late in the menus.. wish there was something like that

Phipsibear42 · 09-17-2012, 05:02 PM

Same here... oh well lol Found one lil flaw with the Beast

TimeFor · 09-18-2012, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by makdeniss

Yep, it's a normal thing. Sometimes I don't understand how they calculate the amount of light required for the lights to come one. Sometimes when it is sunny- they are on, sometimes when it is cloudy - they are off. Beets me, but I see all other BMWs with the same stuff.

I don't understand why people are so quick to forgive BMW on this issue.

I have a F10 and it has the same problem. It's at the dealer right now to fix it. They gave me an '12 X5 as a loaner and it too has the problem. I keep hearing people (not just on this thread but others too) say the auto headlights are too sensitive or weird. They're not, what they are is broken and they need to be fixed.

Sorry but I don't forgive BMW at all for this. Its not like this is a new thing. Cadillac had auto headlights in the 70's.

-Time

zerrantoss · 09-19-2012, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TimeFor

I don't understand why people are so quick to forgive BMW on this issue.

I have a F10 and it has the same problem. It's at the dealer right now to fix it. They gave me an '12 X5 as a loaner and it too has the problem. I keep hearing people (not just on this thread but others too) say the auto headlights are too sensitive or weird. They're not, what they are is broken and they need to be fixed.

Sorry but I don't forgive BMW at all for this. Its not like this is a new thing. Cadillac had auto headlights in the 70's.

-Time

Hey Time. I totally agree with you.
But I got turned down by the dealer so many times already, and every time they pulled something out of their ass to get away with the responsibility.

If your dealer manages to find a way to fix it, do you mind sharing the solution with us? (idea, document, etc)

Many thanks!

bulldog_yyc · 09-19-2012, 10:32 AM

there must be a way to set the sensitivity via coding

TimeFor · 09-19-2012, 11:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zerrantoss

Hey Time. I totally agree with you.
But I got turned down by the dealer so many times already, and every time they pulled something out of their ass to get away with the responsibility.

If your dealer manages to find a way to fix it, do you mind sharing the solution with us? (idea, document, etc)

Many thanks!

Yeah I'll post whatever they come back with. I know they're doing some kind of software update because they asked to reset the car's computer today. The dealer is also fixing a fuel cap issue but I doubt that is requiring the computer update. To be honest I don't expect the dealer to be able to fix the headlight issue unless BMW has just recently offered a solution. From my research it sounds like its a design flaw with the sensor and its likely going to continue being an issue until enough of us complain for BMW to recall it. I'm hoping software can fix it. I don't yet know when I'll have my car back. In the mean time, the X5 35d isn't bad.

-Time

skim175 · 09-25-2012, 11:17 PM

I have a same problem, too. I can only say for my routine commuting time around 9AM or 6PM. The part I don't understand is that it only happens on the highway when there is no shadows or anything and then when it is extremely sunny like no clouds at all. It has never happened when outside is slightly cloudy. I asked my service guy to check it out and they couldn't really find anything wrong. Also, since it is not like a light is on all the time and I couldn't really replicate this issue at the dealer, they did not do anything.

doug_999 · 09-26-2012, 06:04 PM

On the E60 5-series the dealer could adjust this. I bet it is the same with the X5/X6. Ask your dealer to adjust.

AndreyATC · 09-26-2012, 09:18 PM

My 335i was a lot more sensitive than my M
Lights would come on well before sunset
X6's lights were off today at 8:15am with some good overcast
And they stay off almost by the sunset time
I wonder where the photosensor is located and why it's so different for everyone

evanevery · 10-02-2012, 03:03 PM

I've had my lights come on during full sunlight, but it only appears to happen if the sun is relatively low on the horizon (early morning or late afternoon). I had pre-supposed that they are doing this on purpose as a visibility aid to other drivers if the sun is low and potentially behind you. My guess was also that the sensor was designed to look mostly upwards rather than out and around to accomplish this...

skim175 · 10-12-2012, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by evanevery

I've had my lights come on during full sunlight, but it only appears to happen if the sun is relatively low on the horizon (early morning or late afternoon). I had pre-supposed that they are doing this on purpose as a visibility aid to other drivers if the sun is low and potentially behind you. My guess was also that the sensor was designed to look mostly upwards rather than out and around to accomplish this...

This is what I noticed, too. It is not a sensitivity issue. It only happens during completely full sunlight in the morning (8-10AM) or later afternoon. It's funny that it does not come on when the weather is rather cloudy.

09-13-2012, 03:15 PM	#1
MaxRulz Private 24 Rep 79 Posts Drives: Porsche Cayman S Join Date: May 2011 Location: Salt Lake City, UT iTrader: (0)	LED headlights auto on/off I've noticed that my headlights are on almost all of the time. Even when it's bright outside at like 5pm and I'm wearing sunglasses. Has anyone else had this happen? Is it normal? I have LED headlights so maybe I just notice more because it's more visible, but on my old 335 I'm sure they weren't on anywhere near as often.
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09-13-2012, 04:22 PM	#2
snipez999 Private 7 Rep 85 Posts Drives: X6M50d Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Manchester, England iTrader: (0)	Are you sure these aren't the Daytime Running Lights which can be set from within i-drive?
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09-13-2012, 10:53 PM	#4
x6Hawkeye 911 TTS Cab 42 Rep 201 Posts Drives: '17 Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabrio Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Florida iTrader: (0)	I've not had this issue - sounds silly, but are you sure the light dial is set to "A" for auto? If so, could be a sensor issue (I believe this is in rearview mirror). Worth checking first to see if anything's covering it prior to taking in fit service.
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09-14-2012, 03:12 AM	#6
makdeniss Lord Vader 7 Rep 162 Posts Drives: BMW 730Ld Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Estonia iTrader: (0)	Dude, summer is over and the lights will be on more often )) this is the time I usually forget about the AUTO mode and turn them to 0 during day and when it is getting darker I turn back on AUTO mode. __________________ My ugly illusions are such a beauty!
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09-14-2012, 11:56 AM	#7
sariggs1 Scott R. 22 Rep 270 Posts Drives: X6 xDrive 50I Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Lee's Summit, MO iTrader: (0) Garage List 2012 X6 50I [0.00] 2006 Volvo XC90 V8 [0.00] 2001 996 Turbo [0.00]	My 2009 didn't do this but my 2012 does. Sometimes on early as 3pm on a sunny day. I thought maybe the area by the sensor was dirty but the car is clean... __________________ Scott - 2012 BMW X6 50i Twin Turbo / Porsche 996 Twin Turbo Black Sapphire Metallic with Saddle Brown Nevada Leather, Comfort Access keyless entry, Running boards, Rear-View Camera, Dark Bamboo wood trim, HUD, HD Radio, Satellite Radio, Cold Weather Package, Premium Package, Premium Sound Package, Rear Climate Package, Sport Package, Euro Black Kidney Grill, Euro Side Markers, Black Double Spoke 215 Wheels...
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09-14-2012, 12:47 PM	#8
zerrantoss First Lieutenant 25 Rep 333 Posts Drives: 2011 X6 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Vancouver iTrader: (0)	I am having the same problem. The headlight turns off only if it's a bright sunny day during summer. Took it to the dealer and asked them to calibrate it. They said there is no way to do that. I noticed that other X5 and X6 on the street also have the same problem. So I ended up sucking it up and just switch the lights manually.
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09-14-2012, 05:53 PM	#9
MaxRulz Private 24 Rep 79 Posts Drives: Porsche Cayman S Join Date: May 2011 Location: Salt Lake City, UT iTrader: (0)	Seems common then. Kinda weird! At least it not something like the wipers coming on when it isn't raining. I can live with my headlights on most of the time, and at least they look stinking good
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09-17-2012, 04:35 PM	#12
mrmomo313 Captain 57 Rep 691 Posts Drives: M6 Gran Coupe Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Michigan iTrader: (0)	I have the same problem, they turn on ridiculously early just as you said when its still bright out. I just switch it to 0 and turn it back on when I need to. Annoying but I deal with it. My Audi has a setting to have the headlights turn on late in the menus.. wish there was something like that
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09-17-2012, 05:02 PM	#13
Phipsibear42 Private First Class 25 Rep 193 Posts Drives: 2010 X5M Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: NJ iTrader: (0) Garage List 2005 Nissan Pathfinder [0.00] 2014 BMW X3 [0.00] 2014 BMW X3 M-Sport [0.00] 2010.5 BMW X5M [10.00] 2005 Nissan XTerra ... [6.00]	Same here... oh well lol Found one lil flaw with the Beast __________________ MORE SPEED PLZ
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09-19-2012, 10:32 AM	#16
bulldog_yyc Major General 130 Rep 5,040 Posts Drives: GT3RS Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: probably work iTrader: (28)	there must be a way to set the sensitivity via coding
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09-25-2012, 11:17 PM	#18
skim175 Private 2 Rep 50 Posts Drives: X-drive Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: US iTrader: (0)	I have a same problem, too. I can only say for my routine commuting time around 9AM or 6PM. The part I don't understand is that it only happens on the highway when there is no shadows or anything and then when it is extremely sunny like no clouds at all. It has never happened when outside is slightly cloudy. I asked my service guy to check it out and they couldn't really find anything wrong. Also, since it is not like a light is on all the time and I couldn't really replicate this issue at the dealer, they did not do anything.
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09-26-2012, 06:04 PM	#19
doug_999 Brigadier General 2543 Rep 3,968 Posts Drives: 2011 1M/2021 992/2023 X3 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Chicago, IL iTrader: (0)	On the E60 5-series the dealer could adjust this. I bet it is the same with the X5/X6. Ask your dealer to adjust. __________________ 2011 1M, Black loaded sans sat radio 2021 911 C4S Gentian Blue, manual 2023 X3 M40i - loaded sans Park Assist
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09-26-2012, 09:18 PM	#20
AndreyATC Banned 99 Rep 1,828 Posts Drives: 2016 Tesla Model X P90DL Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Near NYC iTrader: (2) Garage List 2016 Tesla Model X [0.00] 2015 Tesla Model S ... [9.00]	My 335i was a lot more sensitive than my M Lights would come on well before sunset X6's lights were off today at 8:15am with some good overcast And they stay off almost by the sunset time I wonder where the photosensor is located and why it's so different for everyone
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10-02-2012, 03:03 PM	#21
evanevery Lieutenant Colonel 1113 Rep 1,904 Posts Drives: iXM60, i8 Rdstr, M4, i7 M70 Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Wisconsin iTrader: (0)	I've had my lights come on during full sunlight, but it only appears to happen if the sun is relatively low on the horizon (early morning or late afternoon). I had pre-supposed that they are doing this on purpose as a visibility aid to other drivers if the sun is low and potentially behind you. My guess was also that the sensor was designed to look mostly upwards rather than out and around to accomplish this...
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