Both Foglamps To Stay On Possible?
 

I have an 08 ML320 and can't seem to get both foglamps to stay on while driving for some reason. I always get one either left or right but never both. Im thinking it has to do with me turning cause when I turn right my right foglamp goes on and same when I turn left. I went to the dealer and the tech said "this is how German foglamps work". Is this true? I find it stupid and always get people telling me that I have a burned bulb.

Yep, to me it's the stupidest invention ever. It's definitely not how "German foglights" work (I'm German) but it's a dumb system to illuminate curves as you go through them. I'm happy I don't have that "FEATURE" on my ML. It looks just soooo stupid... and I don't think that you can turn it off without getting an error message to pop up somewhere.

Newer MLs don't have external foglights anymore, but DRL LEDs, so they took care of that stupid look with the newest models... but on your's, I'm afraid you'll have to live with it.

However, some newer VWs and also some japanese companies have adopted that system from Benz and still use it on some current models.

What you're describing is the cornering light function.

If you want both foglights to stay on all the time, turn them on with the foglight switch, i.e. pull your light switch out one notch. You have to do this with either park or headlights on. This is in your owners manual. But, running foglights when there's no fog, rain, snow, etc., is simply silly.

The foglights only come on when you turn the switch so that wouldn't solve anything right?

So let me get this straight. You want them to be either ON or OFF without you doing anything like switching them on; other than just staring your vehicle - fogs = DRLs.

Don't like the way it is presently. Go and have your dealer turn off that functionality via STAR.

It is my understanding that the right or left cornering light goes off when driving at low speeds. When driving at regular speeds like on a windy road (can't remember the minimum speed of-hand but the manual mentions it) then both stay ON no matter the direction the steering wheel is turning. I don't think this setup is stupid as mentioned above. Given that they are "cornering lights" as lkchris correctly mentioned earlier, they are useful to illuminate a wide area in front and to the side of the vehicle. The side opposite to a turn turns off as it is not needed. Nothing really would happen if it stayed on I guess other than potentially distract others around maybe? Again they both stay on at higher speeds. Test it and you will see or better yet, check the manual. I guess if one does not like this feature and decide to buy a car without it, they are also giving up Bi-Xenon lights...

The only "drawback" is when turning into a friend's driveway and they see you coming they immediately say you have a burned bulb, although you don't. Just educate them.

Just checked the manual. It states:

" If you are driving faster than 25 mph (40 km/h) or have the front fog lamps switched on, the corner-illuminating function is not avail- able."

Actually, since the foglights are already on, it is available.

Difference is under 25 mph it's a corner. Above 25 mph, it's a curve.

Ah! That question has been bugging me for years... :)

I just want both lamps to stay on doesnt matter if they come one when I start the car or turn the switch.

Whats STAR?

I just want both lamps to stay on doesnt matter if they come one when I start the car or turn the switch.

Whats STAR?

It's the Mercedes diagnostic computer they hook up to the car.