Rain Sensor Operation

[salvatore]

This post describes the problem (feature?) Im experiencing with my 2005 325i. I usually leave the rain sensor on all the time, but have to manipulate the wiper stalk before the sensor activates again upon starting the car.

For example, it was sprinkling in Tallahassee Florida this morning and I let a good bit of water accumulate on the windshield thinking the rain sensor would kick in. I drove several miles before giving up and rotating the sensor sensitivity wheel and it turned right on. The sensor worked as expected for the rest of the drive: the highest sensitivity had the wipers on after a single drop of rain, the lowest after several drops.

Is it possible to have the rain sensor active as soon as the car is started, or does it need to be activated every time?

[Howie]

I don't know if UK models are different as it never stops raining here, but I leave mine on and it works as soon as it starts to rain. The only time I have to touch the wiper stalk is when I get in the car and it not currently raining, but there is rain left on the windscreen. I then have to give it a wipe and put it back onto the auto setting. But if I start the car and do not need to do this the sensor seems to be working to start the wipers as soon as it starts to rain....

[rsn48]

I guess North American cars are different. First off, RTFM. The manual will give you the answer. You have to activate it on start up. This makes sense as you don't want it going off in a car wash, or at least in some types of car wash, you wipers could be damaged.

[salvatore]

Originally posted by rsn48@Mar 3 2005, 11:42 AM
I guess North American cars are different. First off, RTFM. The manual will give you the answer. You have to activate it on start up. This makes sense as you don't want it going off in a car wash, or at least in some types of car wash, you wipers could be damaged.

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Heh, thanks. I did RTFM, but clearly missed that part.

[rsn48]

With so many whistles and bells on Bimmer's its easy to miss something. Have you left your turn signal on after you shut the motor off only to discover.....

[jmalkowich]

can someone tell me is the rain sensor the red thing beneath the rear view mirror???

[salvatore]

Originally posted by jmalkowich@Mar 5 2005, 11:02 AM
can someone tell me is the rain sensor the red thing beneath the rear view mirror???

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The red plastic piece under the rearview mirror houses the LED which flashes when the car is locked and/or the security system (if so equipped) is activated.

The rain sensor can be seen from the outside of the windshield, opposite the rear view mirror.

[DexBeemer]

I tried following the book on the instructions and can not seem to get it to work. After I follow the instructions, it just keeps on wiping even when the window is dry. Anyone have any suggestions for me?

Dex

[dh21187]

Turn the wiper switch all the way right until it stops then come up one notch. It should be in automatic mode now. If not haven't a clue.

[330xi_Captain]

I live in Canada and I have a 2005 330xi with the rain sensor option. You are right, here in Canada when you start the car the rain sensor doesn't work even if you choose that position when you used the car the last time. You must switch it to off (or another speed) and bring it back to the automatic position.

I was a bit annoyed by that at the beginning but when the winter started I understood why it works that way (at least why I prefer it works that way). Imagine your car covered by snow and specially melted snow and hard ice all around the wipers. Not really a good thing if the wipers were ON when you start the car before you clean them. The wiper motor won't burn because a special feature looses the nuts and you save your motor but you loose the wipers until you go to the dealer to fix it. Small expenses (10 minutes job) but annoying anyway, so I prefer to switch it off and on when I need it.

Michael