SL-Class (R231) 2013 on: Discussion on the SL550

SL/R231: Every time I drive in the rain….

Old Sep 12, 2024 | 01:09 PM
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Every time I drive in the rain….

After a few minutes in driving in the rain I get a warning saying my radar sensors are dirty. Anybody else have this error warning? Any fix? Thanks.

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Old Sep 12, 2024 | 01:13 PM
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I've driven in the rain and never gotten this warning. I don't have Distronic.

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Old Sep 12, 2024 | 01:52 PM
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Distronic is great, once you decide to trust it ….
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Old Sep 12, 2024 | 09:03 PM
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In a very heavy downpour, I have had all of my PRE-SAFE functions disabled as the rain interferes with the radar function. However, once the rain let up, all functions were restored.
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Old Sep 13, 2024 | 12:50 AM
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I do my best to only drive my sensor equipped MB in dry weather. If it’s forecast to be raining, I take my 2001MB. I am thinking about getting classic, or maybe even antique plates for that one.

Last edited by MB2timer; Sep 13, 2024 at 12:51 AM. Reason: +.
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Old Sep 17, 2024 | 06:45 AM
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Have never seen the error message before. I do have and like distronic a lot.

Originally Posted by Downdraft
After a few minutes in driving in the rain I get a warning saying my radar sensors are dirty. Anybody else have this error warning? Any fix? Thanks.
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Old Sep 17, 2024 | 08:25 AM
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@Downdraft all of the driver assist and PRE-SAFE functions use a combination of radar sensors and cameras. If the problem occurs in the rain, how long does it take for the functions to restore? Do they automatically restore or do you do something? How heavy is the rain?

You may want to check the primary radar sensor behind the Mercedes Star on the grill for any cracks or moisture intrusion. @CaliBenzDriver has posted elsewhere that he cleaned behind the Star and had significant improvement in the operation of different functions. He is also big on checking circuit boards and electronics for corrosion and loose solderless connections.
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Old Sep 17, 2024 | 10:58 AM
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W212 MY'14 M276-3.5NA @75kMi
DISABLED BY GHOSTS.... RAIN

Originally Posted by JettaRed
@Downdraft all of the driver assist and PRE-SAFE functions use a combination of radar sensors and cameras. If the problem occurs in the rain, how long does it take for the functions to restore? Do they automatically restore or do you do something? How heavy is the rain?

You may want to check the primary radar sensor behind the Mercedes Star on the grill for any cracks or moisture intrusion. @CaliBenzDriver has posted elsewhere that he cleaned behind the Star and had significant improvement in the operation of different functions. He is also big on checking circuit boards and electronics for corrosion and loose solderless connections.
The long distance radar module has an enclosure protected by a round plastic star (sport trim) or a square plastic cover (comfort trim) that accumulates dirt on its backside given enough driving in the rain.

The radar sensitivity automatically gets detuned without any fault. The long distance detection remains functional but the near sight sensitivity goes missing silently.
I found that out when I visited that solderless module and clean the dirty plastic cover.

OP getting an IC display warning suggest the radar is detecting multiple rain/snow echoes. It's one of those modules that is conveniently reset by a Key cyle ON/OFF/ON (while safely parked! ).

This would be most useful in foggy situations but I doubt the GHz antenna is legally alowed to pump out enough power. Fellow Navy and Air Force aviators will understand microwave restrictions to prevent disturbances.

Overall the driving aids gadgets are really helpful given their limitations.

Do not trust your life to solderless consumer electronics.

Refer MB owner manual disclaimers for list of limitations.


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