[WallyF]

I have just had my 2006 325Xi windshield replaced with an Pilkington OEM windshield by Safelite and found out that it has a condensation (fog) sensor. I did a search on E90 Post and was not able to find a definitive statement. Also, my BMW Owner's Manual fails to mention this function/sensor at all.

Question 1 - Is there any post that explains what this sensor does and how it works that is accurate?

Question 2 - Is there any SIB or offical information from BMW?

Question 3 - Safelite was able to cut the old condensation sensor off the old windshield and reattached it to the new windshield. Do you think that it will still work if it was placed exactly in the same location below the rain sensor?

Thanks for your help.

wallyf

[Kolyan2k]

first time i hear of fog sensor.....

[timmahh]

The windshield does have a condensation sensor that needs to be replaced when the glass is replaced, it detects condensation [window fogging] and will change airflow before it becomes obvious to the driver.

http://parts.bmwofsouthatlanta.com/p...116928326.html


Wally - It sounds like maybe the sensor is glued to the windshield, and is generally replaced w/ the windshield rather than trying to salvage it, but Safelite was able to pull yours off w/o damage(?)

[Kolyan2k]

Originally Posted by timmahh

The windshield does have a condensation sensor that needs to be replaced when the glass is replaced, it detects condensation [window fogging] and will change airflow before it becomes obvious to the driver.

http://parts.bmwofsouthatlanta.com/p...116928326.html


Wally - It sounds like maybe the sensor is glued to the windshield, and is generally replaced w/ the windshield rather than trying to salvage it, but Safelite was able to pull yours off w/o damage(?)

cool.....didnt know that.

[BMWonderful]

The sensor is attached to the window with a soft double back tape, not really glue. While it is possible to remove the sensor and have it stick to the new windshield, when it is done it is preferable to have a new one. I believe we have only had trouble with one or two out of the ones we have done, but that was enough for the owner to strongly recommended to everybody that has one of these windshields done to get a new one.

And yeah, what some one else said, it detects condensation forming on the inside of the glass and will switch the ventilation system to defrost when you have your hvac system in the automatic setting.

[WallyF]

Thanks for the response,

Safelite was able to cut off the sensor with a razor blade without destroying any of the sensor circuitry. They then placed it on the new windshield in the exact position that it was in on the old windshield. They used tape to make sure it stay attached.

So far so good. I have not had condensation occur on my windshield to see if it still works, however. In most cases, I switch on the defroster manually if I see any condensation forming. Probably before the sensor sees any condensation.

How does this sensor detect the condensation? Is it optical and use the IR light emitted by the Rain Sensor? Or is it a moisture sensor?

Any ideas?

Thanks

wallyf

[MrDummy]

so if I am getting it fogging up with it on AUTO then I could possibly have a bad condensation sensor? And would this trigger a light of some sort?

Cause I noticed last night it was about 30°F outside and windows were fogging up bad, even the rear and side windows?

I had AUTO setting on 68°F ???

Thanks

PS Could dirt or dusty windows make condisation a lot worse or easier to form on the inside of the glass?

[cole92]

Originally Posted by MrDummy

so if I am getting it fogging up with it on AUTO then I could possibly have a bad condensation sensor? And would this trigger a light of some sort?

Cause I noticed last night it was about 30°F outside and windows were fogging up bad, even the rear and side windows?

I had AUTO setting on 68°F ???

Thanks

PS Could dirt or dusty windows make condisation a lot worse or easier to form on the inside of the glass?

You can fix that simply by moving the dial from Hot to cold or turning the AC on and then moving the dial back to the middle setting.

[MrDummy]

OK I always have dial at cold and air button is always on as well

[Salle071]

http://tis.spaghetticoder.org/s/view.pl?1/09/87/84

no reason it could not be reused.

[DBU]

Old thread, but I just went through a windshield replacement with Safelite on my E60. Not sure whether the link below also applies to the E90. After my windshield replacement, my BMWhat app indicated an error with the moisture sensor. I suspect Safelite re-used the moisture sensor which is a no-no. Anyways, here is the link from the M5 board:

http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/att...te-control.pdf

[Welcome to NBA Jam]

That is pretty damn cool!