automatic headlights
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 655
Likes: 2
Mercedes e350 BlueTec
automatic headlights
My 2011 BT with P2 has great headlights...when they work properly. If I leave the headlights in auto mode, they stay on low beam if there is any light in front or even to the side of the car. That's a real problem on interstates where there is sometimes a road running parallel with street lights, lighted signs or just cars in the other lane, but separated by a very large dividing strip. Driving 75-80 with low beams is not great even with P2. I find that I often have to take the headlights out of auto when on interstates and use them in the old fashioned manual way.
How do others handle this?
How do others handle this?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,142
Likes: 1,293
From: Southern US
2010 E550, 273 Engine: 2012 S550, 278 Engine
My 2011 BT with P2 has great headlights...when they work properly. If I leave the headlights in auto mode, they stay on low beam if there is any light in front or even to the side of the car. That's a real problem on interstates where there is sometimes a road running parallel with street lights, lighted signs or just cars in the other lane, but separated by a very large dividing strip. Driving 75-80 with low beams is not great even with P2. I find that I often have to take the headlights out of auto when on interstates and use them in the old fashioned manual way.
How do others handle this?
How do others handle this?
Well,
we all have our likings.
I prefer the automatic light control as it also controls the distance to the car in front of me. In fact, my P2 Bi-Xenon lights on low beam are begtter than all but one of my previous cars on Hi-beam. The lights adjust the distance in low beam to a very far distance. You can test for this driving with the lights on low beam behind someone else at far distance and then switcing to low beam. You will see how the lights adjust to the shortest distance.
Bi-xenon lights give a very good lightning to very far on the road when in automatic Hi-beam position. I agree that the switching point to low beams is a bit sensitive but even with low beam they are a magnificent set of lights.
Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
E-Class, Range Rover, Lamb
Well,
we all have our likings.
I prefer the automatic light control as it also controls the distance to the car in front of me. In fact, my P2 Bi-Xenon lights on low beam are begtter than all but one of my previous cars on Hi-beam. The lights adjust the distance in low beam to a very far distance. You can test for this driving with the lights on low beam behind someone else at far distance and then switcing to low beam. You will see how the lights adjust to the shortest distance.
Bi-xenon lights give a very good lightning to very far on the road when in automatic Hi-beam position. I agree that the switching point to low beams is a bit sensitive but even with low beam they are a magnificent set of lights.
we all have our likings.
I prefer the automatic light control as it also controls the distance to the car in front of me. In fact, my P2 Bi-Xenon lights on low beam are begtter than all but one of my previous cars on Hi-beam. The lights adjust the distance in low beam to a very far distance. You can test for this driving with the lights on low beam behind someone else at far distance and then switcing to low beam. You will see how the lights adjust to the shortest distance.
Bi-xenon lights give a very good lightning to very far on the road when in automatic Hi-beam position. I agree that the switching point to low beams is a bit sensitive but even with low beam they are a magnificent set of lights.
Was wondering on this feature too, how 'bright' are the lights, do they really illuminate or are they downplayed. My last range rover lit up the whole sky, and keeping the auto lights on, will other cars think I am constantly flashing them?
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 268
Likes: 1
2011 E550, 2008 SL55 AMG
I suspect the automatic high beam feature works well for folks who spend lots of time on poorly lit country roads. In any sort of urban or suburban environment, ambient lighting will keep the high beams off - even in circumstances where they might be useful.
That said, even low beams on cars with bi-Xenon headlights provide a nice pattern and plenty of bright light. When the high beams are on the amount of coverage and the brightness is amazing - more than adequate for high speeds on narrow two-lane (deer infested) roads.
That said, even low beams on cars with bi-Xenon headlights provide a nice pattern and plenty of bright light. When the high beams are on the amount of coverage and the brightness is amazing - more than adequate for high speeds on narrow two-lane (deer infested) roads.
