[E92LNGCGY]

I'm not sure if this is normal (I don't think it is) but I think there's a problem with my auto headlamps. When I leave the switch to the "A" position (far left) the dash indicates the main headlights are on. This isn't the issue, the issue is that it doesn't seem to turn off, I've experimented with it because everyday I go to work the sun is shining and yet the headlights are still on. On my E92 it is quick to react. Does anyone else have this issue? Is it a programming thing? I'm going to talk to my sales rep tomorrow to find out.

[Beyu]

I like to manually turn the headlamp switch so I never have this issue but I read in another thread that the X3's light sensor is very sensitive and when light rays hit the sensor at certain angles or there's overcast the car may think that it's dark outside even when it's not.

[plob]

I think the rationale behind this is that visibility is decreased in bright sunlight as well as in low light conditions.
It is possible that the light sensor feels that the outside light levels are bright enough to distract other road users from your presence. As such, turning on your lights makes you more visible even in bright sunlight.

Having said all that good stuff, it could just be a fault

[Nahoa]

As noted above, I find mine stay one when it's light but the sun is low so there's a glare or silhouette situation which I find useful. I find they stay on more in this condition than my previous BMWs. They're still quick to turn on/off entering/exiting tunnels, parking garages, or the like. If it's not doing this latter part, I'd be concerned and have it checked out.

[ando]

I agree often I find my auto headlights on in the sunny morning where I remember my E90 auto headlights would have never been on. I do think it's pretty cool in my garage when I start my car and the headlights self level.

[Niti]

Check the setting for the headlights in iDrive:

Settings/Lighting/Daytime running lamps

If 'Daytime running lamps' is selected, headlights will always be on even in mode automatic(A). This is a requirement in some countries, not sure what applies for Canada.

If 'Daytime running lamps' isn't selected, then lamps should be sensitive to light, and switch off during daylight.

[nyalpine90]

daytime running lights is different setting as suppose to headlights. DRL are the angel eyes not the xenons headlights. my headlights go on even during the day and sometimes they go off on their own. You can always take it to dealership and have them check the sensors

[E92LNGCGY]

Thanks everyone.

I suppose this is a more advanced lighting system than my E92 from the sounds of it. I'm actually more concerned about the replacement cost for the bulb (or unit). I want to leave it in the auto position but if it's going to be on most of the time then I may just do it manually. I'm still going to check with the dealer on this one.

[caz681]

This has come up in previous discussions. Bottom line is, the automatic headlights don't work well. Mine would often come on in sunny daylight, and my dealer said they don't detect anything wrong with the system. I've reverted to manually turning mine off during the day. Since there is zero illumination of the instrument panel when they are off, it's pretty obvious when they need to be turned on. (On the other hand, I've seen into some vehicles being driven at night with no lights, and the instrument cluster is as dark as coal. Oblivious.)

On my other car, a 2010 Audi A4, the auto headlights work flawlessly; plus you can adjust the light level for the auto-on.

[Nahoa]

The lights work just fine.

[Nahoa]

Originally Posted by Niti

Check the setting for the headlights in iDrive:

Settings/Lighting/Daytime running lamps

If 'Daytime running lamps' is selected, headlights will always be on even in mode automatic(A). This is a requirement in some countries, not sure what applies for Canada.

If 'Daytime running lamps' isn't selected, then lamps should be sensitive to light, and switch off during daylight.

That's not accurate in the US. The Daytime Running Lamps are the corona rings on he 35i with the Xenons.

[Bill S]

I see you are in Canada so it will be much like the latitude of the UK.
When the sun is low in the winter, the lights come on - perhaps the BMW detector cannot tell the difference between a low sun and headlights of other cars ...

It is exactly the same on my BM535.

[E92LNGCGY]

I'm thinking this is a safety thing so others can see you when the sun is shining (like in the mornings). The shop foreman said if I am concerned I should bring it in and have them look at it.