Advanced technology -> Integrated rear suspension for your BMW 5 Series 1995-2003

180nIntegrated rearsuspension  
Rain sensor*  
When the "Intermittent" wiper speed  
position is selected, the wiper reacts  
immediately if water is splashed onto  
the windshield from vehicles traveling  
ahead, for example. As a result, the  
rain sensor provides a contribution to  
driving safety and comfort.  
The control arms on the patented inte-  
The rain sensor controls windshield  
grated aluminum rear axle assembly are wiper operation, depending on how wet  
not mounted directly on the body. They the windshield is.  
are mounted elastically on a chassis  
Infrared light is carried along the surface  
sub-frame which is joined in turn with  
of the windshield in an optical  
elasticity to the vehicle body. The  
conductor in such a manner that it is  
resulting double elastic suspension  
reflected completely when the wind-  
system effectively absorbs the forces  
shield is dry. The quantity of reflected  
resulting from bumps and road surface  
light is measured.  
irregularities.  
If there is moisture on the glass, the  
The compliance rates of the integrated  
rear axle assembly's control arm  
mounts have been precisely calibrated  
amount of light reflected is reduced  
since the infrared light at the surface  
of the windshield can escape. The  
to help provide supplementary adjust-  
quantity of reflected light is thus a  
ment in the tracking angle of the rear  
means of gauging the degree of  
wheels (programmed self-steer effect).  
wetness on the windshield.  
The ultimate result is enhanced safety  
and control under all conditions.