Intermitent (SP?) Wiper problem

[joncorry]

Thats a valid point about holding the insurer to account, why should I suffer as the consumer because of their cost cutting? Definately worth a try, thanks for the common sense!

[Giles90]

Can't you clean this sensor?

[X5Sport]

Not really, no. The sensor is bonded to the glass with a special optically clear adhesive. Once the bond breaks down then there is no way to fix it. The system works by transmitting an infrared beam via the glass and measuring the amount of light being scattered back by refraction and reflection. Water on the screen changes the levels and triggers the wipers. Once the bond goes opaque then that's that. The usual fix, unless you have access to the right bonding agents and hardware to ensure an optically neutral rebond, is unfortunately a new screen.

[Giles90]

I don't know if this helps but there looks like a similar issue on a different forum (don't know if I can post links on here but it's http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=615032)
If that doesn't work try googleing e46fanatics rain sensor fix. They seem to take it apart, clean it and re-attach with new sealant.

[Powercat]

[quote=""Giles90""]I don't know if this helps but there looks like a similar issue on a different forum (don't know if I can post links on here but it's http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=615032)
If that doesn't work try googleing e46fanatics rain sensor fix. They seem to take it apart, clean it and re-attach with new sealant.[/quote]

Giles90
an excellent link, what a great find and so easy to follow. if my sensor were to go wrong I would never pay for a new one and now I don't have to, many thanks

[philip600]

[quote=""petert""]Just checking on this one: the rain sensitive wipers don't detect rain starting, they have to be turned on and they then adjust their sweep according to how much rain is on the screen: you can't just leave the switch in the auto position and expect them to detect rain - that's not how the system is designed. Apologies if you already know this - just wanted to be sure.
Peter T[/quote]

Mmmm, not 100% sure on this but I think they do detect rain ?
I have left mine on auto before & days later the wipers have started automatically when it started raining ?
I'm always amazed how little rain it needs before they start up.
Will check handbook to see what it says.
Phil.