Daytime Driving Lights
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Super Member
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 522
Likes: 2
From: ct
All Diesel Fleet !1983 240d stick,2005 E320 CDI Midnight blue, 2005 E320 CDI, Desert Silver, Kubota
Daytime Driving Lights
Started investigating whether to use the daytime driving lights on my 2005 E320 CDI ( halogen). Most of the data confirms that it reduces general accidents about 10% and left hand turn accidents significantly greater, up to 30% in some cases. So I decided to use them. Activated the system in the settings menu from the steering wheel, going from manual to constant in the headlight menu. By the way, the system only applies about 1/2 the power to the light during the day. When the night sensor activates, it applies the full power. You can easily check this feature when you drive into your garage during the day. The lights noticably brighten when you enter the dark space.
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Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Valley of the Sun, Arizona
2011 E550, 2013 GLK
Originally Posted by CE750
Does that apply to xenon as well, 1/2 the power?
I have them on the Volvo (not by choice), but in the MB I never bothered..
I have them on the Volvo (not by choice), but in the MB I never bothered..
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From: FL410
'05 E320 CDI, '08 BMW X5 4.8i, '11 Duramax 2500HD
yeah, at $200 each bulb, I may just make due without then. On the volvo, the Day time lights don't use the Xenon, but another light with less power. I wonder if the MB can be made to use the two inner halogen lights for this?
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 491
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From: Irvine, CA, USA
Tesla
Originally Posted by BudC
Xenon are always full power. This is one disadvantage I've found with them. I don't know if it would shorten the lifespan of the lamps.
Most cars use the high beam at half power for DRL. They work better because they aim higher for visibility at further distance, plus they will not interfere with the function of xenons.
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From: Canada
2004 E500 / 2001 C240
Originally Posted by CE750
yeah, at $200 each bulb, I may just make due without then. On the volvo, the Day time lights don't use the Xenon, but another light with less power. I wonder if the MB can be made to use the two inner halogen lights for this?
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Valley of the Sun, Arizona
2011 E550, 2013 GLK
Originally Posted by HotWheels500
With Xenon, try using your parking light setting, with the front fog lamps on. Similar effect.
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Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Valley of the Sun, Arizona
2011 E550, 2013 GLK
Originally Posted by HotWheels500
During the daytime?
I don't know if they enforce it because Minnesota has the most reasonable driving environment of any state I've driven in. Well, maybe getting passed by the Arizona Highway Patrol when I was doing 80 might qualify this state as pretty good too
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 397
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From: Sunny S. California
03 E500
Originally Posted by BudC
This would be against the law in Minnesota. You cannot operate your vehicle with just the parking lights and/or the fog lamps w/o having the headlights on. Don't ask me why but that was the law when I lived there.
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From: Sacramento
'08 AM Vantage V8 - '03 E500
Originally Posted by Dvinn
California has some stupid traffic laws as well, recently they just passed a law requiring you to turn on the head lights before using the wind shield wiper. That means if you get something blocking on the windshield, if order to use the wiper to clear it you got to turn on the headlights first all the while the visibility being impaired.
http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/di...le=24400-24411
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Joined: Jun 2004
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From: NW Ohio
2008 335 vert, 2004 MDX
As long as we are on the subject, I've noticed on my 2005 that when the rain activated wipers come on, my headlights come on too. I've read older threads that complained this wasn't available and that MB should look into it. Anybody else with a comment? Is this a new feature they sneaked in?
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 397
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From: Sunny S. California
03 E500
Originally Posted by DWP
What the law actually says is that if weather conditions are bad enough that you need to continuously operate your wipers, you also have to turn on your headlights. It doesn't say that you have to turn on your headlights before operating your wipers for some other reason, like cleaning your windshield. California Vehicle Code § 24400 (operative July 1, 2005). Now, that's not so stupid, is it?
http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/di...le=24400-24411
http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/di...le=24400-24411
Member
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 89
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2005 E500
In regards to shortened lifespan, in my 2001 C320 I used the same "constant" setting. With over 50K miles logged before selling it, I never once had a problem or indication that the bulb was wearing out, etc. Whenever I should get around to purchasing my E-class I'll probably activate them again...
