Got a rock in the windshield so I had to replace it. I have heard of horror stories about problems with the rain sensor after replacing the windshield. So I called the MINI dealer service to see if I should let the insurance contractor replace the glass or bring it down to the dealer. I got the impression that the insurance would not cover the dealer doing it and the 3rd party glass was fine. So the insurance contractor replaced the windshield.

The rain sensor works but it is not sensitive enough. Too much rain accumulates on the glass before the it wipes. So I called the glass company and they came back out. They looked at the installation and reconnected everything. This 3rd party glass had the sensor mounted to the glass so this is not a problem where the installer had to install it and there were bubbles in the attachment. The attachment looks good. No noticeable imperfections.

I have tried to set the sensitivity adjustment available in the setup menu. It was on the 3rd position to start with so I only had one more step up. Still no good.

So I am reading on a BMW forum about a re-initialization procedure for their rain sensor. I asked MINI service if there was anything that needed to be reset after glass replacement. They said no then went on to say that they would check out the system but if the car had 3rd party glass the first thing they would do was replace the windshield with OEM glass but that would be my dime.

So, on the MINI, is there a re-initialization process the dealer can do to recalibrate for the new glass? I can probably get the glass company to put OEM glass on the car but if it can be fixed with a re-initialization I would rather go that route then tearing off a good windshield.

I would just complain to the insurance company and have the dealer back you up on it. They would be forced to replace it again with OEM glass.

I would NEVER put non-OEM glass on our cars. I've heard of many different issues that may arise.