I just picked up a '96 SSEi as a daily driver until I sell my BMW. I've noticed the headlights are kind-of jacked up. Seems like it bounces between the DRLs and full lights quite often during the day; the DIS, compass and climate control drop to dim mode, so I'm assuming all lights have come on. Works just fine at night.
The sensor in front/center dash is white, but every one I've seen before has a dark cap on it. I'm assuming this is the sensor for the headlights, and the one next to the HUD is for something else?

Is the sensor replaced from under the dash, or from above?


BTW, very nice site! Well laid out and very informative!

I picked the Bonne up mainly to have a DD that is cheaper to maintain than my 540i, but so far, not the case. Once I get a few things sorted out, I'm hoping she'll be very reliable. I gave $1900 for her, and figure I'll have around $2500 in after repairs. Body in great shape (teal green), interior pretty nice for 160K miles (green-ish leather).
This weekend I get to do the supercharger belt, tensioner assy, idler pulley; main belt and tensioner pulley, new t-stat (superstat just for peace of mind)/coolant flush, and possibly the valve cover gaskets/grommets.
Next weekend I'll prob do new O2 sensors, fuel filter, plugs, possibly a trans filter/fluid change, and new front brakes (rotors slightly warped).
I've already done the usual oil change/new air filter, as well as changing the SC oil.

lol that all sounds like stuff i do the first day i get a new car you never know how the prev owner treated it regardless of his statements....yeah thre should be a dark translucent cap over that sensor that helps it determine light from dark without it it will typically do as you stated....cant help you on replacing it sorry never had to replace one but i hope you stick around and somebody should be able to help you with that soon...and treating that l67 with upmost care and mantinece she will last you a loooonng time..my last bonneville had 458k on it before it rusted out underneath

The sensor at the center of the dash is part of the climate control system and should have a purple dome-shaped filter covering it. The one for the headlights is on the driver'* side, a couple of inches from the windshield post. It'* easy to pry out with a pocket knife, just be gentle so you don't break it.