I recently had my windshield replaced by Safelite. I have the rain-sensing option and it worked perfectly before the replacement. Now, when I turn them on, I get the initial wipe and then nothing.

Is there any way to reset the unit?

 

Its possible that the windshields are unique to that option, and Safelite may have used the wrong one. Check with the dealer.

 

have you called Safelite?

the one time I had a problem with their work they were back the next day and redid the entire job with all new parts .... no questions asked ... problem solved

 

I spoke with them, but I have to contact the local office during business hours. Will contact the local office tomorrow.

Just wanted to know if I could reset it instead of having them come back out. They warranty their work, so no worries.

Thanks for the replies.

 

Make sure they installed the right windshield. Rain sensing is a different windshield than the standard. I know it's simple, but ya never know.....

 

I believe it is the correct windshield. It has the area for the rain sensor in the upper middle part of the windshield.

 

Any updates on this?

Safelite just did my windshield too and Im having the same problem. They put the right window on, it has the sensor and everything, it just doesn't work.

 

It's not as easy as a wire that needs plugging in?

 

^^I checked the connection and it seems OK. Everything looks plugged in.

 

... now im dreading getting my windshield replaced. my insurance will only charge me $50 for the deductible but if the rain sensor doesn't work i will live with it for now... keep us posted

 

Sorry for the delay. I had Safelite come back out to check the windshield and sensor. The tech tried a brand new sensor, but it did the same thing. On closer inspection, he discovered air bubbles between the gel pack? and the windshield. He replaced the windshield with OEM glass and the auto wipers began working properly.

The tech did comment that Safelite had horrible glass.

 

good to know

 

Glad you got it fixed. In a way I'm glad I don't have the rain-sensing wipers.

 

The rain sensing wipers are amazing though, I love them.

 

Agreed. There are two things in the (old) convenience package I wouldn't be without - the rain sensing wipers and the auto-dimming mirror!

I had Safelite replace my glass and the sensor worked fine afterwards. May just be a matter of making sure the tech knows it has to be precisely placed and with no bubbles under the sensor.

 

I had a "crawling" crack from a rock chip in my windshield and decided to get it replaced.

Safelite has done good work for me before so I hired them to do the replacement. I was in a rush and never tested the sensor after the installation but luckily it rained 2 days later.
Rain sensor did not work.

I called them out and they are ordering a new "brain" to replace the one on the windshield but they advised me that if that did not work then there is a problem with the pad on the windshield and it would require a new windshield.

If I didn't love the rain sensor so much I would tell them to forget it.

I'll keep us posted.

 

I've owned many bmw 3 series cars also.Had many windshields replaced with many rain sensor problems.I've been advised by bmw and mini that the glass they use is much better than aftermarket and if possible save the hassle and use oem glass.Never had a problem with oem.

 

A few weeks ago I had the windshield on my '03 MCS replaced using aftermarket glass by the local automotive glass shop, and the rain sensing wipers work just fine. They told me that the windshield for cars equipped with rain sensing wipers is different. I'm not surprised to hear a BMW or Mini dealer claiming that OEM glass is better. Given the profit they make on parts and service, they often use scare tactics to try to convince you not to bring your car to anyone but them.

 

OEM glass is not just available from the dealer.

My electrically heated visibility package windshield with rain-sensing wipers is 1300 CAD at the dealer, 700 at third party (Speedy Glass). Speedy Glass only uses OEM glass, they don't use aftermarket glass (too many probs, they claim)

 

I failed to test the rain sensor when the technician was finished with the windshield. We were both in a hurry and I had to leave right after he was finished. Luckily it rained two days later.............and the rain sensor did not work.

I called Safelite the next day. A technician came out and verified it. After a phone call, he tells me that they have to order a new unit. If the unit fails then they have to replace the windshield because the gel patch may be bad.

A week later the new unit is installed and the sensor works fine.

All at no additional charge.

 

The dealer MSRP for an OEM non rain sensor windshield is $298, and $320 for the rain sensor compatable unit. That's just for the part, labor is additional. I have to assume dealer labor would be at least $200 to replace it (and there have been reports on this website of dealers charging more than $1000 for the job). I paid $256 for the entire job at my local auto glass shop (Bob's Auto Glass, Summit, NJ, and that's for a rain sensor compatable unit), and there have been no problems. I did get several other (non dealer) local quotes, and they were in the $300-$350 range. Why anyone would go to a Mini dealer for this to be ripped off is beyond me, unless they have $ to burn.

 

Shark715, I'm in Canada, so everything is more expensive. A fully loaded JCW up here is over 50k, for example.

Also, on my first gen MINI, Canadians can get an electrically heated front windshield (visibility package) and rain sensing. Which is what I have, and they are even more expensive than just the rain sensing windshields.

 

The funny thing is, most dealers subcontract their glass work (as with body repair and painting). Some of the places you got a quote from may also do glass installations for the dealer!

 

most dealers sub there glass work out. Besides who cares what it cost most insurance even without collision you can get glass break coverage for a few buck a year.Let the glass break and insist on oem glass thats what I've done with both my mini and my bmw had no problems.