Hi:
Anyone have any details about this feature? How does it work, details? For instance, is the sensor built into the windshield?

Thanks
DS

 

Hello, I have a '05 MCS that has the "rain sensing wipers" as part of the "Convinience Package".

Basically, the sensor is mounted high up (center) on the windshield and uses an infrared sensor that gets triggered when droppets of water begin to hit it. The water dropplets cuts the continuity of the infrared beam and turns on the wiper motors.

Depending upon the amount of water falling over the sensor, intensity and vehicle speed, the computer determines automatically whether to set the wipers on an intermittent cycle, medium or full speed. If the rain intensity diminishes or stops, the sensor turns off the wipers.

The feature is activated one click "up" from the off position at the right wiper stalk switch. If you wish you can manually override the sensor by manually selecting either low or high wiper speeds.

The only caveat with the wiper stalk switch is that if you leave it in the "Rain sensing" position, turn off the car, then re-start the car again, the rain sensor won't work. You have to "reset" the stalk back to the "off" center position and bring it back up to sensor so the auto function is enabled again.

This feature works, really, really well. I like the fact that the wiper speed is adjusted automatically for you according to rain intensity and vehicle speed..very neat

This is the second MINI I have ordered with the rain sensor. The first one, a '04 MCS also was ordered with it.

I highly recommend the Convenience Package. not only you get the rain sensor, but also the equally good auto self dimming rearview mirror, automatic headlights and the Homelink garage door opener controls.

Any other questions, please ask

 

C4 nailed the explanation pretty well. I just want to emphasize how cool this feature is. I've had my MINI nearly 2 years (47K miles) and I've never used "low" or "high" speed wipers. It it's raining, just put it in auto mode...works great!

Rawhyde

 

+1 on Rawhyde's comment. At first I thought it was ridiculous, but I love it and have never adjusted the speed manually. I DO wish they activated with a spring load instead of a detent, as it's a bit silly to click it from on to off and back to on upon restart.

 

Is the sensor built into the windshield or external to the windshield? I bought a used 2004 Mini Cooper and my dealer said they need to replace the windshield because the sensor isn't working?

 

It resides inside the glass.

 

Yes as said before the sensor is infact attaced permently to the glass. Look at it this way you get a free windshild with purshace of rain sensor.

 

How much does it add to the cost of a windshield replacement?

 

You might want to check out this thread, which tells about the non-OEM (PPG) rain sensor solution. If the BMW part is similar, the sensor attaches to the glass, but is not embedded IN the glass.

Clo said she paid ~$200 for the OEM windshield w/sensor a while back.

 

The OEM sensor is not in the glass, it is attached to the glass. When I replaced my windshield with PPG glass my installer was able to remove the OEM sensor and reattached it to the new windshield with a special mounting tape ($10 part from PPG).

The OEM glass does have a black mask around the sensor to hide it. On my windshield you can see the sensor stuck to the windshield, but it is a small price to pay for a better windshield (my OEM windshield lasted 30 days)

 

Wow, fantastic information, really glad to be of this supportive forum. Thanks a bunch everyone!