Hi all,
I'm considering getting auto rain sensor in my next MINI, and have some questions.

Currently the "standard" wipers do adjust themselves based on the speed of the car--that is, it will wipe slower when at stop than at speed, etc. The difference in the wiper speed seems to be rather broad, which is why I'm considering getting auto rain sensor. Now the question is, does the rain sensor make finer adjustments to the wiper speed than the standard wiper, based on the amount of rain/water it see on the windshield? Or does it still have the same 3 (or 4) speeds that the standard wipers has, and only adjust based on the amount of rain, as well as the car's speed?

Thanks!

 

I dont know about mini but im pretty sure on the new Chrysler it only senses the water and doesnt base it off of vehicle speed. Im sure they have something that you could hook it up to speed up or slow down depending on speed. Talk to your local Mini dealer, see what they say or what the exact package options are for that

 

I was pleasantly surprised at how well it works. There is a sensitivity adjustment in the customization menus (using the tip of the turn blinker stalk) but I have left that at the middle setting and never needed to adjust. Also, you can override it by using the right wiper stalk to move to MAX, hit a single swipe, or turn it off.

 

I think of it this way. It sort of counts the number of drops before it wipes. Just to explain the easier I will throw out the number 10. Lets say it counts 10 drops and then makes a wipe. If it is drizzling it might make a wipe every 30 seconds. If it is a steady rain it might stay on in the low setting. If it is pouring down rain it will go into high.

 

So are you saying that there are really 3 or 4 different speeds, but that the rain sensors change them as needed, based on the sensor? I was hoping it'd have more speeds that it can pick as needed.

Maybe I"ll have to stop by the dealership on a rainy day and try one out...

Thanks!

 

I would say there are millions of speeds. It will wipe the window when it feels it needs to.

 

I for one hate the wipers on the MINI. If you dont get the rain sensor you get one single speed for intermittent speed. On a day like today in RVA its always either too fast or too slow.

As for the rain sensor Its really not explained well in the manual how it works. I would ask your MA.

 

Yeah--that was one of my biggest regret with my last MINI, not getting the rain sensor. Like you, I've found the intermittent speed not really right for most conditions (I was accustomed to having a choice of intermittent speeds from my last car back then, so was surprised at having just a single speed).

 

Great, thanks!!

 

I think the rain sensors suck. This is a BMW issue, probably done by the same guys who made iDrive.

I find it overzealous on mist or very fine drops, and way too late for big drops to the point that I have to manually do it. Just like on my BMW.

 

Use Rain-X and you won't notice wiper delay?

 

Get the rain sensor! I don't have it on mine and will get it when I order my '12.

 

I am shocked at how well the rain sensors work. The learning curve was nonexistent. Now when I drive my other car I'm noticing how much I'm putzing around with the wiper controls. Pleased, tickled pink, tickled Pepper White, I guess.

 

Ditto!! Has rained here in the mountains off and on for a week now and I've been absolutely stunned at how well the rain sensor works..I bought my 08 a few weeks ago not even knowing it had this feature, but now... I wouldn't buy another without it...

 

+1

 

It took me about a month to realize there was more than just fast and super fast wiper speeds ....pressing the button on the end of the right side lever has a decent intermittent speed that has no wiping when stopped.

I think I would go for the rain sensor if I got another MINI because even with three settings, it's still not great

 

Is it no way to adjust the speed on intermittent on cars without sensor?
Sounds odd. Have you tried the BMW adjusting method?