Window replaced - rain sensor not working like it use to
 

We had the window replaced on our 2002 X5 about a month ago and last week found out that the rain sensor is not working (no rain in Florida right after the replacement if you can believe that!) like it used to. So I took a look at the sensor as it sits mounted on the window and something doesn't look right to me.
This morning I took these pics so was wondering what you all think? To me, it looks like there are some broken pieces of something but can't figure out what it is. Maybe broken glass from when they took out the old window, something that got broken on the sensor? Anyone have an idea what it is? BTW, the installers were Coast 2 Coast and I'm not too much impressed with them. It took them 3 trips before they got the right window :(

Looks like the sensor is bad. Those guys owe u a new setup

That is one of the problems with the cheaper non-oem glass... the sensor es delaminated from the glass and stops working. I'd push for an OEM windshield as a replacement to ensure you don't have this problem again.

(as the main windshield guy at my dealer I deal with this often)

I did a search and found a post on the bimmerfest forum. Guy did a DIY and from his pics, looks like my problem is caused by the way they re-installed the sensor lens causing bubbles instead of a smooth surface. Attached are his before and after pics.
There was also this comment from an autoglass tech:
"it is very odd that u got the car with the rain sensor looking like that, because pretty much all aftermarket windshields come with the plastic sensor piece already on the glass. whether its OEM bmw, high quality aftermarket, or chinese aftermarket, they all come with the purple piece already mounted."
So it seems like they messed up when they installed the window . . . and indeed need to make it right.

Supposedly this was an OEM windshield "from the factory" (so they told us) but obviously it wasn't.

The blueish/black part in the middle comes built on the glass, and the sensor itself attaches to that with plastic slide clips. That part is NOT swapped from one glass to the other. It is not available separately from the glass on this windshield either. The only ones that come separate from the glass and need to be installed on the new windshield is the round ones on certain E60 models.

You should get a new OEM windshield under parts warranty if that was an actual OEM glass, 2 year parts warranty on stuff like that. (covers the rain sensor etc, not cracked glass)

Called installer and they are coming out to replace it this weekend and I will make sure it's an OEM or back it goes. Will let you know how it went.

Just goes to show you. I went to do an E53 windshield earlier today in the shop and noticed right before installation that the rain/light sensor is partially delaminated from the glass....... now the poor guy has to stay in the rental till a new windshield comes in on Thursday as that was the last E53 windshield in stock. At least the dealer sprung to put the guy in a rental till then.

Quick update. This morning I went out and removed the plastic housing that covers the sensor (very easy to do) and the sensor assembly just fell from the window so can see why it's not working. Also took a couple of pictures from the job they did last time.
So Weasel, if the 'replacement' window doesn't have the sensor when the installer comes out this weekend, is there anyway, he can just "remount" the sensor lens cover? To me, it doesn't make any sense to replace the window if the new one doesn't have one already installed.
If not, sounds like I need to insist that they order a window right from BMW or get one from a local BMW dealer.

Can you snap a photo of the printed information on your windshield glass? It's on the driver's side lower corner and you can read it from outside of the car.