MINI2

valnmike · Dec 13th, 2006, 08:04 PM

If you have xenon headlights, you are probably aware that they “pop up” approximately 5 – 7 seconds after you first turn them on. Due to a recent software update, I had the opportunity to have my DRLs enabled at no charge. Here’s something I noticed the other day. The DRLs are pointed down if you just start the car and go. Because the voltage to the headlamps is reduced when in DRL mode they do not self level themselves to the proper aiming point.

We can correct for that two ways.

One is to first turn on the headlights and then turn them off. I think this is stupid because I’ve read that it shortens the life of the xenon lamps if they are frequently switched on and off. Also, if you turn on the headlights, who needs the DRLs?

The other way, which I recommend, is to start the car, put it into gear, then hold the stalk/switch for the bright lights in the high beam flash mode for 5 – 7 seconds. This sends the full voltage to the headlamp unit and gets the lights to level/aim to the correct point.

If you are still reading this, perhaps you are thinking ‘so what’. Here’s my theory on it. If the DRLs are pointed down, they are less effective at putting the light down the road where they are more likely to catch the attention of pedestrians and other drivers. And that is my 2¢ on the matter.

And by-the-way, if you have DRLs and want them off such as at a night time lighting display here’s what you do. Put the handbrake on one click. The warning light should come on, and the DRLs should turn off.

Happy Motoring

rkw · Dec 13th, 2006, 10:04 PM

It does not behave that way on my car (2006 MCC with xenon headlamps, DRL enabled). The DRLs turn on but do not self-level when I turn initially the key to the on position, but they self-level as soon as the engine is started. Also my xenons go through leveling immediately when turned on (no 5-7 second delay).

I see that you have a 2003 and perhaps it is different with the older style xenon headlamps. I think it is unreasonable that you have to force the DRLs to point correctly. I suggest that you check with your dealer.

valnmike · Dec 14th, 2006, 12:01 AM

I will have the dealer look into that. Of course I just motored past the 50,000 mile mark this week.

faster,Tobias! · Dec 14th, 2006, 12:39 AM

valnmike - I'm with rkw on this. My '05's DRL's self level when I start the car, and I am sure that any of the pre-facelift cars I have driven did the same thing. The self-leveling devices have been known to fail, so it could be worth having it checked out.

DaFlake · Dec 14th, 2006, 06:12 AM

Same here on my 06. They level when the car is started without the lights on.

I thought that the DRL was actually the halogen high beam and not the xenons?

:: Jon :: · Dec 14th, 2006, 08:39 AM

my 04 plate one is the same.. self level...

Matt FT · Dec 14th, 2006, 11:35 AM

'02 plate MCS self levels with DRL...

Harpo · Dec 14th, 2006, 10:43 PM

For nearly three and a half years mine have levelled on ignition - but now they don't.

A trip to the dealer on the 28th...

...when I shall take the opportunity of talking about a new R56.

Yellow/Black OneD · Dec 15th, 2006, 06:41 PM

Harpo,

Are you going to wait for the Diesel R56? They are nice cars, seem a lot better screwed together. I was looking at, and had a go in a new CooperS last weekend, it is realy nice, and I was tempted to order one for March, but i've decided to keep my OneD for another couple of years to get some use out of it!!

valnmike · Dec 16th, 2006, 12:24 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by DaFlake (original)

Same here on my 06. They level when the car is started without the lights on.

I thought that the DRL was actually the halogen high beam and not the xenons?

The DRL is the hi-beam halogen. But I noticed that they leveled up when I held the brights on.

Thanks to all of you for your posts. It seems clear that my DRLs are not properly functioning. I'll have to get them looked at during my next service.

DaFlake · Dec 16th, 2006, 10:57 AM

Thanks for the clarification on that. I have a US Spec car, but DRls in Germany is not really allowed yet (working on the laws now) so I don't have it active.

G-Man · Dec 18th, 2006, 10:24 PM

Are the DRL's a dealer setting or can it be set on and off in the car somewere?

Harpo · Dec 18th, 2006, 10:38 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Yellow/Black OneD (original)

Harpo,

Are you going to wait for the Diesel R56? They are nice cars, seem a lot better screwed together. I was looking at, and had a go in a new CooperS last weekend, it is realy nice, and I was tempted to order one for March, but i've decided to keep my OneD for another couple of years to get some use out of it!!

It's very likely that I be ordering one for launch-day delivery - although I will have to have some deft responses to Mrs H when she screams "You've bought a new car? How much did that cost" To which I will reply £9995.

My One D will make a very nice car for some lucky owner - I've had a lot of fun in it - although not that kind of fun, Mini2 kind of fun.

I will make sure my first impressions are posted prominently.

Harpo · Dec 18th, 2006, 10:40 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by G-Man (original)

Are the DRL's a dealer setting or can it be set on and off in the car somewere?

It's a dealer job.

Plug-n-go sort of job - shouldn't be charged for it.

Dec 13th, 2006, 08:04 PM	#1
valnmike MINI2 Regular Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Silver Spring, MD Local Time: 06:07 PM Posts: 152 Offline	Daytime Running Lights & Xenon Headlamps If you have xenon headlights, you are probably aware that they “pop up” approximately 5 – 7 seconds after you first turn them on. Due to a recent software update, I had the opportunity to have my DRLs enabled at no charge. Here’s something I noticed the other day. The DRLs are pointed down if you just start the car and go. Because the voltage to the headlamps is reduced when in DRL mode they do not self level themselves to the proper aiming point. We can correct for that two ways. One is to first turn on the headlights and then turn them off. I think this is stupid because I’ve read that it shortens the life of the xenon lamps if they are frequently switched on and off. Also, if you turn on the headlights, who needs the DRLs? The other way, which I recommend, is to start the car, put it into gear, then hold the stalk/switch for the bright lights in the high beam flash mode for 5 – 7 seconds. This sends the full voltage to the headlamp unit and gets the lights to level/aim to the correct point. If you are still reading this, perhaps you are thinking ‘so what’. Here’s my theory on it. If the DRLs are pointed down, they are less effective at putting the light down the road where they are more likely to catch the attention of pedestrians and other drivers. And that is my 2¢ on the matter. And by-the-way, if you have DRLs and want them off such as at a night time lighting display here’s what you do. Put the handbrake on one click. The warning light should come on, and the DRLs should turn off. Happy Motoring -=Mike=- laissez les bons temps rouler

Dec 14th, 2006, 12:01 AM	#3 (permalink)
valnmike MINI2 Regular Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Silver Spring, MD Local Time: 06:07 PM Posts: 152 Offline	I will have the dealer look into that. Of course I just motored past the 50,000 mile mark this week. -=Mike=- laissez les bons temps rouler

Dec 14th, 2006, 06:12 AM	#5 (permalink)
DaFlake I miss my MINI Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Hanging on The Cape! Local Time: 06:07 PM Posts: 10,702 Online	Same here on my 06. They level when the car is started without the lights on. I thought that the DRL was actually the halogen high beam and not the xenons? Global Moderator

Dec 14th, 2006, 08:39 AM	#6 (permalink)
:: Jon :: . My Classifieds Join Date: Apr 2003 Local Time: 11:07 PM Posts: 15,109 Offline	my 04 plate one is the same.. self level... EMPTY SPACE NEEDS FILLING.... but it has to be something that wont get me banned

Dec 14th, 2006, 10:43 PM	#8 (permalink)
Harpo Havin' fun... My Classifieds Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: ...on the run. Local Time: 11:07 PM Posts: 4,564 Offline	For nearly three and a half years mine have levelled on ignition - but now they don't. A trip to the dealer on the 28th... ...when I shall take the opportunity of talking about a new R56. The Return of The Ridgeway - Sunday May 25th 2008 The Arctic Circle Run - Summer 2008

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Dec 13th, 2006, 10:04 PM	#2 (permalink)
rkw MINI2 Senior Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: San Francisco, CA Local Time: 03:07 PM Posts: 591 Offline	It does not behave that way on my car (2006 MCC with xenon headlamps, DRL enabled). The DRLs turn on but do not self-level when I turn initially the key to the on position, but they self-level as soon as the engine is started. Also my xenons go through leveling immediately when turned on (no 5-7 second delay). I see that you have a 2003 and perhaps it is different with the older style xenon headlamps. I think it is unreasonable that you have to force the DRLs to point correctly. I suggest that you check with your dealer.

Dec 14th, 2006, 12:39 AM	#4 (permalink)
faster,Tobias! Fanatically Enthiusiastic Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Calgary, Alberta Local Time: 04:07 PM Posts: 1,162 Offline	valnmike - I'm with rkw on this. My '05's DRL's self level when I start the car, and I am sure that any of the pre-facelift cars I have driven did the same thing. The self-leveling devices have been known to fail, so it could be worth having it checked out.

Dec 14th, 2006, 11:35 AM	#7 (permalink)
Matt FT MINI2 Regular Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: London Local Time: 11:07 PM Posts: 160 Offline	'02 plate MCS self levels with DRL...

Dec 15th, 2006, 06:41 PM	#9 (permalink)
Yellow/Black OneD Clubman D Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Staffordshire Local Time: 11:07 PM Posts: 1,316 Offline	Harpo, Are you going to wait for the Diesel R56? They are nice cars, seem a lot better screwed together. I was looking at, and had a go in a new CooperS last weekend, it is realy nice, and I was tempted to order one for March, but i've decided to keep my OneD for another couple of years to get some use out of it!!

Dec 16th, 2006, 12:24 AM	#10 (permalink)
valnmike MINI2 Regular Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Silver Spring, MD Local Time: 06:07 PM Posts: 152 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by DaFlake (original) Same here on my 06. They level when the car is started without the lights on. I thought that the DRL was actually the halogen high beam and not the xenons? The DRL is the hi-beam halogen. But I noticed that they leveled up when I held the brights on. Thanks to all of you for your posts. It seems clear that my DRLs are not properly functioning. I'll have to get them looked at during my next service. -=Mike=- laissez les bons temps rouler

Dec 16th, 2006, 10:57 AM	#11 (permalink)
DaFlake I miss my MINI Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Hanging on The Cape! Local Time: 06:07 PM Posts: 10,702 Online	Thanks for the clarification on that. I have a US Spec car, but DRls in Germany is not really allowed yet (working on the laws now) so I don't have it active. Global Moderator

Dec 18th, 2006, 10:24 PM	#12 (permalink)
G-Man Cool CoopS Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Bucks Local Time: 11:07 PM Posts: 212 Offline	Are the DRL's a dealer setting or can it be set on and off in the car somewere?

Dec 18th, 2006, 10:38 PM	#13 (permalink)
Harpo Havin' fun... My Classifieds Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: ...on the run. Local Time: 11:07 PM Posts: 4,564 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Yellow/Black OneD (original) Harpo, Are you going to wait for the Diesel R56? They are nice cars, seem a lot better screwed together. I was looking at, and had a go in a new CooperS last weekend, it is realy nice, and I was tempted to order one for March, but i've decided to keep my OneD for another couple of years to get some use out of it!! It's very likely that I be ordering one for launch-day delivery - although I will have to have some deft responses to Mrs H when she screams "You've bought a new car? How much did that cost" To which I will reply £9995. My One D will make a very nice car for some lucky owner - I've had a lot of fun in it - although not that kind of fun, Mini2 kind of fun. I will make sure my first impressions are posted prominently. The Return of The Ridgeway - Sunday May 25th 2008 The Arctic Circle Run - Summer 2008

Dec 18th, 2006, 10:40 PM	#14 (permalink)
Harpo Havin' fun... My Classifieds Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: ...on the run. Local Time: 11:07 PM Posts: 4,564 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by G-Man (original) Are the DRL's a dealer setting or can it be set on and off in the car somewere? It's a dealer job. Plug-n-go sort of job - shouldn't be charged for it. The Return of The Ridgeway - Sunday May 25th 2008 The Arctic Circle Run - Summer 2008

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