auto-sensing wipers not working

andrewj7 · 01-19-2010, 10:36 PM

The auto-sensing wipers on my 2006 Z4 Coupe have basically never worked right. They come on when it's cold, don't come on when it starts raining. However, when its been raining for 20 minutes, seem to get with the program and start working. This happens at any level of the intermittent setting (when in one notch up from the off position on the right level)

Does everyone else have this issue? Could it be that I need to clean the sensor or the window in front on the sensor with something special?

Given that i live in California, this isn't something that bothers me a lot of recent storms make it annoying.

ZEDMFOUR · 01-20-2010, 07:27 AM

Check for a delaminated windshield around the rain sensor. This is the black portion of the windshield in front of the rear view mirror. Look at it from the outside and if it's delaminating you will see an air pocket and or tell where it is loose or not adhering. If you see this that's the problem. I had the problem on a 2005 2.5. It is a warranty fix assuming you still have some left. If not $400-$1000 depending on outside repair or dealership.

imz4n · 01-20-2010, 07:52 AM

IIRC the Dealer replaces the whole windshield when done under warranty. I also assume that all other settings work fine?

andrewj7 · 01-20-2010, 10:24 AM

I'll check that out.

And yes, all the other wiper modes work just fine.

skim · 01-20-2010, 01:01 PM

Mine's working well, especially when put to test in recent days with all the rain storms in CA.
One thing tho is when I leave the wiper in the auto mode and turn off the car, when I turn it back on, the wiper never operates. I have to switch to "off" then back to auto in order for it to start. A little annoying but I can live with it unless it's a defect?

MetMan · 01-20-2010, 02:11 PM

Skim, mine operates the same way. I just assumed that it was normal.

The__J__Factor · 01-20-2010, 03:24 PM

Mine never auto starts but if its in the first setting it will either speed up as the rain gets heavier or slow down when it settles.

skim · 01-20-2010, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MetMan

Skim, mine operates the same way. I just assumed that it was normal.

cool I guess it's normal. Thx!

caseysc · 01-20-2010, 08:08 PM

The rain sensor funtion must be reset every time you turn off the ingnition. After starting the car, just place the stalk lever to off and then back to intermittent.

If the rain sensor is not working at all, BMW replaces the entire windshield with a new mirror already in place. At least that is what they did with mine two years ago. It was under full warranty so I have no idea what it would cost.

U235 · 01-20-2010, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MetMan

Skim, mine operates the same way. I just assumed that it was normal.

I was thrown off by this as well, doesn't make much sense, but I do love the auto-sensing wipers. I had a 328i (2009) loaner and found the Z4s to be far more accurate. The 328i's auto rain sensor didn't seem to run fast enough for me, too much water would collect before it would decide to wipe. The Z4's programming seems spot-on for me.

VitaminT · 01-20-2010, 10:51 PM

Is there a way to adjust the sensitivity on the rain sensing wipers? The little wheel in the stalk doesn't seem to do the trick, in fact not sure what it is for.

lo-tek · 01-21-2010, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skim

Mine's working well, especially when put to test in recent days with all the rain storms in CA.
One thing tho is when I leave the wiper in the auto mode and turn off the car, when I turn it back on, the wiper never operates. I have to switch to "off" then back to auto in order for it to start. A little annoying but I can live with it unless it's a defect?

That behavior is by design.

01-19-2010, 10:36 PM	#1
andrewj7 Private 7 Rep 66 Posts Drives: Z4 Coupe (#40) w/Nav,Sprt,Prem Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Los Altos Hills, CA iTrader: (0)	auto-sensing wipers not working The auto-sensing wipers on my 2006 Z4 Coupe have basically never worked right. They come on when it's cold, don't come on when it starts raining. However, when its been raining for 20 minutes, seem to get with the program and start working. This happens at any level of the intermittent setting (when in one notch up from the off position on the right level) Does everyone else have this issue? Could it be that I need to clean the sensor or the window in front on the sensor with something special? Given that i live in California, this isn't something that bothers me a lot of recent storms make it annoying. __________________ 2006 Z4 Coupe, Silver Grey, Sports Package, Premium Package, Navigation System, Intravee II + Alpine KCA-420i, Heated Seats, Xenon Headlights
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01-20-2010, 07:27 AM	#2
ZEDMFOUR New Member 1 Rep 14 Posts Drives: 2006 Z4M Roadster Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: MO iTrader: (0)	Check for a delaminated windshield around the rain sensor. This is the black portion of the windshield in front of the rear view mirror. Look at it from the outside and if it's delaminating you will see an air pocket and or tell where it is loose or not adhering. If you see this that's the problem. I had the problem on a 2005 2.5. It is a warranty fix assuming you still have some left. If not $400-$1000 depending on outside repair or dealership.
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01-20-2010, 07:52 AM	#3
imz4n Captain 57 Rep 822 Posts Drives: 2006 3,0 si TITANIUM SIlVER Join Date: May 2007 Location: Orange County Ca. iTrader: (0)	IIRC the Dealer replaces the whole windshield when done under warranty. I also assume that all other settings work fine? __________________ SoCal Z Enthusiast contact me to get on the list. Events for like minded people and when you talk about your Z, we will know what you are saying. https://www.facebook.com/groups/ZSCCACalifornia/
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01-20-2010, 10:24 AM	#4
andrewj7 Private 7 Rep 66 Posts Drives: Z4 Coupe (#40) w/Nav,Sprt,Prem Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Los Altos Hills, CA iTrader: (0)	I'll check that out. And yes, all the other wiper modes work just fine. __________________ 2006 Z4 Coupe, Silver Grey, Sports Package, Premium Package, Navigation System, Intravee II + Alpine KCA-420i, Heated Seats, Xenon Headlights
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01-20-2010, 01:01 PM	#5
skim Captain 142 Rep 660 Posts Drives: 07 Z4MC Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0)	Mine's working well, especially when put to test in recent days with all the rain storms in CA. One thing tho is when I leave the wiper in the auto mode and turn off the car, when I turn it back on, the wiper never operates. I have to switch to "off" then back to auto in order for it to start. A little annoying but I can live with it unless it's a defect? __________________ Future mod consideration: exhaust, pulley otherwise, very happy with how the m3 was born Last edited by skim; 01-20-2010 at 03:30 PM..
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01-20-2010, 02:11 PM	#6
MetMan Second Lieutenant 14 Rep 237 Posts Drives: 2003 Z4 3.0i, 2033 X5 Join Date: May 2009 Location: Houston iTrader: (0) Garage List 2003 BMW Z4 3.0i [1.00] 2003 BMW Z4 3.0i [0.00]	Skim, mine operates the same way. I just assumed that it was normal.
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01-20-2010, 03:24 PM	#7
The__J__Factor Major 88 Rep 1,090 Posts Drives: ///M Coupe Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Gold Coast, Australia iTrader: (0)	Mine never auto starts but if its in the first setting it will either speed up as the rain gets heavier or slow down when it settles. __________________ 135i N54 manual MR-S with a 2zz swap and mods Sold EVO X MR - Phantom Black - Ti Exhaust - Ti UICP - AQM Intake - Sold Z4 M Coupe - H&R - RE Diablo - RPi - Tekarbon - Sold
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01-20-2010, 08:08 PM	#9
caseysc Second Lieutenant 9 Rep 274 Posts Drives: 2010 128i Conv. Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Aiken, SC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2005 Z4 2.5i [8.00]	The rain sensor funtion must be reset every time you turn off the ingnition. After starting the car, just place the stalk lever to off and then back to intermittent. If the rain sensor is not working at all, BMW replaces the entire windshield with a new mirror already in place. At least that is what they did with mine two years ago. It was under full warranty so I have no idea what it would cost.
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01-20-2010, 10:51 PM	#11
VitaminT First Lieutenant 11 Rep 304 Posts Drives: 2006 M Roadster Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Alabama iTrader: (0)	Is there a way to adjust the sensitivity on the rain sensing wipers? The little wheel in the stalk doesn't seem to do the trick, in fact not sure what it is for.
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