Windshield wipers are kaputt

rowsdower · 05-06-2019, 10:22 AM

I started up my 128i today and used the windshield sprayer. It sprayed for a few seconds until I let go of the stalk, then the wipers stopped halfway up the windshield. Now the wipers won't move and the sprayers don't activate. I tried restarting the car but no joy. I am guessing this is some kind of electrical issue since the wipers and sprayers stopped at the same time. Maybe a relay somewhere is done. Before I start digging into the car, are there any common failures I should be looking at first? I only found a few threads here and on the E90 forums, none were that helpful.

olds350 · 05-06-2019, 10:59 AM

first I've heard of this, subscribed. I guess the obvious question is have you checked the fuses?

jkoral · 05-06-2019, 06:39 PM

If not the fuse, could be the relay. My relay has been noisy since new, making a clicking noise on each swipe. Googling around had some hits with other BMW model wiper relays. Didn't check part # on realoem, but looks like BMW uses the same relay for at least a dozen different models:

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...y/61366980177/

rowsdower · 05-06-2019, 08:10 PM

When I got home from work, I did some more testing and plugged into ISTA. It's not a fuse issue, since the wipers will work twice per start. It is either the relay, wiper motor, or a wiper position contact. I did just replace my valve cover yesterday so I'm hoping I didn't mess up the motor somehow. The relay is $16 (the one linked above is correct), and the wiper motor is $378...

And it's supposed to rain all week so I'm stuck driving the Mazda.

I'm getting used to ISTA and it is WAY better than INPA. Really glad I got it installed.

NorthernDancer · 05-07-2019, 11:59 AM

Another very good reason to join BMWCCA. You get access to their technical guy [Mike Miller] who usually responds within 24 hrs [often within 2-4 hrs] with expert technical advice.

rowsdower · 05-12-2019, 06:22 PM

Was not the relay... When reinstalling my strut brace bolt during my valve cover job, I got the cable for the wiper motor caught underneath the bolt head. The insulation stripped just a bit and it must have grounded to the bolt. I pulled it back out, re-torqued the bolt and now everything works as it should. That was easy, and I'm glad it wasn't the car breaking YET AGAIN but due to my own mistake which is somehow less frustrating.

05-06-2019, 10:22 AM	#1
rowsdower Captain 641 Rep 695 Posts Drives: 2011 128i 6MT Sport Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Texas iTrader: (0)	Windshield wipers are kaputt I started up my 128i today and used the windshield sprayer. It sprayed for a few seconds until I let go of the stalk, then the wipers stopped halfway up the windshield. Now the wipers won't move and the sprayers don't activate. I tried restarting the car but no joy. I am guessing this is some kind of electrical issue since the wipers and sprayers stopped at the same time. Maybe a relay somewhere is done. Before I start digging into the car, are there any common failures I should be looking at first? I only found a few threads here and on the E90 forums, none were that helpful.
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05-06-2019, 10:59 AM	#2
olds350 Needs a long road trip... 347 Rep 527 Posts Drives: '11 e91, '13 e88, '19 golf R Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: NC iTrader: (0)	first I've heard of this, subscribed. I guess the obvious question is have you checked the fuses?
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05-06-2019, 06:39 PM	#3
jkoral Lieutenant Colonel 1021 Rep 1,965 Posts Drives: 2017 M2 LBB 6MT Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: MA iTrader: (7)	If not the fuse, could be the relay. My relay has been noisy since new, making a clicking noise on each swipe. Googling around had some hits with other BMW model wiper relays. Didn't check part # on realoem, but looks like BMW uses the same relay for at least a dozen different models: https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...y/61366980177/
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05-06-2019, 08:10 PM	#4
rowsdower Captain 641 Rep 695 Posts Drives: 2011 128i 6MT Sport Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Texas iTrader: (0)	When I got home from work, I did some more testing and plugged into ISTA. It's not a fuse issue, since the wipers will work twice per start. It is either the relay, wiper motor, or a wiper position contact. I did just replace my valve cover yesterday so I'm hoping I didn't mess up the motor somehow. The relay is $16 (the one linked above is correct), and the wiper motor is $378... And it's supposed to rain all week so I'm stuck driving the Mazda. I'm getting used to ISTA and it is WAY better than INPA. Really glad I got it installed.
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05-07-2019, 11:59 AM	#5
NorthernDancer Colonel 848 Rep 2,276 Posts Drives: 08 Sedona 128 & 06 330xiT 6MT Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Ottawa On Canada iTrader: (3)	Another very good reason to join BMWCCA. You get access to their technical guy [Mike Miller] who usually responds within 24 hrs [often within 2-4 hrs] with expert technical advice.
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05-12-2019, 06:22 PM	#6
rowsdower Captain 641 Rep 695 Posts Drives: 2011 128i 6MT Sport Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Texas iTrader: (0)	Was not the relay... When reinstalling my strut brace bolt during my valve cover job, I got the cable for the wiper motor caught underneath the bolt head. The insulation stripped just a bit and it must have grounded to the bolt. I pulled it back out, re-torqued the bolt and now everything works as it should. That was easy, and I'm glad it wasn't the car breaking YET AGAIN but due to my own mistake which is somehow less frustrating.
	Appreciate 0 Quote