Ambient light sensor for automatic lighting

[eurgain]

Hello, all

Can anyone tell me where the sensor is that is used to turn on the lights in automatic mode?

I would like to cover it up, since I always drive with lights on, if I could fool the system into thinking it is always dark, I could just leave the switch on auto, rather than having to turn the lights on and off. The light switch is so bloody awkward to get at on a Z4 (at least, it is in a right-hand drive car) this would be most welcome.

Regards
A

 

[Jesterman]

Can't help you with your Q - but unsual and welcome to see Setright mentioned in your script - a veritable Word Master - and a damn fine muscian. Many would do well to even come anywhere near his prose.

 

[BimmerZealot]

I think if you look from outside in at the windshield you'll see a light panel "behind/underneath/infront" of the base of the rear view mirror clamshell. I believe that's the light sensor.

 

[srhutch]

Hello, all

Can anyone tell me where the sensor is that is used to turn on the lights in automatic mode?

I would like to cover it up, since I always drive with lights on, if I could fool the system into thinking it is always dark, I could just leave the switch on auto, rather than having to turn the lights on and off. The light switch is so bloody awkward to get at on a Z4 (at least, it is in a right-hand drive car) this would be most welcome.

Regards
A

my auto lights are on most of the time anyway, but the senor is in the winscreen behind the rear view mirror, so you maybe able to cover it up externally.

 

[DHK]

You can change the sensitivity of that sensor at the dealership.

 

[takedown8]

I think if you look from outside in at the windshield you'll see a light panel "behind/underneath/infront" of the base of the rear view mirror clamshell. I believe that's the light sensor.

I thought that was the rain sensor?

 

[BimmerZealot]

I've heard varying opinions on that sensor, the reason I feel it is, is because I remember reading this post where some guy used a black vinyl overlay from the outside and that worked.

 

[Lotus1]

I think if you look from outside in at the windshield you'll see a light panel "behind/underneath/infront" of the base of the rear view mirror clamshell. I believe that's the light sensor.

I thought that was the rain sensor?

As I understand it, the same sensor is used for both the automatic lights and the windscreen wipers.

Steve

 

[pvr]

It is not the same, the light sensor is the small cicle, the rain sensor is the whole dark patch.

 

[duckson]

You can change the sensitivity of that sensor at the dealership.

Any idea on the range that it uses? eg 1 to 10, low, medium, high etc
And is it one sensitivity for the lights AND wipers or can they be set seperately?
Last one....is it a quick 5 minute job for the dealer to change or is it more time consuming?

After having the light switch and lighting control module replaced my auto lights were coming on today when it was quite bright sunshine, will see how it goes.

 

[DHK]

You can change the sensitivity of that sensor at the dealership.

Any idea on the range that it uses? eg 1 to 10, low, medium, high etc
And is it one sensitivity for the lights AND wipers or can they be set seperately?
Last one....is it a quick 5 minute job for the dealer to change or is it more time consuming?

After having the light switch and lighting control module replaced my auto lights were coming on today when it was quite bright sunshine, will see how it goes.

No idea on the range. No, lights and wipers have different sensors. Each sensor has it's own setting. It should be a quick fix but you never know...it all depends on you dealer.