windshield wipers BMW M3 CONVERTIBLE 2001 E46 Owner's Manual

70n
Washer/Wiper systemRain sensor
*
When the rain sensor is activated, the
windshield wiper is controlled automati-
cally, depending on the degree of
wetness of the windshield (in both snow
and rain). You do not have to be
concerned with switching the wind-
shield wiper on or off or adjusting the
wipe interval between intermittent and
full wipe. Instead, you can concentrate
fully on the traffic conditions. This is
especially important under adverse
weather conditions.
The rain sensor is positioned on the
windshield, directly ahead of the inte-
rior rearview mirror.
To activate the rain sensor:
>From ignition key position 1 and up,
move the lever to position 1. The
wipers travel once across the wind-
shield, regardless of the weather
>You can leave the lever permanently
in position 1. It is then only necessary
to activate the rain sensor from igni-
tion key position 1 and up. To do this
give rotary dial 5 a quick turn.
To adjust the sensitivity of the rain
sensor: turn rotary dial 5.
Deactivating the rain sensor: put lever
in position 0.Deactivate the rain sensor when
passing through an automatic car
wash. Failure to do so could result in
damage caused by undesired wiper
activation.<
Normal wiper speedWhen the vehicle is stationary, the
wipers switch automatically to intermit-
tent wipe (not on vehicles with rain
sensor).Fast wiper speedWhen the vehicle is stationary, the
wipers operate at normal speed (not on
vehicles with rain sensor).
0 Wipers retracted
1 Clean the windshieldClean the windshieldThe system sprays washer fluid against
the windshield and activates the wipers
for a brief period.
If you pull the lever only briefly, the
system sprays washer fluid onto the
windshield without activating the
wipers.
Do not use the washers if there
is any danger that the fluid will
freeze on the windshield. If you do so,
your vision could be obscured. For this
reason, use an antifreeze agent. Refer
to page 126.

172n
Rain sensor
*
Depending on the amount of moisture
on the windshield, the rain sensor
controls the operation of the windshield
wipers.
Infrared light is carried along the
surface of the windshield in an optical
conductor in such a manner that it is
reflected completely when the wind-
shield is dry. The quantity of reflected
light is measured.
If there is moisture on the glass, the
amount of light reflected is reduced
since the infrared light at the surface of
the windshield can escape. The quan-
tity of reflected light is thus a means of
gauging the amount of moisture on the
windshield.
When the system is set to the "intermit-
tent" wiper speed, the wipers react
immediately – if water is splashed onto
the windshield by vehicles traveling
ahead of you, for example. As a result,
the rain sensor makes a contribution to
driving safety and comfort.