rain detection unit under mirror.
 

Hi my recently aquired x5 has the red unit under the rear view mirror for the rain detection, however it dosent seem to work.
It may be a retro fit by a previous owner to 'look the part'.

How can I tell if it is
a, faulty
b, wired in
c, check a fuse or relay for it..

Thanks in advance

the red unit under the rear view mirror is the LED for the alarm and nothing else, the sensor for the wipers is on the windscreen where the mirror mounts and looks like a small solar panel

It also adjusts your rearview mirror for day/night driving...

The sensor looks like the one in the pic on this thread....

http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/...ain+Sensor+Pic

Are you using it right?

In my case, the WW will not automatically turn on anytime it is raining. Each time I start the vehicle, I must 'turn on' the automatic system by moving the WW lever to 'intermittent' and back to off.

After that, each time it start or stops raining the WW will respond as needed.

thats it in the pic. each time you start the vehicle you must reset them by turning on the intermittent wipers off and back on, and leave on, they will wipe once as confirmation

Ok, I can confirm I have the sensor.
Can we clarify that every time I get in the vehicle and start the car, I need to turn the wipers on to intermittent and thyen turn off again and they will work if required on that particular 'journey' if they sense rain?

Yes

Thank you all......

NO the wipers must be in the intermittent position to work.

1. when vehicle is started make sure wipers are off
2. Turn wipers to intermittent
3. You will get confirmation wipe
4. Auto is now set