phlylilazn

Someone told me this and I was wondering if anyone knows whether this is true.

Is it bad to keep the headlights switch on "Auto" at all times? Is there any reason not to? I have Bi-Xenon's and someone told me its bad to keep it on auto because it makes it easier for the headlights to burn out. Does anyone know if this is true?

MB Fanatic

Don't listen to them. I have my cars set to run with Daytime running lights and the bulbs last just as long. These are Xenon's for crying out loud, not Halogens where they burn out so often.

howif

While a rare case, xenons tend to burn out rapidly if switched on and off perpetually. This may happen if switched on the "auto" selection and you happen to be driving in and out of tunnels (sensor thinking that its light then night, etc.). But generally speaking, you should not have a problem with the "auto" headlight setting and burning out xenon headlights beyond a typical timeframe.

Hope this helps.

pinebaron

I run daytime running lights (bi-xenons) and no problems so far in 7 months (17,500 miles). Even if they burn out, I would not drive without daytime running lights.

phlylilazn

thanks a lot guys! thats exactly what i thought.

But your answers lead me to another question... aren't the daytime running lights halogen since its hte smaller yellow inner lights that are on for daytime running lights? i was under the impression that the bi-xenon's are only the two big lights on the outside.

tanktube67

MB Fanatic

If you have BIX, the BIX are used for the daytime running lights. The inner lights on the BIX are just here for "parking light" purposes. You can see for yourself when you enable the daytime running light feature.

phlylilazn

ohh alright. thanks for the clarification

Davel

Mine's been set to auto since 2003, i've yet to replace any bulbs on the car

Vik888

Leave them on AUTO. The car will detect and decide whether to turn your lights on or off based on the conditions outside and its pretty damn good at it.

As for the reply about tunnels .. you're supposed to turn your headlights on when you enter a tunnel, and off when you exit. The car has been designed PERFECTLY.

JRAMGV8

Never heard of that but I do keep my fog lights on, driving on a gloomy day or rainy day

Forumid

I thought the inner lights also functioned as a "flash" of high beam light when the stalk is pulled back (to signaling while passing, for instance) while the BIX headlights are off. Since xenon lights lag a bit on take-off, they don't respond immediately when needed as a signal.

pinebaron

You are right; the inner lights also house high beams which are halogens.