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DRL

RocketeerPerformance

E500E Enthusiast
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Anyone know if there is an OEM PNP module for Daytime Running Lights used for those markets that require them that can be installed for USA models?
 
Never heard of such a module. My CLK32k had DRL's wired up when I bought it. Appeared to be a simple tap into the running lights to a switched 12volt power source and a SPDT relay.
 
Curious how they do it from the factory for those markets that require it. There must be a kit or something. I know you can go aftermarket but I would like to stay OEM if possible.
 
You might want to ping some Canadian MB owners, especially ones that have imported cars from Japan. As part of the Canadian conformity, DRL's need to be added before the car can be registered.
 
I do "manual DRL" by using the fog lights, with the city lights wired to the fogs:

111.jpg

:watchdrama:
 
looks great, one would need a set of Euro's to do the city lights. So you just turn the fogs on and they light up?
Correct... if you want the main headlights to "glow", you need Euro lights with the city light bulb. You can get 5-6 watt halogens that fit in the standard 4-watt city light socket. Think I have the 5-watters in there now.


Ever tried a set of leds in the fogs?
Nope. I use the stock 55w H1 bulb in the bumper fogs.

:124:
 
Has anyone considered using LED DRLs fitted into the panel below the headlights after removing the wiper arm? I found a nice Philips LED DRL kit that I am installing on my SUV... They are auto on and auto off...
 
I have noticed that NO ONE pays attention to daytime running lights since a lot of car makers started installing them.

I think gsxr’s lights look pretty cool in post #7 above but as far as safety with lights on all the time I’m against it. I would rather flash my high beams and blow my horn to get attention.

I will say that on a dull foggy overcast day of which we have a lot here in SoCal I do turn on my headlights.

When I bought my E-Codes from Austin aka “Omegabenz” he gave me the hook-up connectors and bulbs but I have never installed them. Seeing Dave’s is inspiring me to get them installed for good measure and to be as COOL as DAVE!
 
I will say that on a dull foggy overcast day of which we have a lot here in SoCal I do turn on my headlights.

Huh? Are you super close to the coast (marine layer?)

For five years I commuted from Northern California where I live 2 miles from the coast (marine layer / fog) to Southern California (Ventura County) and in those five years, I feel like Southern CA gave me a permanent lifetime supply of Vitamin D..... I always marveled at the sunniness of Ventura County.

Although I will say with the changes in climate, NorCal is indeed getting warmer and the sunshine is lasting now through much of October. We had some 80F sunshine filled days in mid October this year, which is very very unusual.
 
Terry, the idea is to make the vehicle visible when it otherwise would not be. The point isn't to get the attention of other drivers, which as you said would be more effective either flashing high beams or using the horn. Any time near sunrise or sunset when the sun is behind you, many oncoming drivers can't see well into the sun, and having *any* lights on can help them spot you. And of course in rain or fog.

Some states require lights / headlights on when the windshield wipers are on. I'm shocked at the vast number of people in Idaho who have all lights OFF in thick fog... one genius even flipped me off when I flashed my lights at him. This was pea-soup fog with visibility of maybe a couple hundred feet. Wish I had a dashcam to capture that.

BTW, I use the fogs as "manual DRL's" in all our cars (124, 210, 211, LR4) because I generally have higher-wattage headlight low beams, with short bulb life spans. So rather than burn up fancy/expensive bulbs, I use the fogs... equally effective IMO, and the fog bulbs last a long time.

:124:
 
We had some 80F sunshine filled days in mid October this year, which is very very unusual.
Huh. We had overnight temps in the teens, with a record low of 10°F (!), in mid/late October this year... highs in the mid-30's. Which is very very unusual.

I forgot to open a 2" ball valve on our irrigation system and it broke the brass like balsa wood. Now I get to spend half a day replacing it next spring... sigh... oh, and now we're back to normal for November with lows in the mid-20's, and high's in mid-50's. Go figure.

:duck:
 
Some states require lights / headlights on when the windshield wipers are on.
Yep, Maryland has that law. I don't recall it in Oregon or Texas, but I think it's a good idea and I have no issue with it. I don't think DRLs are really an issue, in fact. Most cars I see these days "automatically" have parking lights on during the day -- you can't switch them off. Even Laura's 2004 4Runner does this.
 
Huh? Are you super close to the coast (marine layer?)

For five years I commuted from Northern California where I live 2 miles from the coast (marine layer / fog) to Southern California (Ventura County) and in those five years, I feel like Southern CA gave me a permanent lifetime supply of Vitamin D..... I always marveled at the sunniness of Ventura County.

Although I will say with the changes in climate, NorCal is indeed getting warmer and the sunshine is lasting now through much of October. We had some 80F sunshine filled days in mid October this year, which is very very unusual.

I live in Orange County and depending on which way I measure it's 8 to 10 miles to the ocean. 10 miles south on Brookhurst runs you straight into Huntington Beach on the 405 frwy in seal beach you can see the ocean about 3 miles away.

We get a lot of overcast mornings and fog once in a while usually clearing out around 10:00 to 11:00 AM. Then is becomes another sunny day with no clouds.

I had my lights on this AM.

lol
 
Terry, the idea is to make the vehicle visible when it otherwise would not be. The point isn't to get the attention of other drivers, which as you said would be more effective either flashing high beams or using the horn. Any time near sunrise or sunset when the sun is behind you, many oncoming drivers can't see well into the sun, and having *any* lights on can help them spot you. And of course in rain or fog.

Some states require lights / headlights on when the windshield wipers are on. I'm shocked at the vast number of people in Idaho who have all lights OFF in thick fog... one genius even flipped me off when I flashed my lights at him. This was pea-soup fog with visibility of maybe a couple hundred feet. Wish I had a dashcam to capture that.

BTW, I use the fogs as "manual DRL's" in all our cars (124, 210, 211, LR4) because I generally have higher-wattage headlight low beams, with short bulb life spans. So rather than burn up fancy/expensive bulbs, I use the fogs... equally effective IMO, and the fog bulbs last a long time.

:124:

Dave,

I'm aware of what they are used for but now everybody has these lights and as far as I'm concerned nobody pays much attention to them. I think originally Volvo was the only car manufacturer to use the running lights. The running lights stood out then. Now everybody has jumped on the bandwagon. I don't think it's that big of a safety issue anymore. Anyway it's just my opinion I won't hold anyone else to it.

BTW, Some of these running lights make the cars look hideous including Mercedes. Cadillac has to be one of the worst.

FYI, CA recently implemented the law where if the windshield wipers are on so must be the lights.

To repeat, today I had my lights on due to heavy overcast and light fog.

lol
 

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