Where is the sensor for the auto headlights?

DrVolkl · 07-30-2014, 12:41 PM

Im asking because it seems like mine are on all the time, except perhaps around high noon.

Any bit of shade and they're on... I mean, they're on when I drive to work in the morning around 8am and it's bright and sunny out... and they're on when I leave work at 6pm.... and it's bright and sunny out.

The only time they're not on is middle of the day....

chickdr · 07-30-2014, 02:08 PM

I believe it is in the rear view mirror. You can adjust the sensitivity with a computer hook up.

DaveZ · 07-30-2014, 05:05 PM

I do not know the algorithm used, but my sense is that it is more than just a simple brightness threshold. I have noticed that all of our BMW's have turned on the headlights when the sun is low in the sky even when it is perfectly bright out. I notice this especially in the winter when there is extended dusk. The lights will even turn on if I am driving directly into the sun, but it is an hour or so away from setting. Again, I have no way to be sure, but my guess is that it is somehow tuned to turn on the lights during early morning / evening when it is still bright but visual contrast is deceptively lowered.

DrVolkl · 07-31-2014, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveZ

I do not know the algorithm used, but my sense is that it is more than just a simple brightness threshold. I have noticed that all of our BMW's have turned on the headlights when the sun is low in the sky even when it is perfectly bright out. I notice this especially in the winter when there is extended dusk. The lights will even turn on if I am driving directly into the sun, but it is an hour or so away from setting. Again, I have no way to be sure, but my guess is that it is somehow tuned to turn on the lights during early morning / evening when it is still bright but visual contrast is deceptively lowered.

Well imagine living in Seattle where the sun is never all that high... and it's light out till 10:30 at night sometimes. Guess I'll have to go back to flipping the switch myself. 1st world problems.

bosstones · 07-31-2014, 11:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrVolkl

Well imagine living in Seattle where the sun is never all that high... and it's light out till 10:30 at night sometimes. Guess I'll have to go back to flipping the switch myself. 1st world problems.

I do that anyways to avoid the inevitable turn-on inside the garage. Rocking it old school, I guess.

asirvr4 · 08-01-2014, 06:43 PM

i think there is two sensors, one at the LCM switch itself and other somewhere at the rear of the car.

07-30-2014, 12:41 PM	#1
DrVolkl Private First Class 20 Rep 144 Posts Drives: '08 E93 6spd/ '13 X5M Join Date: May 2014 Location: Seattle iTrader: (0)	Where is the sensor for the auto headlights? Im asking because it seems like mine are on all the time, except perhaps around high noon. Any bit of shade and they're on... I mean, they're on when I drive to work in the morning around 8am and it's bright and sunny out... and they're on when I leave work at 6pm.... and it's bright and sunny out. The only time they're not on is middle of the day.... __________________ E93 6spd
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07-30-2014, 02:08 PM	#2
chickdr Lieutenant Colonel 140 Rep 1,990 Posts Drives: 2006 M Roadster Join Date: May 2009 Location: Buford, GA iTrader: (0)	I believe it is in the rear view mirror. You can adjust the sensitivity with a computer hook up.
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07-30-2014, 05:05 PM	#3
DaveZ Private 9 Rep 56 Posts Drives: 2017 M2 Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: CT, USA iTrader: (0)	I do not know the algorithm used, but my sense is that it is more than just a simple brightness threshold. I have noticed that all of our BMW's have turned on the headlights when the sun is low in the sky even when it is perfectly bright out. I notice this especially in the winter when there is extended dusk. The lights will even turn on if I am driving directly into the sun, but it is an hour or so away from setting. Again, I have no way to be sure, but my guess is that it is somehow tuned to turn on the lights during early morning / evening when it is still bright but visual contrast is deceptively lowered. __________________ DaveZ - http://www.zeleznik-klein.com/m2 2017 M2, Mineral Grey, DCT
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08-01-2014, 06:43 PM	#6
asirvr4 Private First Class 38 Rep 194 Posts Drives: '06 M Coupe VRS Blue Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Muscat, Oman iTrader: (0)	i think there is two sensors, one at the LCM switch itself and other somewhere at the rear of the car.
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