I always leave mine on AUTO, but no - they don't light up unless the lights are on.

It may not seem very "attractive" but it's very useful - it is not distracting and my eyes rarely have to move anywhere they don't belong when driving.

The Lexus was lit up like a Christmas tree when the lights were on, which at first I missed.. then I realized it was MUCH less distracting to drive in the dark the way BMW does it.

Just my opinion.