I need to replace a cracked windscreen on my E39. What would be involved in installing a screen with rain sensor instead of the plain one?

the dealer told me when I bought the car that you have to replace the glass and sensor (and it costs a fortune), but I think that's BS. I've heard that if the glass shop is careful and knows what they're doing, they can remove the rain sensor from the old glass, and then put it back on the new glass. That would save you a bunch, but I wouldn't trust just anyone to do it.

Which ever way you have fixed, test to make sure the rain sensor works before you leave the shop (spray it with a hose or something to get the wipers to come on).

rain sensor part can be removed. remove the 2 covers and unclip it.

I've had to replace my windscreen. It is not BS that the rainsensor needs to be replaced too. It does. Once the sensor is removed from the window, it will loose its adhesive and no longer be tight on the new window. Also, the wires themselves are so ridiculously fragile it appears as if they were designed to be destroyed during a removal process.

I purchased a German OEM quality (but not a true BMW) windshield. It cost 1/6 of the cost of the BMW windshied. That is a shitload of money for a tiny roundel in the lower left corner which you will never see. Besides, since the window I purchased has german writing all over it in the same exact font and location as my previous original windscreen, I figure that it very well is an OEM windshield without the roundel simply because I bought it through an independent glass dealer.

Also, you will need a BMW factory tool to remove the lefthand wiperblade arm. This is a serious fucking hassle and most independent glass shops will not have this tool since it is needed only for the left side and only for the e39. The tool is a puller used to remove the aluminum spacer block upon which the wiper arm is mounted.

I've had to replace my windscreen. It is not BS that the rainsensor needs to be replaced too. It does. Once the sensor is removed from the window, it will loose its adhesive and no longer be tight on the new window. Also, the wires themselves are so ridiculously fragile it appears as if they were designed to be destroyed during a removal process.

Also, you will need a BMW factory tool to remove the lefthand wiperblade arm. This is a serious fucking hassle and most independent glass shops will not have this tool since it is needed only for the left side and only for the e39. The tool is a puller used to remove the aluminum spacer block upon which the wiper arm is mounted.
sounds like I was right about not expecting just anyone to be able to do it.

But as long as you don't break the fragile wires, it sounds like the only reason to replace the sensor is because it needs more adhesive. In that case, it seems like the adhesive needs to be replaced, not the sensor.

My car didn't come with rain sensor when I bought it. Since my screen is cracked, I'd like to know if the wiring is in place to install a screen with rain sensor.

I have to replace my windshield too (2002-530I with rain sensor). Got a couple of quotes for some autoglass shops and they are some 50% less than the quote from the dealer (CAN $760,00 plus tax from the dealer)

Talked to the dealer and they say the glass they use is thicker than what other autoglass shops use so there will be no problem with wind noise. Not quite sure if this is true or not.

They also say I have to leave the car in their shop for 24 hrs to let the glue to set.

Quite contrary to this, the other autoglass shops say I can drive away my car right after the installation. I'm a bit lost.

I'm in Calgary, any reliable autoglass shops you would recommend.

Thanks.

need to let the car sit over night for the glue to sit, and the aftermarket glass is going to cause windnoise.

I just read over the entire process as dictated by the BMW Technical Information System. This operation is not for some hacks. If the job is botched you will end up with a lot of wind noise. Wind noise is the reason I was reading up on it as my WS creates a lot of wind noise and it is under warranty. The WS has been replaced once already by a glass shop that was out sourced by the dealer. These hacks botched the job and now I have wind noise.
It is an invasive project. Rain sensing comes off, head liner pulled back, hood off, hot glue knife cutting out old WS and scalpels cutting out old glue, BMW custom tools to measure clearance on the top lip of the WS that meets the roof. All very important sh!t and it should not be delegated to any hacks unless you like wind noise. Furthermore, I would advise buying OEM WS unless of course you like wind noise.
Finally, there is a WS out there called comfort glass which does not allow any heat to pass through the WS. It needs to be special ordered but keeps the interior nice and cool on sunny days. Radar, laser detectors do not work through the glass but there is a rebate in the film at center line top for rain sensor and radar/laser can be mounted up there.
Good luck with it.
Cc

sounds like I was right about not expecting just anyone to be able to do it.

But as long as you don't break the fragile wires, it sounds like the only reason to replace the sensor is because it needs more adhesive. In that case, it seems like the adhesive needs to be replaced, not the sensor.



No man there is no replacing of the Optical Prism body, it is permanently fixed to the winshield, It can not be removed and can only be replaced with a replacement windshield you can however replace the the control module the little box underneath it

Thanks guys, I guess I 'd better stick with the dealer then.

Thanks guys, I guess I 'd better stick with the dealer then.
The dealer is okay, but you don't NEED to use them. You just don't want some new glass shop that has no clue.

I know a guy on another board who works in a glass shop. Here's what he told me:

"Basicly All the rain sensor is, is a sensor connected to the mirror, and a sticky gel that goes on the glass. Those mirrors and sensors dont come apart easy, and there extremley expensive. So Find a Certified Auto Glass Shop. Answer to your question, NO dont spend that much. Go with A shop that is Dow Certified and Uses Pilkington brand/OR OEM Glass. (Pilkington makes 90% of EOM Glass, Only diff. is the Logo)
I believe a BMW must be in drive and with all door shut, set the switch to auto and mist the glass and if the wipers come on it works. Test before and after installation, and follow all Instructions on safe drive away times.

Ive installed many of these on many higher class cars. They're simple, as long as theres NO air bubbles on the sticky gell pad.

And for a ball-park figure, I'd Guestimate no more then $375 Total Including sensor kit,moldings,labor,installation kit,and tax."

I'm sure plenty of people in this forum know way more about the rain sensor than he does, but I'll trust him when he says $375. I'm sure the dealer will be quite more.

I just had my windshield replaced and they did not replace the bottom plastic under the wiper arms. now I know why. They did not have the right tool to use. My repair manual calls out a Special OEM tool # 61-6-060. I have to replace the plastic strip the rubber seal along the windshield is rotted away. Anyone know of an alternative tool to remove the wiper arm?

OK EVERYONE...... Hear me out! I own a Auto Glass Shop. First of all, an aftermarket windshields cost from the wholesaler is only $50-$80, Molding $10-$20, and the rain sensors come ready to install(aftermarket brands) for only $20-$30. Total for a shop is about $100-$150 aftermarket. Now, if your looking to buy a dealer windhield. This is how it works......LISTEN SO YOU WONT GET RIPPED OFF!!!!!!!!!

This is how dumb people are! When calling a dealership, why would you call the service desk for a windshield replacement? First, call the dealer and ask for parts department. Then, ask them how much a windshield is for your car. They will ask, "WE NEED THE LAST 7 of YOUR VIN." Give it to them, and they will tell you retail price. Its like $320 or $375 retail w/rain sensor attached to the windshield. Never let the dealership tell you its an additional price for the rain sensor. BS! It comes on the windshield Brand New in its Big Ass Box! There are 3 different windshield for the e39 5 series. 1) Basic windshield with ony a rear view mirror bracket. 2) Rain sensor bracket attached to the window under the rear view bracket. 3) Rain sensor bracket attached to the window under the rear view bracket, and a little squared box on the bottom of the window thats not tinted and you can see where it is, thats called climate control. Basic is the cheapest, but 2 and 3 are almost similar in pricing. Always be on top of everything! Dealers expect you to rely on them. BS! Be smarter than them. Now when you call the service clerk back, HTF did the service clerk come up with $775 or $900 installed, when you called parts and they are selling it for $375 out the door? Where did this $400-$600 labor come from? HELL NO!!!! You never need a dealer for anything except your warranties! Thats the truth! Everything else is better off done by you and your mechanics and other affiliates.

Depending on who I buy my parts from:

Aftermarket installed w/molding and rain sensor - $200-$350

Brand New Dealer Glass and Molding - $450-500 installed.

Anytime you guys need anything.....ANYTHING AT ALL......Let me know!

Hope this was helpful to you guys.

look bro, its 4-5 hours of labor to install a windshield at bmw. thats there $4-600 labor came from. you know you do have to pay to get it installed. i see so many cars come in for windnoise because aftermarket glass companys use aftermarket windshields, and or the wrong glue. just go to the dealer, have your insurance company take care of it. and be done with it.

I think if you have comprehensive insurance coverage (which pays for glass damage/replacement), I think the dealer is the way to go. Why not? If insurance is covering the cost, why not just start where you would assume it will be done correctly the first time. As long as the insurance company agrees to using the dealer… Then there should be no issues on type of glass, type of glue, special tools etc.

Got a couple of quotes for some autoglass shops and they are some 50% less than the quote from the dealer (CAN $760,00 plus tax from the dealer).
The first time I had to replace the windshield on the E39 the quotes I got from independent shops were the same or higher than the dealer. I just about shat myself when they told me $900 to replace a windshield. Luckily, and I do mean luckily, my car ended up not having the rain sensor so the price was in the $200's.
I don't know about where any of you guys are but we have so many trucks on the highway and none of them ever clean off the debris that is caked all over their rigs. Consequently, it is literally a fucking shooting gallery every time you get behind one of those. I swear to god I pass them almost every time with the "oh shit" button engaged. What is really a treat is when they block all lanes trying to "pass" each other at .125 MPH "faster" than the other rig. WTF? I think I've averaged one new windshield per car per year. It is ridiculous.

LMAO.....You guys dont get it? If you take your car to the dealers, they do not have someone there that does it. only very few dealers do. VERY FEW across the us. Dealers only work on powertrain, THATS IT!!!! Everything else is contracted. Glass, Body work, Tires, Rims(NON OEM), Upholstry, all Contracted. These are all small businesses, which most people dont know. Im not putting dealers down. Im just letting everyone know the truth that they dont want you to know.

Robbylam

look bro, its 4-5 hours of labor to install a windshield at bmw. thats there $4-600 labor came from. you know you do have to pay to get it installed. i see so many cars come in for windnoise because aftermarket glass companys use aftermarket windshields, and or the wrong glue. just go to the dealer, have your insurance company take care of it. and be done with it.



WRONG!!!!!! Sorry BRO! It dont work like that. For any car out there, ANY CAR!!!! It only takes a max. of 2-3 hours. Thats being very careful and really slow. If you know every car and have a routine. With 2 people on it, tops 1-2 hours. There is no such thing as 4-5 hours of labor in the auto glass business. I had a Ferrari F430 in my shop 3 weeks ago. Cost him $3G for the window itself. Imported from italy. Took me and my employee only 45 minutes. One of the easiest setups ive done for a highend car. With him hovering over me to point out. He was soo happy with my service and my staff he gave my guy $100 tip.
But back to the point. This is how Dealers do it. You walk in, say i need a windshield. they say, OK! lets get you setup! Your now done with the paperwork. You comeback on your appointment day. They say, Ok its going to be a few hours. As soon as the car is done we will call you. Or you can sit and wait. Obviously you cannot go into the service area. and you dont know where your car is while its being worked on. Either they dropped it off at the Thrid Party(contracted small business) or its in the back somewhere your not allowed. Anyways, they will make you wait hours after its done. Just so they could make it seem like it was a tough one. I Hate that line btw. Thats where they get your 4-500 Bux. I usally charge the dealers if they provide the material only $100 on labor. If i have to get it. About 2-300. So say the bill is 7-900 dollars. Their profit on the customer is your 4-600 dollars just because you went through the dealership to do work. Anyone dare to question this one? Go to the dealers and ask them about their contracted work.
Most pricks will deny any use of third party affiliations. But its all true. Any honest salesman or retired salesman of automobiles will claim it.

Any questions? HOLLA!

interesting reading - all what I figured the shenanagins that the dealer does to you -
I need to find the very good glass guy in/around San Jose CA - I'll even travel a bit.
I guess they should have the wiper puller ... right? Thanks.