SL/R230: Auto wipers
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 367
Likes: 0
From: Scotland
2004 SL500, 2007 R350 Sport
Auto wipers
If I jump in the car after it's been raining, the wipers although set to auto don't seem to detect the rain on the windscreen. All other times they work fine. Anyone else notice this?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,604
Likes: 125
2026 Mercedes CLE53A4 AMG Cabriolet and 2025 MAYBACH EQS680V4
Originally Posted by Scotsman
If I jump in the car after it's been raining, the wipers although set to auto don't seem to detect the rain on the windscreen. All other times they work fine. Anyone else notice this?
If it is the sensor, I hate to say it but I think the sensor is part of the windshield so you'd need a whole new windshield.
Good Luck.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,604
Likes: 125
2026 Mercedes CLE53A4 AMG Cabriolet and 2025 MAYBACH EQS680V4
Originally Posted by jasab
Sounds a strange fault, especially if the sensor performs well after a few wipes.
Does anyone know if the sensitivity can be adjusted?
Does anyone know if the sensitivity can be adjusted?
Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
From: England
SL500 '05
Originally Posted by jettie1767
I think it's normal. Even my Lexus does the same thing. Unless I have two faulty sensors from two different car manufacturers.
The SL seems to wipe too many times, you might as well have on constant.
Trending Topics
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
Newbie
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 24
Likes: 1
From: Atlanta, GA
SL55, 360 Spider, NissanTitan
Scotsman, My VW T-reg as well as my SL works the same way as you described. I also recall my 996 doing the same thing. The sensor does not activate the wipers when starting the car after standing in the rain. It must be a German thing!
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 731
Likes: 23
From: 30-A
2024 AMG G63, 2023 Bentley GTC Speed
I believe the sensor on the windscreen senses the MOVEMENT of the water beads, not the mere presence of water beads. Will the wipers start after you have begun driving?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 367
Likes: 0
From: Scotland
2004 SL500, 2007 R350 Sport
Nup, that's the problem. Once the initial wipe is made they then work fine.
As I said though, it's only when I jump in the car after it's been raining so it's no big deal I guess.
On another note - been feeling guilty about driving the SL most of the time and leaving the Jeep GC with my wife. That was until Wednesday when she decided to scrape(gouge really) the side of the Jeep off a concrete pillar.
Guilt has now disappeared!
As I said though, it's only when I jump in the car after it's been raining so it's no big deal I guess.
On another note - been feeling guilty about driving the SL most of the time and leaving the Jeep GC with my wife. That was until Wednesday when she decided to scrape(gouge really) the side of the Jeep off a concrete pillar.
Guilt has now disappeared!
