A couple days ago while drying my Mini I noticed the left side parking lights were on plus the left side running lights. Not blinking, just steady on. Keys weren't even in the car. After doing some checking I found that earlier while cleaning the interior, I must have bumped the turn signal towards the left (down position). When I flipped the turn signal to the center position the left side lights went off. I checked my "Handy-Dandy" Owners Manual, lo and behold on page 48 it explains about the "Standing Lamps".
Here is my question.... WHY....
Not only don't I see a need for this capability, if during the day you parked and by accident (as did I) set the turn signal stock up or down, the left or right side lights will stay on until you get back. You brobably wouldn't notice in bright sunlight but, if your gone most of the day, when you get back your battery will most likely be dead.
Can anyone out there explain the benefit on the potential battery killing feature?

 

I use it in chicago when i park on the street, usually during thick fog

They only turn on if you flip the switch after the car is already off. If you leave your blinker on and then turn off your engine it wont stay on. I dont know how long the battery lasts, ive never done it for more than an hour.

 

They were originally used in Germany where streets are narrow and not very well lit to make the car more visable to on coming traffic esp. in foggy conditions.

I use mine when I park on dark unlit or poorly lit streets to give on coming cars some lights to see in addition to the normal reflective value of the lights.

 

OK, I'll buy that there are some occasions where the Standing Lamps may be of benefit. Any idea how long it will take to kill the battery?

 

Standing lights are great! For years I've read the laws saying things like :

Stopping prohibited - When stopping is prohibited by signs or rules, no person shall stop, stand or park a vehicle, whether attended or unattended.


Standing prohibited - When standing is prohibited by signs or rules, no person shall stop a vehicle, attended or unattended, except temporarily for the purpose of and while actually engaged in expeditiously receiving or discharging passengers.

But I've never owned a car with standing lights. I love it that my MINI has Day time driving lights, head lights, fog lights, running lights, driving lights and standing lights.

I've owned my MINI for 2 months today!! and I have to admit that I am now Very Very good at backing into parking spaces and parallel parking! When I parallel I love using my standing lights.

 

You are right, this is where they originated from ... all Mercedes and BMW's have this feature, even now.

There is someone by my home with a S500 that always leaves his on.

 

As a englishman who lived for years in tiny villages I can authoritatively tell you that they are designed for making the outside of your car visible to other drivers when you park half way up the verge of a narrow coutry lane outside your favorite pub.

 

>>>>
>>You are right, this is where they originated from ... all Mercedes and BMW's have this feature, even now.
>>

Porsches have it also.

 

>>OK, I'll buy that there are some occasions where the Standing Lamps may be of benefit. Any idea how long it will take to kill the battery?

Three days, 14 hours, 17 mins, 11 seconds. Depending on your battery.

Depending on your battery is the only part you should believe in the above statement:

Earl