This may be a question only a MINI tech can answer, but..... My headlights normally only go on at dusk or if the weather is really gloomy. However, When I leave for work in the morning, they always come on. I leave at 6 to 6:30 am, so the sun is fully up, nevertheless, they are reliably on. The question is- do they also tie into the clock? If so, that is very cool. If not, I don't see how they come on in the morning, but not in the afternoon.

 

I don't think they are tied into the clock - think about it: you could set your clock to any time of day and have your lights come on at noon an shut off at 10.00 pm...

My '05 MCS has a handy little switch on the end of a stalk coming off the steering column. I simply rotate it and the lights come on or off when I want them to. Amazing technology.

 

hmmm, me thinks my highly sensitive sarcasm detector detects sarcasm

 

Are you parked close to a wall or other object close to the lights? When I pull in to work at the loading dock, even on a bright, sunny day, as soon as I get real close to the wall the lights come on. Maybe something Mini did not think about (or did they, the clever fellows !?!?), but a great safety feature none the less.

 

They do not tie into the clock, but at that hour, the sun is low in the sky and gives the sky a bluer appearance, which the light sensors interpret as being darker out than it appears. My car does the same thing. The sensors are pretty smart and gauge not only the light, but the change in it. Since it has been light out all day, they do not come on initially in the evening. However, in the morning, especially at that hour, the sensors have been in darkness for a while. If you drive long enough, the lights will go out.

 

Sounds like my grandfather when he heard we got a self-propelled mower. Some people fear technology; some embrace it.

 

SuperCoop-

I take your sarcasm for what it is. My question was why the lights do what they do. I leave them on the auto position simply because I prefer them on whenever necessary, for the benefit of OTHER folks. If I need them on, I use the stalk thingy.

Lynne, your explanation sounds best. The low light in the sky makes sense. Rocinante lives outdoors and faces south overnight, so that would explain it all. And they make self-propelled mowers? Who would have thunk it?

Thanks-

David