Rain Tracker

I found this retro-fitting device for MINI owners who wants to have auto-sensing wipers. :smile:

I'm in the Pacific NW, where it rains a lot. This is one option I wish I had when I bought the car.

 

I am glad I got my factory rain sensing wipers. Although in Miami never rains 364 days of the year like in Seattle it is still a very worthwhile safety thing to have.

The last 4 months since I got the car, our weather has been on the dry side, but once the extra hot summer months arrive, we will see more rain for sure.

 

Save money, use Rain-X...

 

Not a bad idea for $120.

I'll stick with my rain-sensing eyeballs for now

 

How much is the Rain Tracker? I could not see the price. The factory Rain sensing wipers are a $150 option that includes the other must have in the MINI: Self dimming rearview mirror.

I suspect the Rain Tracker + labor will be way more expensive than the factory installed option, still it is nice to know an alternative exists out there for owners that did not get the rain sensing wipers.

I believe MINI introduced them during the 12/2002 builds (At the same time as the HK stereo).

 

>>How much is the Rain Tracker? I could not see the price. The factory Rain sensing wipers are a $150 option that includes the other must have in the MINI: Self dimming rearview mirror.
>>
>>I suspect the Rain Tracker + labor will be way more expensive than the factory installed option, still it is nice to know an alternative exists out there for owners that did not get the rain sensing wipers.

It does cost more. Rain tracker ($120) + auto-dimming mirror ($130) = $250, which is $100 more than factory-installed option of $150. Nevertheless, it is a great alternative.

 

>>Save money, use Rain-X...

Good suggestion! :smile: However, Rain-X doesn't seem to last very long in an area that rains a lot.

 

>>I'll stick with my rain-sensing eyeballs for now

LOL...that's brilliant!!!!!!! I use that, too....very accurate!

 

If it works, it might be a nice alternative to the OEM rain-sensing wiper system...which depends (I do believe) on a windshield sensor. And given the inclination of MINI windshields to crack/need replacing - and the added cost of the rain-sensing windshield glass - I'm sure glad I don't have THAT option.

But, I'd be willing to bet that this thing won't work on the MINI. I'll just bet that the MINI's computer somehow interfaces with the wiper motor in such a way that an aftermarket solution that controls the motor alone can't work. Give 'em a call and find out if this thing has been tested specifically on MINIs...

 

That rain tracker thingee could be great for the REAR window. I've found the default wipe setting is either way too fast or way too slow for the conditions.

 

Now you're on to something! That would be nice for the rear window!

 

are people that lazy that they can't just turn on the wipers with their hands?
or maybe their hands are full cause their using their cell phones

 

>>are people that lazy that they can't just turn on the wipers with their hands?
>>or maybe their hands are full cause their using their cell phones


Clever comment that totally misses the point...

 

>>>>are people that lazy that they can't just turn on the wipers with their hands?
>>>>or maybe their hands are full cause their using their cell phones
>>
>>
>>Clever comment that totally misses the point...

_________________

 

Never mind...

>>>>>>are people that lazy that they can't just turn on the wipers with their hands?
>>>>>>or maybe their hands are full cause their using their cell phones
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>Clever comment that totally misses the point...
>>
>>_________________
>>

 

Where does the sensor go? in areas prone to snow in the winter, how would
that affect the performance of that sensor?

 

>>are people that lazy that they can't just turn on the wipers with their hands?

Yeah, I never could justify shelling out good money for a rain-sensing wipers. Same for auto AC!

 

if you live in a wet place like Seattle (where it mists like mad all the time!) I think you would come to appreciate the auto wipers... I agree, that I am usually too lazy to just reach up and turn on the wipers, but when you have to turn them on and off about 25 times during your commute each day it becomes more of a hassle, and a distraction. Not having to think about the wipers wiping makes it slightly easier for me to concentrate on the road and the jerk-off in front of me who IS talking on his/her cell phone and fiddling with the wipers at the same time.

It's not a necessity (just like the dimming mirror) but it is convinent... it goes along the same arugment as "you should save the money you would spend on a cell phone and carry a roll of quarters instead. that way every time you want to make a call you can pull over and make a call at the payphone." some people just like the convinence of not having to worry about finding a payphone (or in this case, turning on the wipers)...

now... back to that comment about the auto sensor for the back... that sounds very nice!

 

The point is obvious, but I'll explain anyway. It's one less distraction preventing you from paying attention to the road in hazardous conditions. Yes, I'm quite capable of reaching and turning the **** or flicking the stalk to activate the wipers. But the reason for doing that would be because I glanced in my rear view mirror and saw a dirty window, or my vision out front is obscured. So, the wiper activation is after the point of necessity, rather than before: reactive vs proactive. Not to mention the fact that I then have one hand on the wheel instead of two. To me, rain-sensing wipers are a safety AND convenience feature. I'm the first to admit that I'm lazy, but that's not the driving factor here. Don't knock them until you've had them. Peace.