I have my DRLs turned off and I have the self-leveling Xenon headlights. When I turn them on, they ‘activate’.

It got me wondering if they could get damaged by running the car with them off? Do they move around when driving and off?

 

AFAIK, 1st gen MINI’s use dimmed high beams for the DRL’s so the xenon projectors should be not be affected whether the DRL’s are activated, or not.

The xenons shouldn’t self-level unless the low beams are actually turned on. You should be able to confirm this by starting the engine, leaving all of the lights off, then pull back on the stalk and hold to turn on the high beams only.

The xenons and self-leveling can be affected by slamming the hood too hard, or from hitting large potholes or bumps while driving. There are two ball and socket connections to level and aim each projector and one or both of these can pop out of place when this happens. Some signs that this has happened are the projectors are badly aimed, or you hear grinding or popping sounds when the lights are self leveling.