Windscreen wipers and washers (BMW 5 Series E39)

1 - Interval mode / rain intensity sensor*

The interval between switching on can be adjusted in steps using the knurled wheel 7, which has four positions. In addition, automatic adjustment occurs 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 the rain and, of course, snowfall. This means that if you turn on the sensor, you no longer have to worry about turning the windshield wipers on and off and switching from one mode to another. You can fully concentrate on the road. This is especially convenient in bad weather conditions.





The emitter directs infrared light onto the windshield surface in such a way that when the glass is dry, this light is completely reflected. The 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 you to determine the degree of moisture on the windshield.

If the windscreen wipers are switched on in interval mode, they react immediately if, for example, water from the wheels of the car in front gets on your car's windscreen. Thus, the rain intensity sensor contributes to greater driving safety and increased driving comfort.

Turning on the sensor

After turning the ignition key to position 1 or 2, move the switch lever from position 0 to position 1. In either case, the windshield wipers will operate once to confirm that the sensor is on.

You can also turn on the sensor by moving the switch lever to position 1 from any other position, or by engaging the automatic (5) or intensive mode (6) in switch position 1.



The knurled wheel 7 allows you to adjust the sensitivity of the sensor according to your wishes.

Turning off the ignition disables the sensor.

If you want to leave the switch lever in the "Rain intensity sensor" position for a long time, then after turning the ignition key to position 1, you can turn on the sensor by turning the knurled wheel 7.

When washing in a washing machine, turn off the sensor, as unintentional operation of the windshield wipers may lead to their failure.

2 - Windscreen wipers operate 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 fluid is accompanied by a short-term activation of the windshield wipers. A short-term action on the switch lever supplies washing fluid to the windshield, but the windshield wipers do not turn on).

6 - Operation of windscreen washers in intensive mode*

The windscreen washers operate in the same way as when the switch lever is set to position 5, but with an advanced spray of a strong cleaning agent onto the windscreen.

Information on replacing windshield wiper blades is provided in Chapter 11.

Headlight washers*

If the vehicle lighting is on, then every fifth time the windshield washers are activated in automatic or intensive mode, the headlights are automatically washed. To avoid poor visibility, use the washers only if freezing of the washing fluid on the windshield is excluded. Use a special antifreeze liquid. To avoid damage to the windshield washer pump, it must not be turned on if there is no liquid in the filling tank.

Heated windshield washer nozzles

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