535 lights always on

I've had my 2012 535xi in the shop twice because when the lights are on automatic, they always stay on. Even in bright sunlight. They do turn off when the ignition is turned off. This is a nuisance and not a safety issue. Just think after two times in the shop the dealer should be able to fix it. The service adviser told me other owners have been in with the same problem and they haven't been able to fix them either. Any ideas/advice?

Recode to latest software update. Helped me.

A lot of us noticed that the automatic light sensors seemed to operate differently than previous BMW's when we first got our 2011 F10's. Several of us had taken our cars to the dealers and they said "normal". They did seem to go off on bright cloudy days, but were sometimes on in a brightly lit blue (clear) sky. Funny, I've only taken my 535i in for normal maintenance a few times in 25K miles, and I don't recall ever being told that I had a software update, but my lights don't seem to exhibit that same sensitivity anymore. I wonder if there is some adjustment they made "on the sly", other than a software change, when customers brought their cars in for service.

Originally Posted by markl53

A lot of us noticed that the automatic light sensors seemed to operate differently than previous BMW's when we first got our 2011 F10's. Several of us had taken our cars to the dealers and they said "normal". They did seem to go off on bright cloudy days, but were sometimes on in a brightly lit blue (clear) sky. . .

I notice the same thing. When in automatic and it is not dark, the lights seem to come on in a random basis, so I'm driving around with them on in full daylight. It's not an earthshaking problem, but a curious quirk. So far I haven't felt it was worthwhile to take the car in for service to try to fix it.

Thanks for the reply. I've only had it looked at when the car was in for something else. I think it should work on the ultimate driving machine.

Originally Posted by captnmike50

Thanks for the reply. I've only had it looked at when the car was in for something else. I think it should work on the ultimate driving machine.

What was weird is, the auto lights on my previous 2 BMW's worked exaclty as you would expect, and like most other cars. I noticed right away the 535i lights stayed on even in bright sun at times. IMO, they moved the sensor, it is somehow positioned differently, or the sensitivity is mis-adjusted. And the dealer told me there is no adjustment available for it -- at least that's what they said.

It's not just the F10 that has really sensitive/mis-aligned(?) light sensors.

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=667867

It's sort of annoying being on in bright sunlight. And my windows aren't tinted, and the rear shades are usually down, but doesn't affect it either way.