Is it possible to convert non-automatic to auto headlights on a 02 525i? Why the heck would BMW even make non-auto headlights?

I'd really appreciate it if someone with experience in this could post or point me in the right direction to research. Thanks.

Do you mean like day time running lights that are always on?

I assume that you want the headlights to go off when the ignition is switched off, instead of a warning buzzer. Like a Volvo or Subaru.

I have no idea why BMW decided not to design the headlights like that, but as far as I know, there is no way to make that happen on an e39.

I assume that you want the headlights to go off when the ignition is switched off, instead of a warning buzzer. Like a Volvo or Subaru.

I have no idea why BMW decided not to design the headlights like that, but as far as I know, there is no way to make that happen on an e39.


Optional on 525i and 530i. Standard on 540i. The normal light selector in my 530i is a two position selector turning to the right from vertical. In the e39 cars with auto headlights there is a single position selector to the left of vertical which is the auto setting. This is a set it and forget it type setting. I wish I had it too. You can add I am sure since it is optional for your car.

Optional on 525i and 530i. Standard on 540i. The normal light selector in my 530i is a two position selector turning to the right from vertical. In the e39 cars with auto headlights there is a single position selector to the left of vertical which is the auto setting. This is a set it and forget it type setting. I wish I had it too. You can add I am sure since it is optional for your car.
Yes, This is exactly what I'm talking about. I assume there is also a light sensor somewhere that turns the lights on when it gets dark. Where is this?

Optional on 525i and 530i. Standard on 540i. The normal light selector in my 530i is a two position selector turning to the right from vertical. In the e39 cars with auto headlights there is a single position selector to the left of vertical which is the auto setting. This is a set it and forget it type setting. I wish I had it too. You can add I am sure since it is optional for your car.

standard on later model 540's. Why on earth use auto headlights? can you be any lazier? unless you want to keep your lights on as daytime running... if that, just use the DDE's; that's what i'm doing.

it's like auto-wipers... so your wipers can come on when you are talking on the phone... thanks.

standard on later model 540's. Why on earth use auto headlights? can you be any lazier? unless you want to keep your lights on as daytime running... if that, just use the DDE's; that's what i'm doing.

it's like auto-wipers... so your wipers can come on when you are talking on the phone... thanks.

Right, my 540i does not have it.

Yes, This is exactly what I'm talking about. I assume there is also a light sensor somewhere that turns the lights on when it gets dark. Where is this?


Yep. A sensor ( not sure where) operates the lights. These are not the same as daytime running lights. The daytime lights are set by the dealer with a computer which sets many of your car's functions (ie auto-locking, remote keyless and alarm settings.) The daytime running lights are a much lower intensity yellowish color beam rather than the bright white light of the standard headlamps. On my 530i, the daytime runners are the two interior or Highbeam lights. The daytimers do not use the projectors of your normal headlamps which are the two exterior lamps.

standard on later model 540's. Why on earth use auto headlights? can you be any lazier?
I know it's lazy but every car/truck excluding my Viper that I've owned for the past ten years has it. I've owned my BMW 8 days and left the lights on twice. I even still have a 98 s10 pickup that stickered for 13K and I bought it for about 8K new with rebates, it has them!

I assume you are against cruise control too?

I know it's lazy but every car/truck excluding my Viper that I've owned for the past ten years has it. I've owned my BMW 8 days and left the lights on twice. I even still have a 98 s10 pickup that stickered for 13K and I bought it for about 8K new with rebates, it has them!

I assume you are against cruise control too?

cruise control, i find, actually saves gas since it keeps me from flooring it. :D

edit: let's get back to the topic though.. can it be retrofitted?


just did a search on toadfly and unless you got more ducks then chinatown, you don't want to do this.

it would require a light sensor, a switch, light sensing module which also ties into the rear LED lights and optional rain sensor. yes, lots and lots of $$$$$$$

If I leave the headlight switch on in my MY01 540 and turn the ignition off the headlights will turn off, but the parking lights will stay on. There is no "automatic" setting on my headlight switch and there is no way to make them automatically turn on when I start the car.

OK, I give up, I'd hoped this was a relatively simple change. I'm just going to have to get used to shutting my lights off when I turn off the car and turning them on when it gets dark.

Back to 1995 for me.