61 35 179 Removing and installing (replacing) the rain/light/solar and condensation sensor

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2019 MINI Cooper, 2018 MINI Cooper, 2017 MINI Cooper, 2016 MINI Cooper, and 2015 MINI Cooper. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

IMPORTANT: Observe the INFORMATION ON PROTECTION FROM ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE .

Preliminary work needed:

Remove INSIDE MIRROR

Removal:

Disconnect connector (1).

Unlock rain/light/solar and condensation sensor (2) at 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.

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage!
After loosening lock, wait approx. 30 min. at 20°C for silicone surface to relax.

Fig 1: Pressing Both Sides Of Metal Spring

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Pull the rain/light/solar and condensation sensor (1) slowly from holder (2) in arrow direction.

NOTE: When replacing the windshield, only remount the rain/light/solar and condensation sensor (1) after disassembly of the windshield.

Detach the rain/light/solar and condensation sensor (1) slowly while observing from outside the release of the silicone surface.

Fig 2: Pulling Rain/Light/Solar And Condensation Sensor

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The silicone surface must evenly loosen from the windshield, if required, detach slower.

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage!
The silicone-coated surface (1) and the PCB (2) on the rain/light/solar and condensation sensor must not be taped or damaged!

When replacing the windshield, immediately install the rain/light/solar and condensation sensor into the new windshield following removal.

Fig 3: Locating Silicone-Coated Surface Area

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IMPORTANT: 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).

Fig 4: Locating Windshield Area

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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!

Fig 5: Locating Windshield Area

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Remove protective cover (1) from new rain/light/solar and condensation sensor.

Fig 6: Locating Protective Cover

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IMPORTANT: The silicone-coated surface (1) and the PCB (2) on the rain/light/solar and condensation sensor must not be touched or damaged!

Fig 7: Locating Silicone-Coated Surface Area

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Installation:

IMPORTANT: 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.

Fig 8: Feeding Rain/Light/Solar And Condensation Sensor Into Holder

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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).

Fig 9: Pressing On Rain/Light/Solar And Condensation Sensor

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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.

Fig 10: Locating Visible Shades

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NOTE:

Initialization and coding are performed automatically by BDC control unit.