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.]

I always turn my fog lights on in the rain - much easier just to do that and make it a habit than try to rewire the car.

It will be interesting to see how this new law is enforced. For sure most are not aware or will forget to turn on lights when they turn on the wipers.

This will give police another "probable cause" to stop you if your lights are not on and it's raining. I think the intent is good, but the actuality will be much different than the intent.

Duke

I turn my lights on everytime I get in my car (just fogs or all). Been doing it for years. Just habit. My version of Daytime-runners.
I did add bulbs in my euro reflectors for "city" light effects that look sweet for daytime lights.
Jus my 2c.
-M-

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Currently:
1972 350SL Euro 4spd
1973 BMW R75/5
1981 BMW R80GS
1995 FZJ80 with OM606 Conversion In Progress

Hey guys, how about giving the rest of the driving public a break and don't add the extra lights that only serve to blind the oncoming drivers. The stock headlights are made to conform to US standards and if everyone stayed with those I and most everyone I know won't have to be annoyed and possible put in a hazardous situation from extra-bright and poorly aimed boy's toys.

If you want to stand out, add a bumper sticker or curb feelers, I'm tired of squinting while driving at night. (It is fun to vent!)

Tim

ccooper

Our local Canadian Tire ( same as your Autozone ) sells Daytime running light modules.
They cost about $ 20.00, and activate your headlights, as soon as they monitor an rpm signal ( via an inductive wire wound around a coil-or sparkplugwire).
Only problem is " real " DRL's only turn on the headlights at about 60 % intensity, to avoid replacing bulbs too often, while also reducing glare.

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2007 C 230 Sport.

Well said! I get an (angry) kick out of the ricer kids who have to drive up and down our well-lit main drag with their fog lights burning.

As for making daytime running lights happen, I was planning to make the city light bulbs in my eurolamps serve this purpose. Since they are 5w bulbs, I figured I could just splice them into any 12V+ lead at the fuse box that is switched with the ignition.

Good luck!

Chris

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1992 300D 2.5T
1980 Euro 300D (sadly, sold)
1998 Jetta TDI, 132K "Rudy"
1974 Triumph TR6
1999 Saab 9-5 wagon (wife's)

Hey Tim,
The extra bulbs in mine are very dim and only serve to make the headlights "glow" slightly when just the fogs are on. Just like the ones that come standard (w124 euros) in the fogs that make them glow when just the headlights are on. Just for looks, and my own safety so people see me , wouldn't effect anyone elses vision.

The Hella driving lights you see under the bumper in my avatar are a different thing entirely! Blind the hella out of anyone, but I only use them at night w/ the highbeams on country roads (and never on the freeway, unless I'm in Montana or the desert somewhere ).

I believe that ccooper is just trying to find a way to get his headlights to come on when the car is running. Nothing more or less. Just trying to avoid tickets and bee seen, so he doesn't pull a James Dean....

-M-

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Currently:
1972 350SL Euro 4spd
1973 BMW R75/5
1981 BMW R80GS
1995 FZJ80 with OM606 Conversion In Progress

The "wipers on - lights on" rule has been a NJ law for several years now. It's really no big deal to remember. Once you start seeing a lot of other cars with their lights on in the rain, a light will come on in your head, just like in the cartoons, to remind you to turn the headlights on.

All that said, I drove to work in the rain last week with my lights off & didn't notice 'til I hit the parking lot. Well, it WAS only four miles, but I forgot. duh. I also went by a cop at 50mph in a 35 zone this AM & he didn't care. Thank goodness for small favors.

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Norm in NJ
Next oil change at 230,000miles

There is no way a cop will actually get out of the car while it is raining, unless the infraction is really severe or there is an accident.

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86 560SL
With homebrew first gear start!
85 380SL
Daily Driver Project

http://juliepalooza.8m.com/sl/mercedes.htm