Headlights come on when staring engine

[Brian Watts]

I have a 1999 model 323i.

For the past 9 months, with a battery that is far from new, but 99% of the time has started the engine quite adequately, there has been a strange phenomenon. On the other 1% of times the starter motor does not engage, the starter solenoid clicks (which is normal for a low charge battery), but the strange thing is that when the key is turned to the start position, the headlights come on, even though the headlight switch is off.

What is going on ? When you have a suss battery and need every volt you have, the last thing you want is the headlights on draining any remaining charge.

The local BMW checked it out, said there was nothing wrong, I just needed a new battery. He had no explanation about the lights coming on.

Does anyone know why the lights were coming on ?

[witeshark]

Does your car have day time running lights?

[Brian Watts]

No, the car does not have DRL, but as they were compulsory in Canada at the time, I don't know whether all the circuitry and computer stuff is there, just disabled for BMWs delivered here in OZ.

[witeshark]

Well I guess there's some DRL circuit that has gone a bit nuts. Could be challenging to find it.