[JJD]

Originally Posted by beemerbird

Believe you are correct re. the E92 which is the same as last two Audis I've had. Bit strange how they're varying in 'performace' though.

Also, we're all lazy buggers who can't be arsed to move a digit if necessary to activate the stalk. But I agree if a car is fitted with a device then it should work properly.

Agreed, not good enough to allow these systems to be fitted if they don't work correctly.

[HighlandPete]

My 330d wipers work perfectly, sensitivity switch also does at it should. My last car (E39 540i) was also perfect, no complaints at all. The only adjustment needed, is if we a very fine rain up here, then the sensitivity needs increasing a notch or two.

First car I had with auto sensing wipers (VW Passat) operation fitted the poor description of many users, a new sensor sorted it and they were then as good as my BMWs.

Screen needs to be clean, they may not work properly with road/exhaust grime on them.

HighlandPete

[NFS]

My auto wipers work perfectly, as they did in the 330i.

I had a replacement screen in the 330i and although it was the correct pattern match, the wipers were terrible afterward.

Turned out that the sensor was not correctly seated against the glass. Anyone who has problems should check this first. If the sensor is not in EXACTLY the right position the wipers will not be sensitive enough

[doughboy]

Originally Posted by m@rk

Knowing that Autoglass would screw things up, I took the car to my dealer

Why? did you think the dealers do their own screen replacements?

They just call autoglass etc and get them in to do it.

Did you get a OE BMW screen?

[m@rk]

Originally Posted by doughboy

Why? did you think the dealers do their own screen replacements?

Because I asked them the question direct and they told me they did.

They just call autoglass etc and get them in to do it.

No they didn't

Did you get a OE BMW screen?

Yes I did however it was not about the glass, it was about the sensors.

The sensor behind the glass for lights, wipers etc is bonded to the glass. To do the job properly you fit the new glass, fit a NEW sensor and fit a new plastic shroud (because the old one breaks when you remove it). You then code the new sensor to the car.

Of course Autoglass will just SUPERGLUE the old sensor to the glass and do the same with the plastic shroud.

By doing this, firstly the sensor isn't going to work well any more and of course when you take your car to the dealer for them to fix it they are (rightly) going to point out that the warranty has just been voided and this is going to cost you.

So for me, I don't care if the glass is BMW or Autoglass but I do care that the
sensors are still working and that my warranty is still intact.

[red-max]

The auto-wipers worked very well in my E92 2006 335d for 3 years, but I had the original windscreen. Traded in for a 2009 E92 M-Sport, and it doesn't have auto-wipers - I didn't notice this on the test drive, but I really quite miss them. All I have on this car is the variable intermittent wipe. <sigh>

[jaguar36]

My rain sensing wipers worked great when I first got the car, it was one of my favorite features. Got a new windshield and they blow now. Next time I'm getting the glass at a dealer, then if they don't work you can bitch at the dealer to fix it.

[misterS3]

I find i have to reset the sensitivity position - but in the E91 and E70 both work(ed) fine.

[doughboy]

Originally Posted by m@rk

Because I asked them the question direct and they told me they did.



No they didn't



Yes I did however it was not about the glass, it was about the sensors.

The sensor behind the glass for lights, wipers etc is bonded to the glass. To do the job properly you fit the new glass, fit a NEW sensor and fit a new plastic shroud (because the old one breaks when you remove it). You then code the new sensor to the car.

Of course Autoglass will just SUPERGLUE the old sensor to the glass and do the same with the plastic shroud.

By doing this, firstly the sensor isn't going to work well any more and of course when you take your car to the dealer for them to fix it they are (rightly) going to point out that the warranty has just been voided and this is going to cost you.

So for me, I don't care if the glass is BMW or Autoglass but I do care that the
sensors are still working and that my warranty is still intact.

It makes no business sense for a dealership to do their own screens. Why would they? Its specialist work which is done to a price by firms who do nothing else. I'm sure some may do it, but it seems odd.

In the same way dealers say "yes sir we do in-house wheel repairs" or "yes sir we do in-house tyre fitment" when what they mean in "yes sir we can provide that facility on site by getting someone in without telling you and then making a handsome profit"

I'd also want my screen changed by someone who does it for a living, not some mechanic who does one every month or two getting the instructions out and 'having a bash'. If a new sensor is required by BMW procedures than Autoglass et al would be obliged to fit one, and it (or instructions to do do) should be supplied with the screen.

So the most important point is insisting on a pukka OE BMW screen, which by default should come with all the required parts, glues, seals etc or instructions to fit new sensors etc. If BMW are trying to say you need new sensors but they are not telling this to autoglass etc then something is wrong.

The majority of problems reported here with screen replacement have been issues with the sensor area of pattern screens not working properly with the sensors.


Anyway, back OT, my auto wipers work great, the odd occasional manual op required but apart from than spot on with the sensitivity adjustment working great for different rain conditions. The car's not phsychic so its not doing bad.

[Rob@prismdetailing]

Mine works fine but, as you might expect, is sensitive to how clean the glass is around the sensor area.

[creepy coupe]

Mine work a treat, I love em.

[xenon]

I had them on my old 325 and thought they were a daft gimmick - how much effort is it to do it yourself?

However, that may have been because they weren't working correctly / very well. On the E87 loaner I recently had they were brilliant and will now move on to the "must have" list for my next car.

[Em135eye]

Dumb question - where is the sensor?

Xenon - I think they are essential. Our other car is always "in between" speeds (non auto wipers) and it's a PITA at times.

[xenon]

In front of the rear view mirror.

[Em135eye]

Cheers.

[BarrySt]

Just got my brand new E91 last week - and no, the intermitent wipe sensitivity switch doesn't work for me either. I've had older BMW's where its worked a treat.

[grey man]

Originally Posted by 335diesel

Mine are fine. I just adjust the sensitivity if it gets the speed wrong.

We also have a Defender with the funniest, crudest wipers ever made - so anything better is a bonus!

SNAP - The 335D works fine. The Defender (yes I have one as well) - well - the wipers have bad arthritis!

[m1bjr]

For crap auto wiprers, try a Megane.

The 335i works a treat.
My car is four years old and has done the miles.

[Singhness]

Originally Posted by zltm089

really shit......either too slow....or they go mad fast!!!!

^^^