No Longer Available: Automatic on/off headlight module (photosensitive)

[KenC]

A friend and I are going to design a small chip module that will automatically control the headlights via a photosensor.

Basically you would just have to install the module behind the window switch (probably mount under the knee bolster), and then mount a photosensor on the dash above it (or possibly slide it next to it to avoid drilling). In any case, when the photosensor detects a degree of darkness consistant with "dusk" for more than 5 seconds, it will trigger the headlights to turn on. And vice versa, when there is light for more than 15 seconds, they will turn off. But I'm sure most of you know how auto headlights work...

The question is, how many of you would be willing to buy one of these (instructions included) for ~$50?

[Vedubin01]

would you be willing to over ride the chip?

[KenC]

would you be willing to over ride the chip?

override the chip? what do you mean? the module would be a programmable chip with a photosensor.

[browntown]

maybe he means that you could still manually turn on and off your lights.

[Erick]

He means that if you're in daylight, could you be able to manually turn the headlights on for whatever reason that may be?

[Vedubin01]

maybe he means that you could still manually turn on and off your lights.

ditto!

[KenC]

That's one thing we're juggling right now. With the two-way stock switch, it would have to be on/auto only. However, it would be possible to get a 3-way switch to have the off/auto/on, but my only concern is mounting it.

That being said, would you rather have a totally separate 3-way switch to control the lights? Or would you rather keep the oem one and have a separate switch just to override the chip? The limiting factor is really the oem switch.

[McCoolidge]

If you could have a 3 position toggle switch with like - 0 A on it for on/auto/off that would be badass.

[KenC]

If you could have a 3 position toggle switch with like - 0 A on it for on/auto/off that would be badass.

That's what I was thinking. And just mount it next to the oem one.

So how many of you would be interested in one that uses a 3-way toggle so you can override the chip?

[halfbroken]

I'd be interested. Let me know the details. IE the actual cost of the end product, installation, and how much time you guys need.

[FredK]

Sounds pretty cool. I actually have one of these installed in my 318is. I believe the module is called Lights On and the PO bought it from Bav Auto. It also purportedly triggers the lights when you turn on the wipers as well.

[KenC]

It's going to be a few weeks before we even have a prototype, and I'm going to want to test it for at least a week. I'm thinking that there will be a way to mount the photosensor without mounting/drilling it on the dash, so that will be a bonus.
I'll definitely keep every one updated. We're just wanting to gauge interest to know if we can have a small market for them to make it worthwhile to manufacture them.

[Bimmerfanatik]

100% into this - but only if you can do off/on/auto - when I delivered pizzas to the nuke plant you had to turn your headlights off when approaching the security station - one night I took my gf's grand am, which had auto lights - let's just say tension was higher than it should have been. No good! Besides, you can't hide from the cops in a driveway or down an alley after eluding them if your lights stay on ;)

[permit]

I'm in.

[KenC]

OK, so it's been established that every one wants an on/off/auto feature.

How would you all feel about keeping the stock plunger switch and making it : Off (all the way in), parking lights/auto headlights (middle position), On (all the way out)?