Rain Sensing Wipers

[LOOKATTHATSHINE]

I just purchased my 2012 M37s last week and noticed a few days back when it was raining that my wipers had to be adjusted manually. Am I incorrect in thinking that the M37 has rain-sensing wipers? My car has the Premium & Sport packages only; no Tech package. FYI I did use the search feature before posting my question.

[wideopn11]

Yes is does have rain sensing wipers. From off/all the way up, 1 click down to auto-sensing mode then use the dial to adjust sensitivity.

[LOOKATTHATSHINE]

Thanks for the help.

[Debonair]

I would like to add that they work great. We have had a few weeks of much needed rain here in Cali and the auto adjusting speed of the wipers work great as the rain density increases or decreases.

[szh]

As I recall, the system also adjusts for the speed of the car ... wipers go faster when the car speeds up.

Z

[Ilya]

All true. I just wish it would detect the rain and turn the wiper on automatically, or turn it off once it stops raining instead of me having to do it.

#superlazy

[SmoovC]

Haha, I like the way you think IlyaKol!!

[LOOKATTHATSHINE]

All true. I just wish it would detect the rain and turn the wiper on automatically, or turn it off once it stops raining instead of me having to do it.

#superlazy

Wait a second... i found the setting on the stalk and set it to auto... so even now if it starts raining the wipers won't start/stop by themselves? I thought that was the whole point of auto wipers lol.

[Ilya]

All true. I just wish it would detect the rain and turn the wiper on automatically, or turn it off once it stops raining instead of me having to do it.

#superlazy

Wait a second... i found the setting on the stalk and set it to auto... so even now if it starts raining the wipers won't start/stop by themselves? I thought that was the whole point of auto wipers lol.

I don't know if they'll start, I just thought the auto setting was once you put it on that when it's already raining, they'll change speed depending on the speed of the car and amount of rain. Your point does make sense, if the windshield detects drops it should technically go from 0 speed (off) to whatever speed is needed to clean those drops off.

I shall change mine to auto as well and leave it and see what happens when it starts raining. I guess in theory it makes sense, lol.

[wideopn11]

Yes, leaving the auto setting will allow your wipers to work when it starts raining without any further input from you.

[SmoovC]

I may be crazy, but I think I remember leaving the stalk in the auto position, and having the wipers do one swipe when I start the car. Anyone else experience this? It may have been before I had the battery replaced under warranty, so that could explain it.

[Larz]

Copied from the owner's manual (2009) but probably still accurate:

The rain-sensing auto wiper system can automatically turn on the wipers and adjust the wiper speed by using the rain sensor located on the upper part of the windshield.
To set the rain-sensing auto wiper system, push the wiper lever down to the [INT] position. The rain sensor sensitivity can be adjusted by turning the knob toward the front [HIGH], or toward the rear [LOW].
NOTE: While the lever is in the [INT] position, the wipers will sweep once each time the ignition is switched to the [ON] position - even if no rain is present.

CAUTION:
If the switch is left in the INT position, the wipers may operate unexpectedly when dirt, fingerprints, oil, film, or insects are stuck on or around the sensor. The wipers may also operate when exhaust gas or moisture affects the rain sensor.

[SmoovC]

Thanks Larz, I guess I should RTFM, once more for good measure.

[Ilya]

I can confirm this.

I had them on auto in to work today due to the nice coating of sleet/ice we got...and when I pulled into the parking garage they stopped and stayed off.

[LOOKATTHATSHINE]

I can confirm this.

I had them on auto in to work today due to the nice coating of sleet/ice we got...and when I pulled into the parking garage they stopped and stayed off.

Thanks for the confirmation. We have seen very little rain in Alabama over the past few weeks, particularly since I purchased the M.

[M35austex]

Agreed. Leave the stalk in auto and the sensor will determine when it's raining and turn them on/off accordingly. Sometimes, when starting the car, the wipers will do one swipe. I think this is from dust/dirt on my windshield. Never happens when I start in my garage or a public garage.

[szh]

I don't have the auto-position on my older 2003 M45 ...

Z

[TheMajesticKing]

Whats funny is that my old M56 had the tech package and my new one does not. The old one's rain-sensing wipers worked better than my current car. Even though they both have the feature it seems that the tech package allows it to work better. I'm not sure how and the dealer was no help of course.

[Frog]

Don't Forget that if you have the windshield replaced. They should put a new rain sensing pad in with the window, that may explain why some people are having intermittent problems. The window could have been changed.

[Vince2010]

Where can you look to confirm if I have this feature on my 2012 M37X (4DR) or is this feature Standard equipment, also, is the dealer the only recommended glass place to replace it if the rain sensor feature exists. I live in th Dallas/Ft Worth Metroplex

[Ilya]

I believe it's labeled on the stalk itself...

[Mjkkb2]

is the sensor part of the glass (windscreen)? Does it come with the windscreen, or can it be added on to it? Just want to be clear planning for a cracked windshield which happens to me every few years.

[Mjkkb2]

Looks like a separate part, not cheap either $180.

[stm37s]

Yes, leaving the auto setting will allow your wipers to work when it starts raining without any further input from you.

I leave mine in this setting as well for easy access, ha, ha