Windshield replacement rain sensor not working

dr adequate · 01-21-2016, 08:41 PM

Had my windshield replaced a few months ago by Safelite. Noticed since then that the rain sensor is less sensitive and rarely works well enough. I was looking at the sensor (I think) and noticed that it looks like the sensor is partially covered. Is this normal? Does someone else have picture of what it should look like?

BavarianFanatic · 01-21-2016, 09:37 PM

It doesn't look like it's bonded properly. I'm guessing they moved the old one to the new glass? That doesn't work very well. That's why BMW sells the glass with a sensor attached. Make them redo it.

x986 · 01-24-2016, 10:58 AM

Read your Safelife warranty. DFYGWYPF. I doubt you paid for OEM glass, but it is certainly annoying, and you might get them to replace/re-do it. Good luck.
(Don't Forget; You Get What You Pay For)

zamboni · 01-24-2016, 12:23 PM

Always demand for OEM replacement not after market product.

str86diesel · 01-24-2016, 01:04 PM

I know what you are going through, in ky last 2 335's, i had to replace the glass, using safelite (due to insurance). Never did the window look or function right. Mthe rain sensor was off nd the windhsield washers never worked right.

After that, i vowed to only use oem glass and even verified with my insurance that they will now cover it. I would take it back and have them look at it, or if your insurance will cover it, just do another windshield replace,nt claim and get oem glass.

If you talk to the safelite and other glass techs, they swear that their glass is exactly like the oem, but it is not. The fitment is completely different

rking117 · 01-25-2016, 09:28 AM

i wont get my windshield replaced by safelite ever. Did once had leaks thereafter, never again.

tex2670 · 01-25-2016, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by peasley

Had my windshield replaced a few months ago by Safelite. Noticed since then that the rain sensor is less sensitive and rarely works well enough. I was looking at the sensor (I think) and noticed that it looks like the sensor is partially covered. Is this normal? Does someone else have picture of what it should look like?

SafeLite guarantees their work. They replaced my Lexus windshield a few years ago, and the molding started coming loose a few months later. They came out to my office and took care of it, no problem.

dc503 · 01-25-2016, 10:37 AM

I had the same issue with Safelite and the rain sensor on my 135i a few years ago, so I don't think it's a unique situation. As everyone said, if you can force your insurance to authorize OEM glass, try to do so.

DrivenByE30 · 08-07-2017, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dr adequate

Had my windshield replaced a few months ago by Safelite. Noticed since then that the rain sensor is less sensitive and rarely works well enough. I was looking at the sensor (I think) and noticed that it looks like the sensor is partially covered. Is this normal? Does someone else have picture of what it should look like?

Quote:

Originally Posted by str86diesel

I know what you are going through, in ky last 2 335's, i had to replace the glass, using safelite (due to insurance). Never did the window look or function right. Mthe rain sensor was off nd the windhsield washers never worked right.

After that, i vowed to only use oem glass and even verified with my insurance that they will now cover it. I would take it back and have them look at it, or if your insurance will cover it, just do another windshield replace,nt claim and get oem glass.

If you talk to the safelite and other glass techs, they swear that their glass is exactly like the oem, but it is not. The fitment is completely different

Quote:

Originally Posted by dc503

I had the same issue with Safelite and the rain sensor on my 135i a few years ago, so I don't think it's a unique situation. As everyone said, if you can force your insurance to authorize OEM glass, try to do so.

SO how did each one of you resolved your problem ?

Please help.

Safelite Non-Oem windshield replacement...

bavarianride · 08-07-2017, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dr adequate

Had my windshield replaced a few months ago by Safelite. Noticed since then that the rain sensor is less sensitive and rarely works well enough. I was looking at the sensor (I think) and noticed that it looks like the sensor is partially covered. Is this normal? Does someone else have picture of what it should look like?

That black irregular pattern is normal, all F3* sensors look the same.

Did safelite reuse the sensor or install brand new sensor?

Reusing old sensor requires old gel pad to be removed, and that can scratch the sensor array. Also aftermarket gel pad needs to be applied, and that may not work as OEM one.

If new sensor is installed, a culprit of malfunction will be that the new sensor is not initialized, so do check with safelite on that.

Orion4 · 08-07-2017, 01:40 PM

I had my glass replaced in 15 by a local Safelite with OEM (Pilkington). No issues with Rain Sensor or HUD AND no leaks!

CarlosC · 08-07-2017, 02:48 PM

Same with me last year. OEM Pilkington glass (with the BMW logo on it) from Safelite... no issues with rain sensor, auto high beams or HUD.

DrivenByE30 · 08-07-2017, 07:57 PM

I trust you all that OEM glass is Pilkington, but on my car, all glasses are Fuyao, and the non Oem windshield replaced by Safelite is also Fuyao...

What gives?

John in VA · 08-07-2017, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrivenByE30

I trust you all that OEM glass is Pilkington, but on my car, all glasses are Fuyao, and the non Oem windshield replaced by Safelite is also Fuyao.
What gives?

The windshields in our 2013 & the 2017 loaner are from Pilkington, but the side glass is from Fuyao. The rear windshields are from Şişecam. All have BMW logos on them.

dr adequate · 08-08-2017, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrivenByE30

Quote:

Originally Posted by dr adequate

Had my windshield replaced a few months ago by Safelite. Noticed since then that the rain sensor is less sensitive and rarely works well enough. I was looking at the sensor (I think) and noticed that it looks like the sensor is partially covered. Is this normal? Does someone else have picture of what it should look like?

Quote:

Originally Posted by str86diesel

I know what you are going through, in ky last 2 335's, i had to replace the glass, using safelite (due to insurance). Never did the window look or function right. Mthe rain sensor was off nd the windhsield washers never worked right.

After that, i vowed to only use oem glass and even verified with my insurance that they will now cover it. I would take it back and have them look at it, or if your insurance will cover it, just do another windshield replace,nt claim and get oem glass.

If you talk to the safelite and other glass techs, they swear that their glass is exactly like the oem, but it is not. The fitment is completely different

Quote:

Originally Posted by dc503

I had the same issue with Safelite and the rain sensor on my 135i a few years ago, so I don't think it's a unique situation. As everyone said, if you can force your insurance to authorize OEM glass, try to do so.

SO how did each one of you resolved your problem ?

Please help.

Safelite Non-Oem windshield replacement...

I had a small air bubble between the sensor and the windshield, had safelite come back and they fixed it. No problems since then

F30ed · 08-08-2017, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Orion4

I had my glass replaced in 15 by a local Safelite with OEM (Pilkington). No issues with Rain Sensor or HUD AND no leaks!

Same here: replaced windshield with Safelite on my X3 - reused same rain sensor, OEM glass, HUD - no isues, no leaks, rain sensor works as before. 5 stars.

ZuerstBMW · 08-09-2017, 10:02 PM

Safelite is the worst. I would never use them ever again. Same thing happen to me using them. They are idiots. I use a local place that my BMW dealer uses and perfect everytime.

Louisgordon1011 · 08-09-2017, 10:25 PM

At my dealership if a customer requests windshield replacement for any reason they call safelight and have them come to the shop to perform the work. We dont do it in the shop we have safelight do the work

DrivenByE30 · 08-10-2017, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Louisgordon1011

At my dealership if a customer requests windshield replacement for any reason they call safelight and have them come to the shop to perform the work. We dont do it in the shop we have safelight do the work

Lol,

i wish i could see the look of all of you who insist on taking your car to the dealership for glass replacement.

Orion4 · 08-10-2017, 08:47 AM

I strongly suspect the Dealerships in the US all use a national glass company for all their windshield/glass replacement and repair work. Its probably cost prohibitive (labor and parts) to have a service specialist for the relatively low volume of work on a daily basis. The dealerships I've used in N. VA and FL all either contract it out or refer you to a company like Safe-lite.

bavarianride · 08-10-2017, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Orion4

I strongly suspect the Dealerships in the US all use a national glass company for all their windshield/glass replacement and repair work. Its probably cost prohibitive (labor and parts) to have a service specialist for the relatively low volume of work on a daily basis. The dealerships I've used in N. VA and FL all either contract it out or refer you to a company like Safe-lite.

The CCRC I used for my windshield replacement had in-house tech, as I saw him doing the work on my car.

bavarianride · 08-10-2017, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrivenByE30

Lol,

i wish i could see the look of all of you who insist on taking your car to the dealership for glass replacement.

The closest CCRC has in-house glass techs, the same is true at two of the three closest local dealers(the last one outsources their glass jobs).

01-21-2016, 08:41 PM	#1
dr adequate Private First Class 91 Rep 144 Posts Drives: 2023 M3 Competition xDrive Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Indianapolis iTrader: (0) Garage List 2023 BMW M3 Competi ... [9.00] 2014 328i xdrive [0.00]	Windshield replacement rain sensor not working Had my windshield replaced a few months ago by Safelite. Noticed since then that the rain sensor is less sensitive and rarely works well enough. I was looking at the sensor (I think) and noticed that it looks like the sensor is partially covered. Is this normal? Does someone else have picture of what it should look like? Attached Images
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01-21-2016, 09:37 PM	#2
BavarianFanatic Too much is never enough 655 Rep 3,079 Posts Drives: Too Many Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: SE PA iTrader: (0)	It doesn't look like it's bonded properly. I'm guessing they moved the old one to the new glass? That doesn't work very well. That's why BMW sells the glass with a sensor attached. Make them redo it.
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01-24-2016, 10:58 AM	#3
x986 First Lieutenant 96 Rep 378 Posts Drives: '16 340, ex e92 335, ex e46 M3 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: North Bay Area, CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 1996 Ferrari F355 [0.00] 2014 Porsche Cayman S [0.00] 2020 M340i [0.00]	Read your Safelife warranty. DFYGWYPF. I doubt you paid for OEM glass, but it is certainly annoying, and you might get them to replace/re-do it. Good luck. (Don't Forget; You Get What You Pay For)
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01-24-2016, 12:23 PM	#4
zamboni I want to drive a Zamboni 1132 Rep 5,558 Posts Drives: 13 E93 M3 18 F80 M3 16 K71 Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Monte Sereno, CA iTrader: (7) Garage List 16 K71 F800GT [10.00] 2018 F80 M3 [10.00] 2013 BMW E93 M3 [10.00]	Always demand for OEM replacement not after market product. __________________ 18 F80 Imola Red 6MT 16 K71 F800GT Montego Blue 13 E93 M3 Melbourne Red 2000 E46,2006 E90,09 E82,13 E93 328i,14 F30 335i,18 F80 M3 My next vehicle would be a Zamboni
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01-24-2016, 01:04 PM	#5
str86diesel Private First Class 33 Rep 157 Posts Drives: 2020 Z4 M40i Alpine White Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Arizona iTrader: (0)	I know what you are going through, in ky last 2 335's, i had to replace the glass, using safelite (due to insurance). Never did the window look or function right. Mthe rain sensor was off nd the windhsield washers never worked right. After that, i vowed to only use oem glass and even verified with my insurance that they will now cover it. I would take it back and have them look at it, or if your insurance will cover it, just do another windshield replace,nt claim and get oem glass. If you talk to the safelite and other glass techs, they swear that their glass is exactly like the oem, but it is not. The fitment is completely different __________________ 2020 Z4 M40i - Alpine White
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01-25-2016, 09:28 AM	#6
rking117 Lieutenant Colonel 118 Rep 1,668 Posts Drives: Z4 3.0i & 320i Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	i wont get my windshield replaced by safelite ever. Did once had leaks thereafter, never again. __________________ Enjoying an E89 Z4, F30 320i and Fiat Abarth // E85 Z4 (sold), E82 128i (sold), Fiat Pop 500 (sold)
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01-25-2016, 10:37 AM	#8
dc503 First Lieutenant 131 Rep 347 Posts Drives: 340i Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Reston, VA iTrader: (3)	I had the same issue with Safelite and the rain sensor on my 135i a few years ago, so I don't think it's a unique situation. As everyone said, if you can force your insurance to authorize OEM glass, try to do so. __________________ IG: LBR_uno
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08-07-2017, 01:40 PM	#11
Orion4 Lieutenant Colonel 481 Rep 1,572 Posts Drives: 2013 335i Sport Line Sedan Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Melbourne, FL iTrader: (0)	I had my glass replaced in 15 by a local Safelite with OEM (Pilkington). No issues with Rain Sensor or HUD AND no leaks!
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08-07-2017, 02:48 PM	#12
CarlosC Private 18 Rep 52 Posts Drives: 2012 BMW 328i Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: San Diego, CA iTrader: (1)	Same with me last year. OEM Pilkington glass (with the BMW logo on it) from Safelite... no issues with rain sensor, auto high beams or HUD.
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08-07-2017, 07:57 PM	#13
DrivenByE30 Brigadier General 592 Rep 3,870 Posts Drives: '12 F30 Lux 335i 6MT Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: OC - SoCal iTrader: (0)	I trust you all that OEM glass is Pilkington, but on my car, all glasses are Fuyao, and the non Oem windshield replaced by Safelite is also Fuyao... What gives? Last edited by DrivenByE30; 08-07-2017 at 08:12 PM..
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08-09-2017, 10:02 PM	#17
ZuerstBMW ¡Viva España! 374 Rep 7,803 Posts Drives: 2023 230i Mineral White Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Apollo Beach, FL. iTrader: (68)	Safelite is the worst. I would never use them ever again. Same thing happen to me using them. They are idiots. I use a local place that my BMW dealer uses and perfect everytime. __________________ 23 G42 230i Mineral White Cognac, Aluminum With Mesh Effect Interior Trim MODS Clear Guard, 15% Ceramic Tint, Floating Caps
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08-09-2017, 10:25 PM	#18
Louisgordon1011 BMW Technician 2014 F32 435i M-sport 6MT - Daily 0 Rep 21 Posts Drives: 2014 435i m-sport Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Hollywood, Florida iTrader: (0)	At my dealership if a customer requests windshield replacement for any reason they call safelight and have them come to the shop to perform the work. We dont do it in the shop we have safelight do the work
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08-10-2017, 08:47 AM	#20
Orion4 Lieutenant Colonel 481 Rep 1,572 Posts Drives: 2013 335i Sport Line Sedan Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Melbourne, FL iTrader: (0)	I strongly suspect the Dealerships in the US all use a national glass company for all their windshield/glass replacement and repair work. Its probably cost prohibitive (labor and parts) to have a service specialist for the relatively low volume of work on a daily basis. The dealerships I've used in N. VA and FL all either contract it out or refer you to a company like Safe-lite.
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