Hi all. I bought a 2011 Justa certified preowned and have been playing with all of its features. I can't seem to get the auto headlights to work properly. The lights seem to stay on constantly even though I changed the setting for the daytime running lights to on and off. Any suggestions?? Thanks!

 

We just bought a 2011 Clubman S and I read the manual went through all the steps and still can't seem to get the daytime running lights to stay off either.

 

Auto headlight sensitivity is a completely separate setting that controls how dark it needs to be outside before the headlights turn on. The only two options are "less sensitive" and "more sensitive", and it is settable by your dealer. Your headlights should not be on all the time. If they do not turn off during bright daylight, something is wrong and you should have the dealer service it.

So if you want them on or off you would need to speak to the dealer about programming some of the features you want.

 

It was in the 1st generation MINI.

In the 2nd generation, DRLs are full-on low beams, because they couldn't dim the bi-xenons (and they made halogen headlights do the same thing).

 

Is it possible that auto headlights isn't an option on my car. My DRL's work perfect (ie-headlight switch in off position with DRL option on - headlights are on). Its just that my lights (instruments, tail lights, etc) don't ever go off automatically when it's daylight with the switch turned on unless I manually turn the switch off. I hope that fact pattern makes sense, or am I missing something. Thanks to all for your insights!!

 

There are two things you would have if you have auto headlights.

1. A light sensor box attached to the windshield by the rear view mirror (this box also contains the sensor for auto wipers).
2. The headlight switch on the turn signal stalk would have 3 "on" positions. Twist up for the parking lights and low beams. From the off position, twist down for auto headlights (and there is an icon marked with an "A"). If there is no twist-down switch position, you don't have auto headlights.

 

That's what I suspected. I do have the sensor for auto wipers, but no twist-down position for lights. Slightly disappointing, but glad to know for sure. Thank you very much for your help!!

 

Yes, this makes the DRL "option" useless on the 2nd gen (in my opinion). I don't want the entire front end of the car on all the time.