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2010 2011 BMW 5 Series Forum F10 BMW 5-Series (F10) Forums General 5-Series Sedan and Wagon (F10 / F11) Forum F11 Windscreen Wipers - Abnormally Slow?
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      11-06-2014, 02:59 AM   #1
rmk83
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F11 Windscreen Wipers - Abnormally Slow?

Well, winter is upon us (at least it feels like it with the weather) and I can't help but think that the windscreen wipers in the F11 (LCI) are rather ineffective in heavy rain (our 2007 Volvo and 2010 Seat seem to cope better!)

Example;


I've tried both using auto and pushing the stalk up multiple times but this seems to be as fast as they get. I've noticed a few similar complaints on various forums/comments online but others seem to be suggesting they get faster in heavy rain, mine don't ?

First BMW and I must admit overall I'm impressed with the car save for a few minor niggles but, to date, not so with my local dealer network (the one we bought from was fantastic but at the other end of the country!)
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      11-06-2014, 05:29 AM   #2
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Consider applying a windshield coating (non-permanent if you prefer) that immediately beads the water and considerably improves visibility. I've used RAINEX for many years, but recently switched to a longer-lasting product called Aquapel.
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      11-06-2014, 05:52 AM   #3
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I'd second that.
I use Rain-x and swear by this. The rain will just bead which means you can see more through the windscreen anyway instead of the water just "splurging" (is that a word?) . At higher speeds, you can actually driving along without your wipers on at all, the water just beads and runs off with the airflow.
Its a significant difference and I wouldn't ever consider not applying it. It improves your visibility through the windscreen significantly.

You'll find you'll use your wipers less, which means they will last that bit longer.
Seriously go and buy this or a similar product.
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      11-06-2014, 06:47 AM   #4
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Same issue with from my experience, when raised in the forum I was contacted by one member with details on how to program the sensors to be more responsive and accurate, I can always pass you on his details, I just never got the chance/time to look into it! you can check if they can also change the speed beyond the factory setups!

Last edited by martin mustang; 11-06-2014 at 06:52 AM..
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      11-06-2014, 04:30 PM   #5
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Thanks for the tips on Rain-X ... will give it a try, it's something that needs to be re-applied regularly isn't it ? Or is the windscreen washer additive worth using ?

I'll look into the coding thing as well, but I'm not sure they'll get faster - just more responsive. As can be seen in the video I can't fault it for going into the highest speed setting under those conditions, but the 'fastest' just really isn't fast enough for particularly bad weather.
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      11-07-2014, 03:23 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rmk83 View Post
Thanks for the tips on Rain-X ... will give it a try, it's something that needs to be re-applied regularly isn't it ? Or is the windscreen washer additive worth using ?

I'll look into the coding thing as well, but I'm not sure they'll get faster - just more responsive. As can be seen in the video I can't fault it for going into the highest speed setting under those conditions, but the 'fastest' just really isn't fast enough for particularly bad weather.
I agree with you, it is unlikely that codding will resolve this! in my opinion when referring the F10 to the E60 the biggest mess-ups are the wipers and seat belt positioning in the back seats, had to get extension belts for my kids at in order to use child car seats!
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      11-07-2014, 03:38 AM   #7
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You'd think if it was a widespread complaint it wouldn't be too difficult to fix either with a software update (if the motors aren't being ran at full speed just now, which I reckon is unlikely) or more powerful motors (not a huge cost I'd have thought) :/

Had a look at a few of these rain products and it seems that EnduroShield and Aquapel both get a good name for being longer-lasting (rather than the 1-2 monthly Rain-X applications) so I'll try that when I get a dry day to actually apply it!
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      11-07-2014, 04:28 AM   #8
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It is probably all down to CO2, and keeping consumption figures down, after all Mercedes went as far as shrinking the fuel tank on the new C class, because when testing for the official consumption figures, they have to have a full tank on, small tank got them to save few kilos, in turn better official CO2 rates!
Crazy how bureaucrats in Brussels are now impacting the speed of our wipers
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      11-07-2014, 06:22 AM   #9
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CO2 emissions seem to driving (excuse the pun!) a lot of changes on the cars, the one I can think of are :-
stop-start
electric power steering
LED lights
run flat tyres - no need to carry a spare or a jack
aluminium use in bodywork
eco pro mode - controlling gears, a/c , seat heating
smaller turbocharged engines
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      11-07-2014, 07:38 AM   #10
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I haven't had to use my wipers on full speed since I bought my 5 and was reading this post earlier thinking surely they can' t be that slow... I generally just leave them on auto and they are fine.

The heavens have truly opened up here in Central England today and blimey your right, they are pretty slow on full speed! How ridiculous is that!!

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      11-07-2014, 12:11 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by martin mustang View Post
It is probably all down to CO2, and keeping consumption figures down, after all Mercedes went as far as shrinking the fuel tank on the new C class, because when testing for the official consumption figures, they have to have a full tank on, small tank got them to save few kilos, in turn better official CO2 rates!
Crazy how bureaucrats in Brussels are now impacting the speed of our wipers
I saw a test of the new C and I thought the tank size (41 liters I think) was a typo.
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      11-08-2014, 12:18 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by remmib View Post
I saw a test of the new C and I thought the tank size (41 liters I think) was a typo.
Yep it was I think in Autocar mag, I read about the prototype and how they reduced the tank for the purpose of low official CO2 levels as the rule state that when testing the tank has to be full, kind of desperate act from Merc, when the journalist raised the inconvenience of having to go the Gas station more often, they argued well the small tank will take you further due to the weight reduction!
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      11-08-2014, 01:20 PM   #13
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Not happy with the wipers on my F11 either.
Had them cleaned with some window cleaner and that helped a bit, got the grime and grease off them.
I just polished my car yesterday for winter prep, and I did polish the windows too, not sure if they made a difference. I will also look into a coating for mine.
My problem was not so much the speed, but this lingering "film" when the wipers returned, this took a second or so to "evaporate". So basically could only see properly when the wipers were going up.

41 liter tank, what a joke, I think the 65l tank on the 5 is small, my 850 has a 90l tank
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      11-08-2014, 01:43 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by The Beast View Post
I haven't had to use my wipers on full speed since I bought my 5 and was reading this post earlier thinking surely they can' t be that slow... I generally just leave them on auto and they are fine.

The heavens have truly opened up here in Central England today and blimey your right, they are pretty slow on full speed! How ridiculous is that!!

The short video clip above is from a small road in the Scottish Highlands but weather like that is not uncommon up here, and we did have to slow to a crawl / pretty much stop at one point because we couldn't see where we were going. Which is a bit of a worry on a single track road, because inevitably there will be someone coming the other way with decent wipers at a decent speed
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      11-08-2014, 01:46 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by remmib View Post
I saw a test of the new C and I thought the tank size (41 liters I think) was a typo.
Bit off-topic but I believe in Germany there's a 66 litre tank as an option, which is standard in the UK.. Despite this, they still quote the official consumption and weight figures based on the 41 litre tank. Huh :/
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      11-08-2014, 06:59 PM   #16
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Took my car into tbe local valeting shop today for a wash and hd polish, asked them about the window coating and they had some by a company called Gtechniq so I got it put on all the windows. Water seems to bead off but it's not been raining too badly today so will see if this helps in poorer conditions...
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      11-08-2014, 07:09 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by The Beast View Post
Took my car into tbe local valeting shop today for a wash and hd polish, asked them about the window coating and they had some by a company called Gtechniq so I got it put on all the windows. Water seems to bead off but it's not been raining too badly today so will see if this helps in poorer conditions...
Gtechniq is good stuff, pro detainers use it.
I have used some of their products and I was considering their window coating over the rainX when I checked the website where I buy my detailing stuff.
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      11-09-2014, 08:58 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Noggie View Post
Gtechniq is good stuff, pro detainers use it.
I have used some of their products and I was considering their window coating over the rainX when I checked the website where I buy my detailing stuff.
Yeah thought it would be, this place is partnered with Gtechniq and have set up a display area for their products. Gtechniq will be coming in to do product demos.

They have just set up a specialist detailing bay where they will be offering full detailing packages for more upmarket vehicles.
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      11-09-2014, 11:30 AM   #19
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I too love Rain-X but I got tired of applying it (especially in winter) so switched to their windshield washer fluid by the same name. It works about 80% efficiency of the applied type. It also comes in winter and summer versions but I tend to run the winter version all year long. I'm not sure if it is just a North American product.
Since your car is new you might also considering asking for a new set of blades under warranty. I've had two new cars that have needed new blades shortly after delivery.

OP, at the least, the dealer should be able to replace or re-program the wiper motor to help with your speed problem. I feel that my wipers are going to fly off the car when used in the high speed setting.

One last point. Do NOT use the BMW purple windshield washer. I received two free jugs when I picked up my car and noticed that the purple dye turned into clumps that can potentially clog the washer lines.
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      11-10-2014, 08:32 AM   #20
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Enduroshield applied - so we'll see how that goes

Quote:
Originally Posted by Gilgorm View Post
Since your car is new you might also considering asking for a new set of blades under warranty. I've had two new cars that have needed new blades shortly after delivery.
The wiper blades are great, it's just the speed that's an issue

Quote:
OP, at the least, the dealer should be able to replace or re-program the wiper motor to help with your speed problem. I feel that my wipers are going to fly off the car when used in the high speed setting.
I've been told it's normal and not adjustable... Might try another dealer.. I've also eMailed BMW Customer Care so we'll see what they have to say.
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      11-11-2014, 02:26 AM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Gilgorm View Post
I too love Rain-X but I got tired of applying it (especially in winter) so switched to their windshield washer fluid by the same name. It works about 80% efficiency of the applied type. It also comes in winter and summer versions but I tend to run the winter version all year long. I'm not sure if it is just a North American product.
Not sure I would want to spray this stuff all over my paintwork, i'm sure they tell you it's safe but if it coats the screen then surely it leaves a residue on your paintwork too...
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      11-11-2014, 04:14 PM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by The Beast View Post
Not sure I would want to spray this stuff all over my paintwork, i'm sure they tell you it's safe but if it coats the screen then surely it leaves a residue on your paintwork too...
I completely understand your concerns but most higher quality windshield fluid contains some added products. I've used Rain-X fluid for years (including on 2 black BMWs) and have never noticed any paint deterioration or staining any different than the cheap blue stuff (glorified water) found at most gas stations. The purple BMW stuff left more colour on my hood but it too washes off easily with no abnormal marks. I do wax my cars which may help with paint protection.
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