im at the prestige mini waiting for my car to get serviced, by the way i just came in for an oil change and ended up spending $500 on stuff i didnt know needed to be changed, but anyway this was probably answered before, How do i turn on/off the daytime running lights

 

I believe you have to have a dealership do it.

 

Unless you have nav, I believe Agro answered correctly.

 

I used to hate the idea of DRL but with the Xenons... man... they just look so damn good on my MINI that now I turn them and the front fog lights on all the time.
My commute in the winter months is in the dark both in the morning and at night so I need the lights regardless. Can't WAIT for Spring/Summer.

 

In the R53, the only way to enable (or disable) DRLs and other hosts of configurable features is by plugging in a GT-1 computer under the dash on the driver's side as the computer port is there covered by a plastic lid. (That works on MINI and all BMW cars).

The GT-1 computer is a $15K device that only your dealer and few reputable independent mechanics will have in their toolbox arsenal.

In the R56 second generation MINIs, you no longer depend on the GT-1 computer to do these minor things as they are now accessible to the driver by means of a LCD computer prompt in the tach.

 

Ever since I got my '05 MCS new, I have had DRLs enabled mainly for the added safety (You make yourself more visible to others) they afford.

 

Plus my insurance company gives a discount for DRL.

 

Who is your insurance?

 

Daytime running lights are the biggest waste by far. Thank God that in my Suzuki, all you have to do is pull the emergency brake up one notch to turn them off. My MINI.....not programmed. You want safety, get these idiots off the roads applying make up, texting, and cell phone talking while driving.

 

On an R56... push the start button without pushing the clutch (for manual) or brake (for auto). Then start playing with OBC button. I don't remember the rest off the top of my head, but it's in your manual and you can do it yourself.

The R53 is a completely different story, and I have no clue.

 

First Generation MINIs must have that feature programmed by a dealer (check the manual, each programmable function has a little guy grapgic and the statement "You can have this function programmed by the dealer" or some such phrase).

On my '02 MC it cost me $60, my '03 doesn't have them enabled.

Here is the list of programmable fuctions on a gen 1 from the mini2 forum

• Different activating signals to confirm that the vehicle has been locked/unlocked. (Seems on early builds only)
• Deactivating the headlight courtesy delay function (AKA 'Follow me home lights'). With 40, 90, 150, 240 second delay options.
• Switching on the inside light via the remote control. (Unconfirmed as an option, standard on unlock via remote).
• Activating / deactivating the interior movement detector/tilt alarm sensor via the remote control. (Available by 'double locking' but not recommended for insurance and security purposes).
• Automatically locking the vehicle after setting off.
• Stop function of window lifts when opening/closing.
• Selective central locking where the first press unlocks only the drivers door, then the second press unlocks the remainder of the vehicle./Selective Central Locking with key in door lock.
• Holding RC down options: Unlock Boot, Comfort Opening, or nothing. (Remote comfort opening, not on all vehicles).
• Windscreen Wipers. Switch back when stationary, active or not active.
• Automatic door unlock with ignition off.
• Speed sensing wipers (n/a with rain sensitive wipers factory option).
• Locking when engine is running (with second key) .
• Activating/deactivating daytime driving lamps.
• Power sunroof - 1 touch open and/or close.
• Power sunroof - 1 touch raise
• Park Distance Control Loudness in back
• Park Distance Control System OK signal on every activation
• Rain sensor Threshold settings

The main thing to do here is ask your dealer for a list of options for YOUR car, they can plug it in and tell you in a matter of minutes.

 

on the gti i had to buy a euro switch and i could turn them off but on the mini the dealer had to disable them for me. i fn hate when people drive in the sunlight with their running lights on, looks STUPID. Unless you have xenons like the above poster, and on most audis and bimmers they look good. but normal headlights looks ridiculous when its sunny outside.

 

Hmmmm, that means you NOTICE them and that means they are doing what they are supposed to do--get noticed.

You probably hate modulators like the one I have on my HD, too.

 

+1.

You're actually supposed to drive with your headlights on all the time. I usually don't use my fogs in daylight, but I always keep daytime lamps turned on.