Windscreen wipers and washers (BMW 3 Series E46)

1 Interval mode or rain intensity sensor*

Interval mode

The interval between switching on can be adjusted in steps by means of a knurled wheel 6, which has four positions. Additionally, the switching on interval is automatically adjusted depending on the actual speed of movement.

Rain intensity sensor

The sensor allows you to automatically adjust the frequency of the windshield wipers depending on the intensity of rain or snowfall. This means that when the sensor is on, you no longer have to worry about turning the windshield wipers on and off or switching from one mode to another. You can fully concentrate on the road. This is especially important in bad weather conditions and contributes to greater traffic safety and increased ease of driving.



If the windshield wipers are switched on in interval mode, they will immediately react if, for example, water from the wheels of the car in front gets on the windshield of your car.

The infrared emitter directs light through an optical system onto the windshield surface in such a way that when the glass is dry, this light is completely reflected. A sensor measures the intensity of the reflected light.

If the glass is covered with water droplets, the degree of reflection decreases, since the infrared light partially passes through the glass. The intensity of the reflected light allows us to determine the degree of moisture on the windshield.

Turning on the sensor

After turning the ignition key to position 1 or 2, move the lever switch to position 1. The windshield wipers will operate once.

You can leave the lever switch in position 1 for a long time, and then you only need to turn on the rain sensor after turning the ignition key to position 1. To do this:

• turn the knurled wheel 6 or
• activate the automatic windshield washer mode.

The knurled wheel 6 allows you to adjust the sensitivity of the sensor according to your wishes.

When passing car wash vehicles, turn off the sensor, as unintentional operation of the windshield wipers may cause them to break.

2 Operation of windshield wipers at normal frequency

When the vehicle stops, it automatically switches to interval mode (this does not apply to vehicles with a rain sensor).

3 Operation of windshield wipers at increased frequency

When the car is stopped, the windshield wipers operate at normal frequency (this does not apply to vehicles with a rain sensor).

5 Operation of windshield washers in automatic mode

Spraying the windshield with washing liquid is accompanied by a short-term switching on of the windshield wipers.

By briefly pressing the lever switch, washing fluid is supplied to the windshield, but the windshield wipers do not turn on.

Headlight washers*

If the vehicle's lighting devices are on, the headlights are automatically washed every fifth time the windshield washers are activated in automatic mode.

To avoid reducing visibility, use the washers only if there is no risk of freezing of the washing fluid on the windshield.

Use a special antifreeze liquid.

To avoid damaging the windshield washer pump, do not turn it on if there is no fluid in the reservoir.

Windscreen washer nozzles

Heating is carried out automatically* if the ignition key is in position 2.

The original text of the article is available on the resource BMWMAN