Camera like flash when driving in indoor parking lots
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 56
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From: Silicon Valley, CA
ML 350 Bluetec
Camera like flash when driving in indoor parking lots
Has anyone noticed a camera flash bulb like flash of light from their lights when driving in indoor parking structures? It just occurs for an instant - just like a camera's flash.
I've experienced it now three times, in three different parking structures.
Generally, it has occurred in the slightly darker parts of the parking areas. At first, I thought it was some security camera in the parking facility, that was taking a picture of the car as I drove by. However, since its now happened in three garages that I've used with two other cars (with no flashes), I've ruled out parking lot security cams. I'm pretty sure its coming from the LED daytime running lights.
I have the Xenon Light package and every thing is set to "auto"
Any similar experience or thoughts?
I've experienced it now three times, in three different parking structures.
Generally, it has occurred in the slightly darker parts of the parking areas. At first, I thought it was some security camera in the parking facility, that was taking a picture of the car as I drove by. However, since its now happened in three garages that I've used with two other cars (with no flashes), I've ruled out parking lot security cams. I'm pretty sure its coming from the LED daytime running lights.
I have the Xenon Light package and every thing is set to "auto"
Any similar experience or thoughts?
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Woodstock, IL
His 2019 RAM Cummins Turbo Diesel Laramie; Her's 2007 ML320 CDI P3; Mine BMW R1200R
My guess is your headlights turning on. The Xenons pop on and move a little in the first 2 seconds on activating, so you might just be seeing that initial flash.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Los Angeles
2025 Panamera GTS
That's definitely it. Xenons flash on. Then dim gradually to full output. That's what's nice about led. Just instant full output on. When will the ML have led headlights? I'm spoiled now. Hard to go back with the a6 LEDs
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2011
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2021 GLS580 | 2011 ML350 BlueTec | 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP
another confirmation that you're seeing the HIDs power up. HID "bulbs" don't have a filament. The light that you see is actually a controlled arc of electricity. To get the arc to form takes much more power than to keep it going. What this means is that you will see an initial bright flash and then a slower ramp up of output until the lamps reach their operating level.
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2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
From: Silicon Valley, CA
ML 350 Bluetec
Thank you all for the detailed feedback. It would seem that the flash is a Xenon phenomenon.
Naturally, today, it didn't do it at all....however, even if it persists, I have to say that I'm very happy with their night time roadlighting/performance.
But now I'm curious to drive a car with a good set of LED headlights...
Naturally, today, it didn't do it at all....however, even if it persists, I have to say that I'm very happy with their night time roadlighting/performance.
But now I'm curious to drive a car with a good set of LED headlights...
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
From: Silicon Valley, CA
ML 350 Bluetec
another confirmation that you're seeing the HIDs power up. HID "bulbs" don't have a filament. The light that you see is actually a controlled arc of electricity. To get the arc to form takes much more power than to keep it going. What this means is that you will see an initial bright flash and then a slower ramp up of output until the lamps reach their operating level.
