Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
61 35 179 Replacing and installing (replacing) the solar rain/driving-light sensor and condensation sensor
Attention!
Observe the INFORMATION ON PROTECTION FROM ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE .
Preliminary work needed:
- Refer to REMOVING INSIDE MIRROR .
Removal:
Disconnect connector (1).
Unlock the rain/light/solar and condensation sensor (2) from the metal spring (3).
For this purpose, press both sides of the metal spring (3), insert the screwdriver (4) on the side and raise the detent.
Attention!
Risk of damage!
After loosening lock, wait approx. 30 min. at 20°C for silicone surface to relax.
Pull the rain/light/solar and condensation sensor (1) slowly from holder (2) in arrow direction.
Detach the rain/light/solar and condensation sensor (1) slowly while observing from outside the release of the silicone surface.
The silicone surface must evenly loosen from the windshield, if required, detach slower.
Attention!
Risk of damage!
The silicone-coated surface (1) and the PCB (2) on the rain/light/solar and condensation sensor must not be touched or damaged!
Replace DAMAGED GEL PAD .
When replacing the windshield, immediately install the rain/light/solar and condensation sensor into the new windshield following removal.
Attention!
Risk of damage!
The area (1) on the windshield must not be touched or damaged!
The area (1) may have remnants of the separation oil of the rain/light/solar and condensation sensor that are easy to remove. This does not indicate that the rain/light/solar and condensation sensor is damaged.
Remove all separating oil residue within and outside of the area (1).
For replacement:
Carefully clean the windshield at the contact area (1) with the rain/light/solar and condensation sensor! All silicone and separation oil residue must be removed!
Remove protective cover (1) from new rain/light/solar and condensation sensor.
Attention!
The silicone-coated surface (1) and the PCB (2) on the rain/light/solar and condensation sensor must not be touched or damaged!
Installation:
Attention!
Risk of damage!
The silicone-coated surface on the rain/light/solar and condensation sensor must not be touched or damaged.
Feed the rain/light/solar and condensation sensor (1) into holder (2) in arrow direction.
Installation note:
Connect connector (1) only after the rain/light/solar and condensation sensor has been locked.
Press on the rain/light/solar and condensation sensor (2) at the metal spring (3) in a center position.
To lock, consecutively press down both sheet metal tabs (4) on each side.
Connect connector (1) with the rain/light/solar and condensation sensor (2).
Installation note:
Visible shades (1 and 2) do not have any air pockets, but show the optical element of the sensor.
Visible shades (1 and 2) do not represent any functional limitation.
- Initialization and coding are performed automatically by BDC control unit.
Required follow-up work:
- Refer to INSTALLING INSIDE MIRROR .
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.