i keep seeing other pre 2007 minis with drl and my mini is an 06 and im wondering why isnt mine on? how can i turn them on without going to the dealer?

 

one of those many features that you can program yourself on a GEN2 but requires the dealer - or someone with the fancy software - on a GEN1. Also assorted lock functions - outlined in the owner's manual.

 

Unfortunately, there is no easy way. It's either take it to the dealer, or do a ton of research on NCS Expert and figure out how to do it yourself via NCS Expert software and the OBD2 port in your car.

 

You can take it to any European garage and they can do it as well. Mine programmed everything for free today and even turned on the OBC.

 

i don't get why all car's don't have DRLs.. such a simple safety feature.. i keep seeing (or not seeing in these conditions)
- cars in rain with no lights on
- cars in tunnels with no lights on
- cars in the dark with no lights on

people are too distracted\ignorant these days with how they drive.. it drives me crazzy

phil.

 

I'm not a fan of DRLs. There are numerous controls in an automobile. If a driver is incapable of using them, he/she should not be driving.
One of the dangers of DRLs are those conditions you cite. DRLs provide light at the front, but do not operate the tail lights. So they provide both a false sense of security 'the lights are already on', and that a driver is not responsible for using the vehicle's controls responsibly.
Think of those not using lights as an early warning system identifying cars you need to take extra care to avoid.
One man's opinion.

 

My DRL's are active...I get a ins discount.
I am against manadtory ones...ever hear of free choice, freedom....
LIVE FREE OR DIE....NOT JUST A STATE MOTTO ON MY NH PLATES/state flag.
Some negatives of drl's
You must know how to disable them to watch a drive-in move...
Some folks are too stupid to turn on their lights at night...and drive around with their drl's running at 50% brightness, and no tail lights.....see this weekly..it is scarey.
The highbeam bulb (used as the drl on xenon equipped mini's) tend to turn yellow and loose some brightness more quickly (like all hallogen bulbs...more hours of use, less brightness).

 

maybe the police just needs to be more aggressive about people not using their lights properly... I do think it's ultimately up to the driver to use their equipment properly, but our licensing\training requirements to drive a car are not strict enough.. and people look at driving a car as a right and not a privilege (in north america).. i guess all you can do is protect yourself by paying attention while you are driving and using your mirrors (another thing that most people don't know how to use! dont get me started on that one :P)

Live free or die - doesnt really give you the right to endanger everyone else around you.. there's a balance between wreckless freedom and safety that is good for society as a whole.. remember seatbelts? those are mandatory, but at least you arent taking out other people in the process - i'd trade DRLs for those better population control IMHO

happy motoring!

phil.