Just picked up yesterday, trying to set up the options. Wondering if I should use the daytime lights??

Who uses them, and why? And who doesn't and why?

 

I used to drive commercially, and always drove with lights on. It is free ( or relatively cheap {new bulbs} insurance), and driving around philly I like people to know I am around

 

I use them. We have a lot of tree lined roads here, and I feel that it makes it easier to see the MINI. Because I have bi-xenons, I did not like the fact that when used as DRL's, they burn at full intensity. Too bright for oncoming drivers, and xenon lamp life is diminished. So, I turned them off, and installed a DRL module which runs the fog lights at 75% intensity.

 

when i pick my mini up i will not be using DRL. i don't want to use up the life of the bulbs. i might change my mind down the road but right now i won't be using them.

 

My MA turned off the DRLs at delivery. However, I notice that the upper half of my fog lights and the little light on the front wheel arches are on during the day. That may be what Coffeeman is referring to.

 

I use them. I think it's safer. I don't have xenons so I don't have the concerns that are associated with them.

 

I've used them on my Jetta for the past 8 years and expect to continue using them with the MINI. Primary reason for me, when the windshield wipers go on the headlights are supposed to go on (VA law, not sure about other states). I can't tell you how often I did not think to do that with past cars that did not have DRL.

 

I dunt(tm) use them, but I have no idea how to turn them on either. Not sure if I would turn them on, if I could.

 

I know they are a safety feature, but I don't use them. I feel it cheapens the look of the car, putting it into the Ford/GM category. (All their vehicles seem to have DRLs).

 

I don't use DRL...never thought any car looked good with DRL on. Also, having Xenons and mostly city driving don't really call for DRL either.

 

I don't use mine, but with the rain-sensitive windshield wipers (comfort package) the lights come on when it is raining. Maybe that works whenever you turn on the windshield wipers, even if you don't have the rain-sensitive wipers. Anybody know?

 

use mine, out in la la land (Los Angeles) lots of people busy driving when they should be talking on the cell phone, eating burgers in one hand, and brushing their teeth...

 

I don't use them either. Most folks around here don't...just not a part of the driving culture. I suppose in certain environs they do help visibility, but in around-town traffic here they are virtually meaningless.

 

They weren't turn on at delivery and i don't plan on using them. I like it without them on for some reason.

 

I use them. I find cars with DRL on much more noticeable, even in broad daylight, so I think it's a key safety feature. Those folks who worry about people not seeing our little MINIs should certainly consider the added impact of the DRL.

 

I hate them. Don't know why, but I do. Plus I am sick of hearing that "only 4 watts" story. I have nearly been blinded by some of them.

 

I use them for the same reason that some others do, I think it makes it easier for the less attentive folks to see me.

 

I had my dealer activate mine for BOTH my MINIs. For one thing, I understand the light that is used for the daytime is not used with the regular headlights. The primary reason I like them, though, is for the safety...I firmly believe that a MINI cannot be too visible on the highway, and especially when passing semis or other large vehicles. It just makes sense to drive with them "on".

 

R56 MINIs use the entire lighting circuit for DRLs. That means (at least on my car) that the headlights, parking lights, taillights and side markers illuminate. And the headlights are at full brightness. Because of this, I use them sporadically. If I am on a trip using mainly two lane highways with alot of on-coming traffic, I definitely use them. But around town and just doing errands, I normally switch off the DRLs. In my Z3 coupe, I have a module from BMW of Canada that allows the highbeams to become DRLs at a low light output. The look is cool and they work well. I wonder why MINI chose not to do that.

 

The ones in your Cooper & Cooper S do use the regular bulbs for the headlights. It's my understanding that they use the high beam lights at reduced output.

 

GM put them on cars for a few years. They tried to persuade a U.S. government organization (don't remember which) to make them mandatory as they are in Canada. Their argument: Statistics they gathered showed a reduced accident rate. Their recommendation though was denied.

I started out with this car not using them. Once I programmed them in, the first thing I noticed was that my car, in general, was given more space; other cars didn't seem to crowd me so much.

My main reason for using them though is simple: my car is easier to see. Less chance of someone inadvertently moving into my space on the highway. After all, my car is small, I need every chance I can get to assure that other drivers see my car before making lane change decisions, or, for that matter, seeing me before they attempt passing another while approaching me on a two lane highway.

 

That is correct, on R53s with xenons, DRLs use the high beam bulbs (non-xenon) at 50% power.


I agree with the idea of doing anything that will make the car visible to oncoming traffic. In my other cars that don't have a DRL option I always drive with the head lights on.

Bill

 

as i'm reading these other post i thnk i'm going to drive a month with them off and a month with them on. if feel i'm being notice better with them on i will keep on using them, but if i don't feel i'm being notice better i'm going to leave them off.

 

Yes. A little more exposure as the car is pretty small.

 

I do not have xenons. Still, even if my high beams are used at half power, so what? I rarely use them at full power anyway as the low beams are pretty adequate, at least for me. I guess I just don't see how they will ever burn out...at least on my cars.