Have just picked up our new MCS. Supposedly the daytime running lights have been programmed by the dealer, but I'm not sure whether they are working properly (and the instruction manual is pretty ambiguous).

So, with the headlight stalk in position 0 or 1 and the key turned to position 2 or 3, we have dim illumination at the front (not the bright bluish low-beam xenons; these are only activated with the light stalk in position 2) but no illumination whatsoever at the rear. Does this sound right for daytime running lights ? I would have expected lights at both the front and rear to be activated ?

 

That is the correct configuration (at least that's the way it is in my '02).
The DRL's use your high beam at a 50% power reduction.
No tail lights or side markers.
You'll get the warning gong if you leave the switch in position 1 and turn the ignition off and pull the key.
Also, your high beams will not stay on (excellent for flashing on-coming MINI's).

 

DrkSlvrS,
Thanks for such a quick and reassuring reply. This is our first car with DRLs so I wasn't sure what to expect. Only done 100 miles so far, and loving it to bits. Can't wait for the run-in period to end .

 

On my 03 the DRL don't come on till you release the e-brake.Keep that in mind when it is cold out,no point having the headlights on while tiring to crank it over when cold.
Happy motoring