Rear wiper not working.

[DoubleA]

I recently bought the X5 4.4i 2004 in pristine condition, but the rear wiper doesn't work, to be honest I dont quite understand how it work since it dont. I RTFM but still I cant get it to work. My guess is the motor must be toast but how can I possibly be sure ?

Thanks for helping.

[panzercommander]

checked the fuse? is there power to the motor?is the switch good? i wouldn't assume it's a bad motor although it could be.

[DoubleA]

Originally Posted by panzercommander

checked the fuse? is there power to the motor?is the switch good? i wouldn't assume it's a bad motor although it could be.

I'll go check the fuse. On page 69 of the owners manual, it show to activate the rear wiper by pushing the lever to 1 then the rear wiper should be intermittent and 2 would clean the rear window, I have tried several time but was not working so I didn't tried again. I have no idea if there is power to the motor, I guess I would have to open the upper trunk panel right ?

One last thing, my key no more unlock the door at distance, I did a 50 miles drive today so it had plenty of time to recharge my I guess is the battery is dead. I checked the in owners manual again but it doesn't mention how to replace the rechargeable battery or if we can, probably something that BMW charge like 125$ to do. Lol

I only have 1 key + the valet key so I'll have to order at least another one & let me guess that I'll get rip by the dealer for the key. Last week I called one of local BMW stealer to inquire about buying the hitch wire so my boat trailer light can work, I have the hitch but no wire, anyway the guy told told me it's 385$ for the wire + 4 or 5 hours labor at 127$/hr, I was like WTF, a 1000$ to install a freaking bunch of wire, ( my friend has his pick done for 60$ ) anyway long story short I order it online for 199$ and I'll do the install it myself.

[Zoomie]

Here's my wiper story - similar to your own.

For the longest time - last 3-4 months, the wiper and washer have both been dead. Fuses are good, just no action when manipulating the stalk.

The other day we were have a spring shower and I won the key toss to take the X to work. I get in and turn on the front wipers and say to myself "hell, why not?" and try the rear wiper push. Ta-da it works. Washer works too - when I put it in reverse it goes to full speed. All as advertised.

What's the moral here? Don't count an X component as dead until it is smoking and melts in front of you.

The wiper and the washer share the same fuse in the back - if your washer tank was empty and you ran the motor while dry - your fuse might have popped.

I have no clue why the system suddenly is working - I have determined that the X hates the cold. If it drops near freezing - the DC system provides a weak start in the morning - sending erroneous codes to the OBC. I have learned to start the X - let the battery get a quick top up charge, then turn it off and reset the computer. All error codes reset and she works just fine.

[DoubleA]

I only bought the truck about 2 months ago, for a number of reason I was unable to activate the rear wiper, I still dont get it how to activate it. I read the owners manual, but if I follow the instruction it's the front washer that work, no matter what direction I push of pull the arm/button it's the front one that activate. I'm like what the fu... I can rebuild and entire car but I cant seem to figure how this freaking rear wiper works.Lol

Can you tell me where is the fuse located ?

Thanks for helping.

AA