Daytime Running Lights

shadowfax777 · 03-07-2011, 03:59 PM

Are the rear LED tail lights also switched on in Daytime Running Lights mode? I only found out today after owning it almost 10 months. Also, is the brightness of the lights weaker too in DRL mode?

I notice all other makes and models, e.g. Mercedes and Audi, their cars only have the front dimmed headlights on with no rear lights in DRL mode.

Mr. ///M3 RD · 03-07-2011, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shadowfax777

Are the rear LED tail lights also switched on in Daytime Running Lights mode? I only found out today after owning it almost 10 months. Also, is the brightness of the lights weaker too in DRL mode?

I notice all other makes and models, e.g. Mercedes and Audi, their cars only have the front dimmed headlights on with no rear lights in DRL mode.

As far as I know only the front lights are on. If you wish to have the rear lights on also turn your light switch to the park light position then confirm by having a peek.

Cheers,

Rolf-Dieter

BMWZ4 · 03-07-2011, 05:12 PM

Shadowfax, if I'm not mistaken, with the switch set all the way to the left, you should also get the rear DRL, at least on mine it does.

Dave

EDIT: try page 76 I think

SammyZ4 · 05-12-2011, 01:33 PM

My rear lights don't turn on as DRL but I don't have ZPP... maybe it's part of the lighting package or something?

T89 · 05-12-2011, 03:58 PM

With DRL enabled, rear lights will also be on along with the angel eyes when light switched to Auto or Off. The brightness of the angel eyes are also higher in Auto and Off. When you switch to park lights, they are slightly dimmed. As far as I know, this is the same on all Bmw models.

T

rmorin49 · 05-12-2011, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T89

With DRL enabled, rear lights will also be on along with the angel eyes when light switched to Auto or Off. The brightness of the angel eyes are also higher in Auto and Off. When you switch to park lights, they are slightly dimmed. As far as I know, this is the same on all Bmw models.

T

I don't think this is the case with US cars. The DRLs are only on the front. The rear lights are not on unless you turn the light switch to either the parking lights or headlights on.

T89 · 05-13-2011, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rmorin49

I don't think this is the case with US cars. The DRLs are only on the front. The rear lights are not on unless you turn the light switch to either the parking lights or headlights on.

I wonder why it changes depending on the market. I really like it with the rear lights on.

T

mcbeee · 05-13-2011, 03:49 PM

I just leave the switch on all the way to the left, it all shuts off with the ignition so no problem. that way I have all kinds of lights on all the time.

It drives me nuts when I see fools driving at night with no lights on in the back because they have minimal lights on in the front and are tricked into thinking they are OK. Also in Fog....where you need rear lights to avoid getting killed and these doofuses don't switch over...

Rafale · 05-14-2011, 08:19 PM

Canada has mandatory DRLs I think. The US cars are a bit different. We don't even have fog lights in front and even less in the rear. My US spec 3 series had the rear fog lights circuitry and bulbs omitted altogether...

rmorin49 · 05-15-2011, 10:05 AM

On my 07 and 09 335i verts I was able to buy the Euro light switch in order to activate the rear fog light as all the cars had them installed at the factory but the US switch does not allow for their use. Anyone know if the Z4s have the rear fog lights installed and wiring in place such that if we were able to buy the Euro light switch they would work? I know that rear fog lights are required in most EU countries so I'm thinking they might have them installed. If anyone has the part number for the Euro light switch, if there is one, please post it.

juhap · 05-15-2011, 12:04 PM

Imagine my embarrassment if after a year of ownership I'm able to find a switch for the fog lights. Definitely no front fogs and I don't remember it being an option either, so I assumed that's how it is everywhere in Europe.

rmorin49 · 05-15-2011, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by juhap

Imagine my embarrassment if after a year of ownership I'm able to find a switch for the fog lights. Definitely no front fogs and I don't remember it being an option either, so I assumed that's how it is everywhere in Europe.

I don't believe front fogs are available on the Z4 anywhere. Do you have a requirement for a rear fog light in Finland like they have in Germany? I know when I was stationed in Germany we had to install a rear fog light on the bumper of our American car in order to legally drive it in Germany. I am interested to know if this is still the case. Does the EU have any say in this issue? Perhaps the rear fog light requirement has been dropped if all EU countries don't require it.

T89 · 05-15-2011, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rmorin49

I don't believe front fogs are available on the Z4 anywhere. Do you have a requirement for a rear fog light in Finland like they have in Germany? I know when I was stationed in Germany we had to install a rear fog light on the bumper of our American car in order to legally drive it in Germany. I am interested to know if this is still the case. Does the EU have any say in this issue? Perhaps the rear fog light requirement has been dropped if all EU countries don't require it.

As far as I know, it is mandatory for all cars sold in Europe to have rear fog lights. I have a friend who had to install a rear fog light on his mustang that he imported from the US. Soon it'll be mandatory for all cars to be fitted with LED daytime running lights here. That is why most manufacturer have recently been fitting LED DRL similar to Audi's.

T

rmorin49 · 05-15-2011, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T89

As far as I know, it is mandatory for all cars sold in Europe to have rear fog lights. I have a friend who had to install a rear fog light on his mustang that he imported from the US. Soon it'll be mandatory for all cars to be fitted with LED daytime running lights here. That is why most manufacturer have recently been fitting LED DRL similar to Audi's.

T

That's what I thought and why I am suspicious that the US cars have a rear fog light that just needs to be enable with the proper switch. If anyone has a connection to determine if a Euro switch can be retrofitted I would be interested to know. Also, can someone with a car in Europe post a picture of the light switch highlighting what is used to turn the rear fog light on and off. Thanks.

juhap · 05-16-2011, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T89

As far as I know, it is mandatory for all cars sold in Europe to have rear fog lights.

I checked and yes it's mandatory in Finland too. I guess that's what I get for reading the US PDF version of the owner's manual instead of the Finnish printed one. Now I'll just have to find the switch somewhere...

T89 · 05-16-2011, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rmorin49

Also, can someone with a car in Europe post a picture of the light switch highlighting what is used to turn the rear fog light on and off. Thanks.

I'll get you one in the morning.

Edit: Nevermind, Found this online:

T

rmorin49 · 05-16-2011, 09:18 PM

How do you turn on the rear fog lights? I can't tell by the picture.

If anyone knows if the Euro switch can be fitted on a US car, please post. I'd like to find a source for the switch so that the rear fog lights can be used. Anyone else interested?

Lackey · 05-17-2011, 12:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rmorin49

How do you turn on the rear fog lights? I can't tell by the picture.

If anyone knows if the Euro switch can be fitted on a US car, please post. I'd like to find a source for the switch so that the rear fog lights can be used. Anyone else interested?

I believe it's the button to the right of the rotary light control at the 1:30 position.

rmorin49 · 05-17-2011, 06:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobele

I believe it's the button to the right of the rotary light control at the 1:30 position.

I believe this is the switch but do not know if it will work with US cars. Can anyone confirm?

http://bmwfans.info/parts/catalog/E8...element_light/

juhap · 05-17-2011, 10:01 AM

Related to the topic, I haven't seen any posts about these here, but then again I haven't been reading the forum actively lately:

Daytime running lights with LED lamps from BMW, available also for the Z4. Couldn't find these on the US site, but they are in the accessories catalog on the international BMW site.

Apologies if this is old news.

Z_Victor1 · 07-05-2011, 07:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shadowfax777

Are the rear LED tail lights also switched on in Daytime Running Lights mode? I only found out today after owning it almost 10 months. Also, is the brightness of the lights weaker too in DRL mode?

I notice all other makes and models, e.g. Mercedes and Audi, their cars only have the front dimmed headlights on with no rear lights in DRL mode.

My REAR side-lights are lit when DRL is active.
They do NOT change in brightness either when selecting other modes....
(UK model)

al1 · 07-05-2011, 07:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobele

I believe it's the button to the right of the rotary light control at the 1:30 position.

yes it is, usually bmws have 2 of them there but since z4s only come with the rear fog lights, there is only one button..

03-07-2011, 03:59 PM	#1
shadowfax777 Private 13 Rep 74 Posts Drives: Z4 sDrive23i M Sport Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Bedfordshire, England iTrader: (0)	Daytime Running Lights Are the rear LED tail lights also switched on in Daytime Running Lights mode? I only found out today after owning it almost 10 months. Also, is the brightness of the lights weaker too in DRL mode? I notice all other makes and models, e.g. Mercedes and Audi, their cars only have the front dimmed headlights on with no rear lights in DRL mode.
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03-07-2011, 05:12 PM	#3
BMWZ4 Major General 1908 Rep 5,102 Posts Drives: '23 X1/'23 Allroad Progressiv Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Toronto iTrader: (1)	Shadowfax, if I'm not mistaken, with the switch set all the way to the left, you should also get the rear DRL, at least on mine it does. Dave EDIT: try page 76 I think __________________ '11 Z4 30i (retired);'11 X3 28i (retired); '15 M235i Stage 1 Dinan (recalled & crushed); '16 M235i Stage 3 Dinan (retired); '15 X3 28i (retired); '14 328i (retired), 2019 X3M40i (retired); Loaded '18 X1 (retired); Loaded '20 X3MC DG, Black/Tan Merino (retired); Loaded '23 X1 Cape York green and Red/Black interior; '23 Audi A4 Allroad Progressiv
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05-12-2011, 01:33 PM	#4
SammyZ4 New Member 1 Rep 8 Posts Drives: 2011 Z4 sDrive30i Space Gray Join Date: May 2011 Location: Westwood, CA iTrader: (0)	My rear lights don't turn on as DRL but I don't have ZPP... maybe it's part of the lighting package or something?
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05-12-2011, 03:58 PM	#5
T89 Lieutenant Colonel 39 Rep 1,531 Posts Drives: Z4 35i & Mini Cooper S Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Geneva & Joburg iTrader: (0)	With DRL enabled, rear lights will also be on along with the angel eyes when light switched to Auto or Off. The brightness of the angel eyes are also higher in Auto and Off. When you switch to park lights, they are slightly dimmed. As far as I know, this is the same on all Bmw models. T
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05-13-2011, 03:49 PM	#8
mcbeee Lieutenant 5 Rep 446 Posts Drives: '09 Z4 s35i & '03 Z4 3.0i Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Calgary iTrader: (0) Garage List 2003 Z4 3.0i [5.00] 2001 Z3 3.0i [0.00] 2009 Z4 s35i [7.00]	I just leave the switch on all the way to the left, it all shuts off with the ignition so no problem. that way I have all kinds of lights on all the time. It drives me nuts when I see fools driving at night with no lights on in the back because they have minimal lights on in the front and are tricked into thinking they are OK. Also in Fog....where you need rear lights to avoid getting killed and these doofuses don't switch over... __________________ Member ZSCCA 2009 Z4 s35i with Dinan Stage II software, Sport and Exec packages, 19" 296 rims , a stubby and mud flaps '03 Z4 3.0i Sterling Grey (Hers) '01 Z3 3.0i Sapphire Black, M sport package (Mine)
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05-14-2011, 08:19 PM	#9
Rafale Zed Quatre 24 Rep 410 Posts Drives: '11 Z4 35is & '11 535xi GT Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Portland, OR. USA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011 535i GT xDrive [0.00] 2011 Z4 35is [7.00]	Canada has mandatory DRLs I think. The US cars are a bit different. We don't even have fog lights in front and even less in the rear. My US spec 3 series had the rear fog lights circuitry and bulbs omitted altogether... __________________
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05-15-2011, 10:05 AM	#10
rmorin49 Major 53 Rep 1,162 Posts Drives: 11 335d/10 Z4 s30i Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Hagerstown, MD iTrader: (1)	On my 07 and 09 335i verts I was able to buy the Euro light switch in order to activate the rear fog light as all the cars had them installed at the factory but the US switch does not allow for their use. Anyone know if the Z4s have the rear fog lights installed and wiring in place such that if we were able to buy the Euro light switch they would work? I know that rear fog lights are required in most EU countries so I'm thinking they might have them installed. If anyone has the part number for the Euro light switch, if there is one, please post it. __________________ Colonel (Retired), US Army/Hagerstown, MD 2016 518ixdrive/MSport AW/Ivory White ED-01-10 2010 Z4s30i AW/Beige/Burl/ 6MT/SP/PP/CWP/NAV/ipod/USB/CA (retired) 2011 335d BS/Oyster/PP/CWP/NAV/ipod/USB(Daily Driver) 30+ mpg(retired) Last edited by rmorin49; 05-15-2011 at 02:38 PM..
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05-15-2011, 12:04 PM	#11
juhap Lieutenant 14 Rep 530 Posts Drives: sDrive35i Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Finland iTrader: (0)	Imagine my embarrassment if after a year of ownership I'm able to find a switch for the fog lights. Definitely no front fogs and I don't remember it being an option either, so I assumed that's how it is everywhere in Europe.
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05-16-2011, 09:18 PM	#17
rmorin49 Major 53 Rep 1,162 Posts Drives: 11 335d/10 Z4 s30i Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Hagerstown, MD iTrader: (1)	How do you turn on the rear fog lights? I can't tell by the picture. If anyone knows if the Euro switch can be fitted on a US car, please post. I'd like to find a source for the switch so that the rear fog lights can be used. Anyone else interested? __________________ Colonel (Retired), US Army/Hagerstown, MD 2016 518ixdrive/MSport AW/Ivory White ED-01-10 2010 Z4s30i AW/Beige/Burl/ 6MT/SP/PP/CWP/NAV/ipod/USB/CA (retired) 2011 335d BS/Oyster/PP/CWP/NAV/ipod/USB(Daily Driver) 30+ mpg(retired)
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05-17-2011, 10:01 AM	#20
juhap Lieutenant 14 Rep 530 Posts Drives: sDrive35i Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Finland iTrader: (0)	Related to the topic, I haven't seen any posts about these here, but then again I haven't been reading the forum actively lately: Daytime running lights with LED lamps from BMW, available also for the Z4. Couldn't find these on the US site, but they are in the accessories catalog on the international BMW site. Apologies if this is old news.
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