Sensor for Rain Sensing Wiper

Lizard · 07-28-2007

I'm thinking about getting the rain sensing wipers feature installed on my car. Does this look like it has the rain sensor included with the light sensor? For those of us who has the premium package, can you look at yours and tell me if it looks like this? Thanks.

**DansSlk** · 07-28-2007

Its impossible to tell visually mate, to be honest so far people in the US who do not have the rain sensing wipers have not had the sensor installed.

I would expect your car to be the same

VitaminT · 07-28-2007

I have the same place in the top of the windshield but don't have rain sensing wipers. Guess that doesn't really answer the question you had about do you have the sensor but my guess would be not. I can't imagine having the sensor and not having it coded.

On a good note the sensor shouldn't be more than about $50usd + coding. Going to get it done at my next service in 2600mi. Probably will buy the sensor online and install it myself and then just have the dealer code it. If I do I will take pics of the two to compare.

Bubba · 07-29-2007

So can rain sensing wipers be retrofitted as I would love that on mine and thought it would need loads of the dash pulling out

aquascape · 07-29-2007

Doesn't need anything taking out on the dash. Just remove the interior mirror, release the metal clip that holds the rain or light sensor in, unplug it and plug in a combined rain and light sensor (cost about £60).

This is all that is involved physically but you need to have it then enabled by Mercedes with a star diagnosis machine.

Don't let them tell you that you need a new windscreen or any rubbish like that, it is simply not true.

aquascape · 07-29-2007

The rain and light sensor is combined.

Same unit is used in the A-Class (169) SLK (171) and B (245)

Light and rain
----------------------------------
A 171 820 15 26 (code setting 28)
A 171 820 37 26 (code setting 30)
A 171 820 39 26 (code setting 32)

Light only
----------------------------------
A 171 820 30 26 (code setting 28)
A 171 820 38 26 (code setting 30)
A 171 820 40 26 (code setting 32)

VitaminT · 07-30-2007

What is the difference in the code settings? Is that what they have to do in SDS?

Genesis_SLK350 · 08-16-2007

I just had a rock hit my windshield and got it repaired by my insurance with OEM parts, and they had to replace a new sensor for the light and rain since there is a gel that sticks the sensor to the windshield, so if I'm not mistaken this is not a plug and play kinda thing, if you buy a new sensor I think you would need to make sure they include that adhesive since it will render the sensor useless without it... And have MB activate the rain sensor part...

VitaminT · 08-16-2007

Great info. Maybe Dan can comment on if you can buy it or if it will be ok if you just pull one sensor and drop the new on in.

**richard_leeds** · 06-06-2008

Hi Dan,

I asked my dealer about retor fitting the rain sensors. The reply came back that I'd need a new screen, new module, changes to the wiring harness, etc.

When I questioned him, he admitted that he assumed that because there were no retro fit instructions on the computer therefore it was a major change.

I have the plastic oval mount on my screen with the 6 holes highlighted by etyu. http://www.slkworld.com/63307-post2.html

Does this need any of the control optional modules to function? If so, how can I check the module is installed?

Thanks

Richard

**alroumi** · 06-06-2008

Any procedures to have them work automatically I still dont know how to function them, I've heard if they are auto my car when it is getting cleaned should turn on the wipers by itself if I spray water over the windshield.

Is that correct and is there any way for me to do so ?

**DansSlk** · 06-06-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by richard_leeds

Hi Dan,

I asked my dealer about retor fitting the rain sensors. The reply came back that I'd need a new screen, new module, changes to the wiring harness, etc.

When I questioned him, he admitted that he assumed that because there were no retro fit instructions on the computer therefore it was a major change.

I have the plastic oval mount on my screen with the 6 holes highlighted by etyu. http://www.slkworld.com/63307-post2.html

Does this need any of the control optional modules to function? If so, how can I check the module is installed?

Thanks

Richard

So your windscreen openings look identical to Eddy's? If so then you should only need a combination rain/light sensor and perhaps a lens to go between it and the windscreen.

The sensor just plug's into the overhead control panel module, it's not a major job.

**DansSlk** · 06-06-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by alroumi

Any procedures to have them work automatically I still dont know how to function them, I've heard if they are auto my car when it is getting cleaned should turn on the wipers by itself if I spray water over the windshield.

Is that correct and is there any way for me to do so ?

Is that a question Mo?

**alroumi** · 06-06-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by DansSlk

Is that a question Mo?

Yes I would love to know how to turn that function on.

**etyu** · 06-06-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by alroumi

Yes I would love to know how to turn that function on.

Key at position 1 or 2. Turn the wiper control unto the first stop only. The wipers will work 1x. Try squirting water unto the rain sensor part and see if the wipers work automatically.

**richard_leeds** · 06-06-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by DansSlk

perhaps a lens to go between it

So the the lens is always required, and the "perhaps" means it might (or might not) already be there?

Should I order it seperately or is it included in pack if I get one of the part numbers listed above?

**richard_leeds** · 06-06-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by VitaminT

What is the difference in the code settings? Is that what they have to do in SDS?

My understanding is that they are the same unit, but variations in sensitivity durin manufacture means they are calibrated into three groups.

**DansSlk** · 06-06-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by richard_leeds

So the the lens is always required, and the "perhaps" means it might (or might not) already be there?

Should I order it seperately or is it included in pack if I get one of the part numbers listed above?

The lens is always required and its kinda gel'd onto the windscreen, it helps focus everything.

If your windscreen looks like Eddy's then you might already have the correct lens fitted and then you will only need to swap the sensor OR you might already have a rain/light sensor but with the rain function disabled.

Best thing you can do is to get a combo rain/light sensor from MB since they don't cost much and it will save any is it / isn't it debate, I'm not sure if the lens comes with the sensor or not but yours should work.

**DansSlk** · 06-06-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by richard_leeds

My understanding is that they are the same unit, but variations in sensitivity durin manufacture means they are calibrated into three groups.

Different groups for different type screen's.

**DansSlk** · 06-06-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by alroumi

Yes I would love to know how to turn that function on.

Quote:

Originally Posted by etyu

Key at position 1 or 2. Turn the wiper control unto the first stop only. The wipers will work 1x. Try squirting water unto the rain sensor part and see if the wipers work automatically.

There you go Mo, Eddy's on the money.

If you have any drama's i hope to have the DMS up again by the end of next week so i will get your car's datacard to confirm the sensor is fitted.

07-28-2007	#2 (permalink)
DansSlk Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,623 Country: Thanks: 91 Thanked 182 Times in 139 Posts	Its impossible to tell visually mate, to be honest so far people in the US who do not have the rain sensing wipers have not had the sensor installed. I would expect your car to be the same __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

06-06-2008	#11 (permalink)
alroumi Moderator Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Kuwait City, Kuwait Vehicle: 2006 Kleemann Designo Mocha Black SLK55 AMG Other Toys: 2007 Ebony Jaguar XKR Coupe' and 06 Black Cayenne S Posts: 6,214 Country: Thanks: 290 Thanked 223 Times in 134 Posts	Any procedures to have them work automatically I still dont know how to function them, I've heard if they are auto my car when it is getting cleaned should turn on the wipers by itself if I spray water over the windshield. Is that correct and is there any way for me to do so ? __________________ 06 Kleemann Designo Mocha Black SLK55 AMG 06 Porsche Cayenne S 07 Jaguar XKR Coupe' I use the Torque and keep the HP for my Steak Sauce!

07-28-2007	#3 (permalink)
VitaminT Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Alabama Vehicle: 2005 SLK55 Posts: 361 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I have the same place in the top of the windshield but don't have rain sensing wipers. Guess that doesn't really answer the question you had about do you have the sensor but my guess would be not. I can't imagine having the sensor and not having it coded. On a good note the sensor shouldn't be more than about $50usd + coding. Going to get it done at my next service in 2600mi. Probably will buy the sensor online and install it myself and then just have the dealer code it. If I do I will take pics of the two to compare.

07-29-2007	#4 (permalink)
Bubba SLK World Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Bucks Vehicle: 06 280 Posts: 41 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	So can rain sensing wipers be retrofitted as I would love that on mine and thought it would need loads of the dash pulling out

07-29-2007	#5 (permalink)
aquascape SLK World Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: West Midlands, UK Vehicle: SLK55 AMG Posts: 99 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Doesn't need anything taking out on the dash. Just remove the interior mirror, release the metal clip that holds the rain or light sensor in, unplug it and plug in a combined rain and light sensor (cost about £60). This is all that is involved physically but you need to have it then enabled by Mercedes with a star diagnosis machine. Don't let them tell you that you need a new windscreen or any rubbish like that, it is simply not true.

07-29-2007	#6 (permalink)
aquascape SLK World Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: West Midlands, UK Vehicle: SLK55 AMG Posts: 99 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	The rain and light sensor is combined. Same unit is used in the A-Class (169) SLK (171) and B (245) Light and rain ---------------------------------- A 171 820 15 26 (code setting 28) A 171 820 37 26 (code setting 30) A 171 820 39 26 (code setting 32) Light only ---------------------------------- A 171 820 30 26 (code setting 28) A 171 820 38 26 (code setting 30) A 171 820 40 26 (code setting 32)

07-30-2007	#7 (permalink)
VitaminT Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Alabama Vehicle: 2005 SLK55 Posts: 361 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	What is the difference in the code settings? Is that what they have to do in SDS?

08-16-2007	#8 (permalink)
Genesis_SLK350 Senior SLK World Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Fort Myers, FL Vehicle: SLK 350 Black; Vossen 19's with carlsson diffuser; painted euro clear side markers; aerowings Other Toys: 2007 Cadillac Escalade 24 inch Armano wheels complete package, my family car;) hehehe Posts: 103 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I just had a rock hit my windshield and got it repaired by my insurance with OEM parts, and they had to replace a new sensor for the light and rain since there is a gel that sticks the sensor to the windshield, so if I'm not mistaken this is not a plug and play kinda thing, if you buy a new sensor I think you would need to make sure they include that adhesive since it will render the sensor useless without it... And have MB activate the rain sensor part...

08-16-2007	#9 (permalink)
VitaminT Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Alabama Vehicle: 2005 SLK55 Posts: 361 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Great info. Maybe Dan can comment on if you can buy it or if it will be ok if you just pull one sensor and drop the new on in.

06-06-2008	#10 (permalink)
richard_leeds Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Leeds, UK Vehicle: 05 350 Posts: 207 Country: Thanks: 16 Thanked 10 Times in 7 Posts	Hi Dan, I asked my dealer about retor fitting the rain sensors. The reply came back that I'd need a new screen, new module, changes to the wiring harness, etc. When I questioned him, he admitted that he assumed that because there were no retro fit instructions on the computer therefore it was a major change. I have the plastic oval mount on my screen with the 6 holes highlighted by etyu. http://www.slkworld.com/63307-post2.html Does this need any of the control optional modules to function? If so, how can I check the module is installed? Thanks Richard