really? my 01 3.0 had drl's on when i picked it up new from crevier. my 02 4.4 also has it on... i thought the X5 always had it and my 01 3.0 was the first year the 3.0's were avail...

Our '01 had the DRL option...though we passed
as I'm unenthused over DRLs due to their
ubiquity and us M'cycle riders are lost in the
sea of minivan lights.

Makes sense in winter above latitude 50, but
not much on the freeways of the lower 48.

I actually like GM's turn signal yellows to
outline/define a vehicle in dim light, but not
the "headlight" effect.

I rant about this 3-4 times per year; I'll shut
up, now!
BR,mD

I think all X5's have the capability of having DRL's, but its up to the dealer to turn them on or off. It seems that crevier is automatically turning them on upon delivery for you...

Any way to make the Angel Eyes function as the DRL's (and the headlights themselves being off)?

No idea, but apparently the new E92 3 Coupe does this...

yes, on my '04 I had my DRL's disabled and had the Angel Eyes turned on when i turned on the "parking lights". That was the only way to do it back then.

I would rather that the AE's function as the DRL's automatically. I will ask my dealer's service manager next time I am in there.