Ok, today I had My windscreen replaced due to damage. When I dropped off my countryman the fitter said he would need to take car for a short drive after replacing windscreen to recalibrate the built in camera. My question was what camera? He said the one that controls functions such as sign recognition, auto cruise control amongst others. My response was that my car doesn't have any of those? So, if there is a camera, which I add he said he calibrated, other than anti collision what else is it for and is there anything assist wise that can be activated?

 

Quite possibly they had to replace the gel pack for the rain sensing function which is needed to control the automatic wipers. I seem to remember that it required recalibration after the windshield replacement, at least on my Audis. I can't say for sure if MINIs/BMWs use this same system?

 

He definitely said "Camera"?

 

My CM has all those functions and yes, there's a camera for those. He either:

1. Was dishonest so he could charge you more
2. Ordered the wrong windshield for your car (did you give him your VIN?)
3. Meant the gel pack (if indeed this is a feature of these windshields)

You can solve this easily by asking the shop. :-)

I'm wondering if you're asking if there is a camera and whether it can be somehow unlocked so you can benefit from those features. If that's the case, maybe someone here knows the answer.

 

It was autoglass here in uk and was done via my insurance so wasn't coming out of my pocket but still leaves me puzzled. Will have to have a closer look to see if there is indeed a camera. Can't find any images to see what I'm looking for, do you have one?

 

My 2019 JCW had a windscreen replaced and there is a camera at the very top dead center. Safelight was the company that did mine, and they did a recalibration similar to what you report. The bad thing: the tech didn't seal the unit correctly, it leaked after a rain which ruined the camera. Now my insurance company is on the hook for a 3000.00 cost to put in a new camera and windscreen...which I had done at the Mini Dealership the second time.

 

Just had my windscreen replaced by autowindscreens this week - they had to take it on a 10 min drive with the laptop plugged in to reset the sensor which is for the auto wipers and anti collision

 

Curious why the insurance company was on the hook for the windshield and camera replacement, and not Safelight?

 

Because I told the Insurance company that I didn't trust Safelight to do it a second time...especially since it included having to replace the camera. I also mentioned that the central stack and center speaker may prove to be damaged by water, which would mean a LOT more cost. They agreed and had the Mini Dealership do it instead.