My question about adding daytime running lights is in the context of a new law in California that requires headlights to be on when the windshield wipers are on. The reference for this is a revision to California Vehicle Code §24400, which goes into effect July 1, 2005. Basically, there is no way that I will remember to turn on headlights when I have my wipers on, so this seems a good way to avoid a ticket.

I've seen adding daytime headlights as a job in the 126 service manual, and it states it applies to Canadian cars only. Has anyone retrofitted this to their car? If so, has it been successful? I remember reading the actuator for these is not 100% reliable.

Since I have the E-code headlights on my W126 with the "City" lights connected, I thought I could have the City lights be the daytime running lamps, much like American cars. The hardware looks minimal and adding the circuit didn't appear too difficult. Any thoughts?

Most obliged,

Casey

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Casey Cooper
"From a long line of Mercedes ownership"

'86 300SDL 250K miles (Gone, but not forgotten); best diesel I have ever driven, too bad about the Achilles heel.

'81 240D 370K miles (Sold to my brother after 9 years and 150K miles of reliable driving!)

[Five other Mercedes in family clipped for less length.]