2011 35d - Are tail lights supposed to be on when DRL

I have a 2011 35d (LCI with coronas).
During the day, I switch the lights from auto to off ("0"), due to gloomy Seattle weather causing headlights to turn on when in auto.

Anyways, when I do that, my tail lights stay ON together with coronas.
I have seen several X5s with coronas going the opposite way, and I observed that their tail lights are off (which I like).

I am not worrying about bulbs, just wondering why my X5 has tail lights on when they should be off.

Is this a 2012 vs 2011 thing?

They should be off. How are you noticing they are on when the switch is on "0" ? Is the car running when you go look? Is it just when you unlock it and are walking up to it? More details would be helpful

^^
I often go start the vehicle to heat the interior (seats and steering wheel as well), before wife and kids come out of the house.
Usually have the lights in auto overnight, but turn them off when starting the vehicle to heat up. So, it seemed odd that tail lights keep on.
Tail lights can be turned off in iDrive (DRL) but that turns off coronas as well..

Is there a reason you don't want the tailights on? I've been wondering on my new to me X5 if when we get to gloomy or foggy weather if they do come on. In my other vehicles it is almost automatic for me to switch on the headlights regardless of weather. It probably comes from riding motorcycles and noting that they are more noticable when their lights are on and I do want to be noticed while in traffic.

Originally Posted by Dirtbag

Is there a reason you don't want the tailights on?

Just curious why the difference between my vehicle and others I have seen.

Originally Posted by Dirtbag

I've been wondering on my new to me X5 if when we get to gloomy or foggy weather if they do come on.

When in Auto and lights come on, the little green light next to the switch gets lit.

serge1, mine works the same (the same model). some time ago I read BMW changed the set up at some point (i.e. that the tail lights stay ON together with coronas)

I was going to check whether there is any difference with the number plate lights when the lights are off ("0"), but was to lazy

Originally Posted by serge1

When in Auto and lights come on, the little green light next to the switch gets lit.

Thank you, I'll look for that.

I used to live in Seattle and think one is best leaving in the auto position, as the waether is dark. Also, I find with tinted windows I cannot see a car out the back if they do not have their DLR on, so for safety suggest leave in auto.

My tails seem to stay on on "0"

Originally Posted by AutoUnion

My tails seem to stay on on "0"

And on mine the tail is off, only the coronas are lit in "0". Since I actually do like the tails lit, I sometimes drive with the side lights on (the right position on the switch), and maybe fog lights too if it is a dark day (but not too dark to require actual headlights). IMHO X5 looks very pretty with those lights and fogs on, and I even saw that config as an option in one of the computer hacks - that is, DRL by defauls means tails and fogs are on.