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I have a 2018 E63 AMG S and I’m trying to find out whether it’s possible to keep only the two “eyelash/eyebrow” DRLs on at night instead of the full headlights. I’ve seen videos of other E63s cruising at night with only the DRLs on.
I’m aware that North American models automotive safety regulations require that vehicles automatically activate the low beams at night, but I’m wondering if anyone has found a workaround. I’ve read briefly that it may be possible through Xentry, Vediamo, or DTS Monaco coding, but I’d like confirmation from anyone who has successfully done this.
For reference: when the ignition is off and I unlock the car with the fob, only the DRL strips illuminate — and that’s exactly the behavior I’m trying to replicate while the car is fully on and when it's dark out.
Got it, thanks. I figured it might be possible through coding. There’s an auto shop near me that specializes in high-end German cars, and I was thinking of stopping by to talk with them. I just wanted to get some confirmation here before I went down. Thanks again.
you want to drive around at night with your headlights off? what am i missing here
Not exactly. For photo and video shoots, having the DRLs stay on would be ideal. Even when I’m driving around at sunset, the light sensor forces the full headlights to turn on, but I prefer the DRL look.
Got it, thanks. I figured it might be possible through coding. There’s an auto shop near me that specializes in high-end German cars, and I was thinking of stopping by to talk with them. I just wanted to get some confirmation here before I went down. Thanks again.
There are a couple coders who might be able to do this for you. I have NOT worked with either on so I can't personally endorse either but lots of people have had great experiences with them. 2 different guys: @BenzNinja @EleBest
I think coding the lighting module parameters would probably be the best way here for the long run. But that sounds like a pretty doable DIY workaround👍
There are a couple coders who might be able to do this for you. I have NOT worked with either on so I can't personally endorse either but lots of people have had great experiences with them. 2 different guys: @BenzNinja @EleBest
Got it, thanks for the recommendation. I’ll reach out to them for more info.
I think coding the lighting module parameters would probably be the best way here for the long run. But that sounds like a pretty doable DIY workaround👍
yeah i guess it depends how often you're driving around at night without headlights and taking photos of your car! good luck
Not exactly. For photo and video shoots, having the DRLs stay on would be ideal. Even when I’m driving around at sunset, the light sensor forces the full headlights to turn on, but I prefer the DRL look.
Originally Posted by natesamg
yeah i guess it depends how often you're driving around at night without headlights and taking photos of your car! good luck
It's kind of like when guys buy wheels or body kits, or wrap their cars, and other exterior mods. You do it because it looks good to you, and 99% it doesn't drastically improve anything about a car - maybe with the exception of wheels and tires. @Costco is saying he likes the look of the DRL's. I also live in Seattle and we have months of both cloudy and rainy days and short daylight hours, it can get depressing. I'm the opposite because I actually love the look of the lights and want them on as much as possible...translation; I'm old. But I think I understand what he's talking about, the car's DRL's look really cool!
It's kind of like when guys buy wheels or body kits, or wrap their cars, and other exterior mods. You do it because it looks good to you, and 99% it doesn't drastically improve anything about a car - maybe with the exception of wheels and tires. @Costco is saying he likes the look of the DRL's. I also live in Seattle and we have months of both cloudy and rainy days and short daylight hours, it can get depressing. I'm the opposite because I actually love the look of the lights and want them on as much as possible...translation; I'm old. But I think I understand what he's talking about, the car's DRL's look really cool!
If someone wants to be able to drive with just DRL's showing in the front, while not legal, it is not usually a safety risk. As long as the coding to achieve this allows the tail lights to turn on with the light sensor it works. Not having any tail lights at night is a serious safety risk and no one should drive this way. We see this a lot on the freeway. Last night in the 55 miles we were south bound on I-5 going to San Diego we passed five cars that were black holes in the lane, no taillights. As always, they were Japanese cars with oblivious drivers. Not someone who had their cars coded. Somehow there must be an Off position on the headlight control on the Japanese cars that allows DRL's and instrument cluster lights but the rest of the system is off. These are relatively late model cars. The section of freeway across Camp Pendleton is not illuminated and it is surprising how close to an unlit car drivers can get before that car is visible. We make this drive in the dark frequently. My wife on some trips has counted double digits of cars with no taillights, almost always Japanese models.
Do not fool the sensor, it will keep the tail lights from working.
That's one of the "disadvantages" of DRL's. Many people think the lights are on when they aren;t at night because the DRL's or on at the front. So they "can" see what's in fron of them, but nobody can see them from behind. I've been guilty of doing this when driving a rental car, mostly because I've had automatic headlights for more than 20 years. Still surprised to get into a car without auto headlights.
If someone wants to be able to drive with just DRL's showing in the front, while not legal, it is not usually a safety risk. As long as the coding to achieve this allows the tail lights to turn on with the light sensor it works. Not having any tail lights at night is a serious safety risk and no one should drive this way. We see this a lot on the freeway. Last night in the 55 miles we were south bound on I-5 going to San Diego we passed five cars that were black holes in the lane, no taillights. As always, they were Japanese cars with oblivious drivers. Not someone who had their cars coded. Somehow there must be an Off position on the headlight control on the Japanese cars that allows DRL's and instrument cluster lights but the rest of the system is off. These are relatively late model cars. The section of freeway across Camp Pendleton is not illuminated and it is surprising how close to an unlit car drivers can get before that car is visible. We make this drive in the dark frequently. My wife on some trips has counted double digits of cars with no taillights, almost always Japanese models.
Do not fool the sensor, it will keep the tail lights from working.
I agree 100%. I was stationed at Camp Pendleton, the whole base is like a blackhole. The freeway is super dark from San Clemente to Del Mar. I can imagine running into one of those idiots that are blacked out.
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DRL on at night?
