Darkmann - 1/7/2007 7:47 PM It serves absolutely no purpose. I didn't know that non rain sensor equipped cars come with rain sensor windshields. If you have one of those, then your rain sensor system may not be working. If MB installed rain sensor windshields in non rain sensor cars, then the only logical reason is that it's a hell of a lot cheaper for them to make just one type of windshield rather than two. I highly doubt that's the case though since the rain sensor package cost a bundle. So here's a poll: who has rain sensor windshield but doesn't have rain sensor wiper system?

rudeney - 1/10/2007 3:38 PM You should not have that item unless you have the rain sensor. Besides what your dealer tells you, what makes you think you don’t have rain sensor wipers? If it’s because they run intermittently when in the “- - -“ position, then it might be that what someone told you (maybe me?) about a loose wire is true and that you *do* have the option. My ML had the rain sensor option, but one rain-free day, it went into “intermittent” mode (I always left the stalk in the “- - -“ position for convenience). I found that the wiring harness connected to the sensor control behind the mirror housing was loose. Basically, that red piece you see through the windshield is the rain sensor lens which comes glued to the windshield for vehicle equipped with the option. Also, the plastic housing behind the mirror (covering the mirror’s attachment to the glass) will be larger so that it can cover the electronic module attached to the lens. If your vehicle has all of this, either there’s a big mistake and they put the wrong parts in (which is doubtful, knowing the factory’s build process) or you actually have the rain sensor and it’s not working. If the line item was on your window sticker, then it should be on the vehicle. There are *no mistakes* on window stickers (lest someone gets in big legal trouble) .

MBnAZ - 1/11/2007 4:31 PM AsianML, my 2003 ML350 Inspiration has this same sensor and no rain wipers. I didn't get the package that included those. When I needed a new window a couple of months ago, they didn't even ask if I had rain sensor wipers, and they put the exact same windshield in that I had, including the sensor you have photographed. I asked the window tech if I had the rain sensors, and he said he didn't know, but this was the window called for from the VIN and provided by local dealer. I checked with my SA at the dealer, and he confirmed that my vehicle is not so equipped. Maybe ML is indeed using a single windshield as suggested above. It could be that this sensor piece is cheap to produce but that the supporting electronics justify the additional costs when ordered. Also, I think that pachage included the trip computer, locking drawer under the passenger seat, etc. I guess I'll need to start looking at others I see in parking lots now!