S-Class (W220) 1999-2006: S 320 CDI, S 320, S430, S 500, S 600

Replacing rain sensor...windshield removal necessary?

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Old May 28, 2009 | 08:58 AM
  #1  
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Replacing rain sensor...windshield removal necessary?

So the dealer is telling me the windshield needs to come out to put in a new rain sensor since its bonded to the windshield.

Is this true or not?

Thanks.
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Old May 28, 2009 | 10:53 AM
  #2  
~CL500~'s Avatar
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From: Northern NJ
E90 N54 & W251
Originally Posted by Oliverk
So the dealer is telling me the windshield needs to come out to put in a new rain sensor since its bonded to the windshield.

Is this true or not?

Thanks.

Interesting question. I have seen a windshield fully removed once and the sensor was still intact to the interior assembly. I'm still not sure about the bonding though as I didn't witness how it was removed. I guess this can easily be verified by getting something suitable and gently attempt to slide it in between the sensor and the windshield. If it's bonded, you won't get through. Try a playing card or a credit card.
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Old May 28, 2009 | 11:13 AM
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Is on the inside glass , tucked inside the rear view mirror ( where it attaches to the glass). the plastic cover pops out , and it's Rain & also light sensor .
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Old May 28, 2009 | 01:42 PM
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Yeah I know where it is, and I know it is glued to the glass. But there is no reason you shouldn't be able to remove the sensor, clean the glass, and install a new one, in the car in my opinion.

I guess I'll ask about it later.
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Old May 28, 2009 | 01:54 PM
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Originally Posted by Oliverk
Yeah I know where it is, and I know it is glued to the glass. But there is no reason you shouldn't be able to remove the sensor, clean the glass, and install a new one, in the car in my opinion.

I guess I'll ask about it later.
If its not working then it wont hurt to try.....u cant brake something thats already broken. Go for it and let us know how it worked out, I think mine is bad too, it goes crazy sometimes.
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Old May 28, 2009 | 02:18 PM
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Originally Posted by Oliverk
Yeah I know where it is, and I know it is glued to the glass. But there is no reason you shouldn't be able to remove the sensor, clean the glass, and install a new one, in the car in my opinion.

I guess I'll ask about it later.
Agreed. After going to the parking lot and looking at mine, it seems entirely possible that this can be done from the inside. I wonder what the WIS procedure is, if one exists, to replace the sensor.
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Old May 28, 2009 | 02:23 PM
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Originally Posted by Oliverk
Yeah I know where it is, and I know it is glued to the glass. But there is no reason you shouldn't be able to remove the sensor, clean the glass, and install a new one, in the car in my opinion.

I guess I'll ask about it later.
oh sorry . ok here we go . what about when you replace the windshield ? I did it and they removed my old sensor , installed the new glass and place my sensor back on . worked w/out any problems and it was on my 02 S430 . so the dealer is straight BSing you .
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Old May 28, 2009 | 02:28 PM
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From: Clifton, NJ
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well they aren't telling me that they need to replace the glass, but rather remove the glass to replace the sensor.

if anything I'll buy the sensor myself for $58 and get after it with a heat gun and some brake cleaner.
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Old May 28, 2009 | 08:34 PM
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Originally Posted by Oliverk
well they aren't telling me that they need to replace the glass, but rather remove the glass to replace the sensor.

if anything I'll buy the sensor myself for $58 and get after it with a heat gun and some brake cleaner.
Trust me no need to remove the glass
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Old May 28, 2009 | 09:00 PM
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ok, they are going to give it a shot without removing the glass.

These guys have been nothing but 100% straight with me so far, so I trust them at this point.

we shall see if they deliver.
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Old May 30, 2009 | 09:24 PM
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Originally Posted by Oliverk
ok, they are going to give it a shot without removing the glass.

These guys have been nothing but 100% straight with me so far, so I trust them at this point.

we shall see if they deliver.
Good luck with that one. On the S Class the rain sensor is made onto the glass. The acutal modules are inside the mirror. The thing about that is, the sensors are just small light thingy's that are bonded to the glass. nothing that can fail. th actual receiver modules are what go bad. Either way, the little light thingy's come with a new glass. Mine did. I would be surprised if the dealer is even capable of 1. getting them separate, and Or 2, able to properly secure them to a windsheild.

I am assuming your car is still under warranty.. I'd just get a new glass. It will be cleaner than having somone put some glue or something on an old windshield.

If your car is not under warranty, it's cheaper to have a rock hit it and get a new one paid by your Insurance Company. mine got cracked and that's what I did. I also found out by my installer that the 1100.00 they charged the Insurance company would have been about 650 had I called them myself. HE also told me that when you get your window installe at the Mercedes dealer, they are the contractor who comes to replace the window. ( go figure ). my dealer wanted 1350 to install my glass and didn't want to file an insurance claim. ( joke ).

Anyway a brand new winsheild comes with the light sensors built into it. ad Honestly my new window works better than the original. He even swapped the benz sticker in the lower r/h corner.
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