MB-BOB

Ah, now I understand... part of the 2003 repackaging of options. Thanks. It reminds me I need to drop by the dealer and pick up a 2003 brochure, just so I can keep up with you guys. Gotta stay current, ya know...

Duffer

I like them, they work well most of the time, and think it is worth it in a package or alone -- better than the usual manual interval setting which I always must adjust every couple of minutes or so.

lars

Interesting. According to the 2003 brochure, in Canada they remain on the standard equipment list for all the C class models.

Lynn

In the US, the auto-dimming mirrors are now part of the C2 option package on all models except the C32.

We get the alarm as standard and you get the auto-dimming mirrors as standard. Is that a Mercedes commentary on the differences between the US and Canadian societies?

Kal Rubinson

I find the rain-sensor wipers a great convenience since they adapt in speed according to need. That's something I always had to do, even with intermittant wipers which, unfortunately, always seemed to have the wrong intervals as conditions changed.

Same for the auto-dimming mirrors. The center rear-view is no biggie but the side-views are a great asset. I used to have to cover the reflection from my driver's side mirror with my hand (and, sometimes, the passenger's side) when 'certain' trucks had their headlamps aimed directly at my mirrors. That's no longer a big problem.

ericg320

Mine doesn't work quick enough. It wipes long after the point of almost zero visability.

trench

I'll provide another point of view: I don't have the rain sensing wipers, in retrospect I wish I could have ordered them as a stand-alone option if that had been avilable in the US. The non-sensing wipers only have one, unchangeable intermittent wiping speed (about every five seconds or so), that I find unsatisfying. When it comes closer to my Service A visit I may look into retrofitting the rain sensor (which I imagine shouldn't be that much, but some claim the entire windshield would have to be replaced - this doesn't sound logical either for manufacturing or repair).

Regarding the auto-dimming mirrors: this is one of the best features of the car if you have to do a lot of night driving. Especially with all of the ******** out there with incorrectly aimed headlights.

Cheers, BT

avlis

The pen clip in my glovebox broke. The entire glovebox must be replaced. No joke...

MBS

COunt me in as liking the rain-sensing functionality. However, I think the real answer will come in a couple of years when the "new" has worn off.

vadim

...or fog lights

vadim

Try to keep the sensor area as clean as possible - I noticed that dust/dirt has a huge effect. On the other hand, I do think there has to be some way to adjust the sensitivity of this system either programmatically, or in some other way we are not aware of. I'd ask the dealer, who knows, maybe they can do it?

phattbam

the windshields are different for each model. those with rain sensors installed and those without... i learned the hard way but having to replace my windshield...

trench

OK, this is the first time anyone has actually said the windshields were different. When I said the whole windshield needs to be replaced, I was referring to people who had rain sensors fixed that were broken - for some reason the repair required the entire windshield to be replaced, which seems excessive to me (as does the added requirement for having to stock two completely different windshields for these cars).

I'm still somewhat under the opinion it can probably be retrofitted, especially considering the recent revelation that the bi-xenons can be added to pre-2003 cars. Why is it that this forum appears to know more about these cars than the service people here in the US.



Cheers, BT

peet

Before I had them I would have said no way not worth it. Going forward (now that I do have them) I'd definately, and will, buy them again.

P

c230_2k2

I like it , I seldom used it but it gives me one thing less to worry about if it rains light or hard wipers will just do its job.