Just picked up my 2007 MCS on the 21st. I have just one complaint: In the auto-on position, the headlights come on when it's still wayyyyy too light. They are also slow in shutting off as it gets lighter. According to the owners manual, the sensitivity is adjustable. However, that option does not show up on the vehicle as described in the manual. Does anyone know about this? IS it no longer owner-adjustable, or is it adjustable in a way other than as described in the manual? Also, are my particular headlights too sensitive, or is this normal for a MINI? Thanks!

 

I have this exact same problem with my 2009 Cooper S. Did you learn anything more about this issue? I'd love to turn down the sensitivity level.

 

If you have tinted windows tus making the inside darker the lights will turn on...or...if you radar dector is mounted low over the eye on the dash the headlights will turn on.

 

The auto headlights sensor is on the windshield up by the rear view mirror, and is unaffected by inside light. The eye on the dash is only used for the auto AC/heat cabin temperature control.

 

I always have mine on. I didn't know you could change the sensitivity. But hey I would rather run them all the time so that people could see me better

 

Ahhh...thanks for the info!

 

There is nothing in the 2007 manual about adjusting the sensitivity. If there is such an option, it probably appeared in a later model.

Mine come on in the garage, so I never use them. I don't want my Xenons firing up every time I start it in the garage and again when I come home. While the Xenon lamps are supposed to last a lifetime, I hear that the igniters have a limited number of firings in them, and are expensive to replace. I don't use the daytime running lights mode for the same reason. I just turn them on manually when I think it best for safety reasons.

 

Wait, our cars have a headlamp auto on? I usually just have my lights on all the time but if there was an auto feature i would use that.

 

You get it if you have auto-wipers. Every car that I've owned that had I never used it since it would come on several times while driving which isn't very good for xenons. Sometimes while driving through tunnels they'd come on and go off several times in a row which is especially not good for them. If I had it along with halogens I'd use it though.

 

Oh, alright. I do not have the auto wipers.

Thanks