C-Class (W203) 2001-2007, C160, C180, C200, C220, C230, C240, C270, C280, C300, C320, C230K, C350, Coupe

Daytime Running Lights

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Old 09-18-2014, 05:33 PM
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2002 C230 Coupe
Daytime Running Lights

I have a US model c230 coupe, 2002 with the daylight running light function activated.
The owners manual says
"With the daytime running lamp mode activated, the low beam headlamps cannot be switched off manually."
But DRL uses the high beams, in a lower intensity. They stay on when the low beams are used at night, either manual or automatic turn on. And they come on fully bright when high beam is switched. Is this normal operation, in spite of what the manual says?
Thanks for helping the noob.
Old 09-18-2014, 06:09 PM
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2005 C230K SS
Normal, and programmable too..I think it's a euro vs n. american thing, some cars use high beams at low intensity for drl while others use low beams. My 01 3 series is set up like your car, lo intensity high beams for drl, while the 05 c230 uses lo beams. I have seen plenty of mercs with hi beam drl on the road tho...
Old 09-22-2014, 09:15 PM
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Follow up, cuz I got it wrong the first time.
During the daytime, DRL uses the low beams. When it's dark and the low beam headlights switch on, the high beams are also on low intensity.
In the past, with old, non computer controlled lights, that would be a sign of bad headlight ground. (low beams grounding thru the high beam bulbs)
Old 09-22-2014, 11:46 PM
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Originally Posted by KSKarl
Follow up, cuz I got it wrong the first time.
During the daytime, DRL uses the low beams. When it's dark and the low beam headlights switch on, the high beams are also on low intensity.
In the past, with old, non computer controlled lights, that would be a sign of bad headlight ground. (low beams grounding thru the high beam bulbs)
Guess they are all similar then...I'm guessing though that what you see as lo intensity hi beams when your lights are on are actually city lights, a small 194 bulb inside the hi beams...
on a side note, I really like the old skool look when MB used yellow reflectors on the hi beams on older cars with quad headlamps...
Old 09-23-2014, 07:10 AM
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2002 C230 Coupe
Been too long since I drove in Europe. I totally forgot about the city light thing.

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