To those with rain sensor
 

A few questions:
1) How well does it work?
2) Is it worth having?

I always loved the idea of automatic windshield wipers, and adding the rain sensor is a pretty easy install from what I've read. So I just wanted to see what people thought.

The rain sensor came with my 987. It really works well. Worth it if it's not a big deal to install.

Hi,

We have auto rain sensor wipers on my wife's S Type Jag and they're a pain in the *ss. They never select the proper interval for the existing conditions and activate in conditions where you wouldn't even use the wipers at all, even for an occasional swipe.

I cannot imagine that the Porsche version is much better. We NEVER even use it on her car, have it in the inactive position. There are something like a dozen differing intervals to choose from and we always find these work better.

Rather than add this aftermarket (fairly hefty tab), I'd recommend switching to the 996 Potentiometer instead, which I did. This gives you infinitely variable wiper intervals and fills that quarter-sized Blanking Plug in the Center Console in the bargain. Hope this helps...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

I'll be honest with ya, the rain sensor section of the owner's manual confused the crap out of me. Perhaps Jeff or some other 987 owner can tell me how to set them and when/how they work.

Not Porsche, but...
 

my wife's E320 Merc had the rain sensing wiper (yes, just one) and it worked great! Plus it was kind of cool to see that one big wiper do it's convoluted gyration as it traveled across the windshield.

Now she's in a Volvo S80 :barf: , so it's back to boring dual wipers. Hey, they're company cars, so I guess I shouldn't complain. The Volvo *is* comfortable, just uninspiring to drive. But so was the Merc.

Jim - I already have variable speed wipers in my Box.

I think this is something I'll do someday just for the hell of it. And it's not that expensive really. I think the sensor is around $200-250 (which is pricey sure) but it's a far easier upgrade than the OBC hack (which is also in the works when I get the time/energy).

Hi,

If memory serves me, it's more complicated than just adding the sensor. I know there is a different windshield on the cars with Rain Senors than those without.

Whether this is a necessity in retrofitting the system, I'm not certain. But, I know there are two distinct part #s for the two windshields. Be sure to check this out before shelling out for a sensor you cannot use...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99