What is this (dashboard) light for?

[Horrgakx]

This light has never been on. It's not the low fuel light (that's incorporated into the low-end of the fuel guage).

Car is an E55 (1999 W210).

Thanks.

 

[Shude]

ambient light sensor

 

[W210 E55]

What it is for?

(besides measuring ambient light)

 

[Horrgakx]

The dash lights don't auto-dim though and the sunlight sensor for the aircon is at the front of the windscreen...

 

[jimhardie]

I've got the same in my W208 Cabrio and always wondered what it's for.

 

[Ted]

It brightens/dims the clock/otg/ in bright sunlight/dull weather.

 

[Horrgakx]

Doesn't on mine. My dash illumination is manual +/- buttons on the side.

 

[johnsco]

I had always wondered the same on our two E300TDs.
My dash illumination is also +/- buttons.
But .,.. Does the sensor work in conjunction with them ?

 

[kpon126]

A bit of info.
illustration shows 96/97 model, 98 model sensor near fuel gauge.

 

[Horrgakx]

Thanks.

I'm not sure that applies to my W210 as the dash is NOT lit without the exterior lamps being turned on.

I'll have a go with a torch when it gets darker and see if shining it there makes a difference.

 

[Ted]

Horrgakx
The OTG and odometer ARE lit without the exterior lamps on on a w210 (at least mine were) otherwise you would not be able to see them.
They should go noticeably brighter when bright sunlight falls on them, and dimmer in shadow - most apparrent as you frive past trees with the sun shining directly on the dash.

 

[johnsco]

It was sunny this morning.
I tried shading the sensor with my hand.
Sure enough - The display became less bright.
When I removed my hand, it became brighter again.
This works with the lights on and off.

You learn something every day with an MB
(and the help of this forum)

 

[twosnowmen]

Yes you do. That yellow light is near the 140mph mark on the ML and always thought it was a 'speed warning' light of some sort.