[BMW BRAD]

Hey guys, I have a question that may sound stupid, but I can't figure it out! I would never take my car to the car wash because I just don't trust them to care for my car like I do. My question is, is that when I go to wash the windshield, sometimes I can lift the wipers up to move them out of the way. Other times, they won't budge. Why is that? Thanks!

[snj1013]

Mine can easily be moved but there is a procedure to "park" the wipers.
Turn off the car, move the wiper control arm beyond the 2nd/high speed position for 3 secs. Wipers should go to the most vertical position and stop.

[BMW BRAD]

Originally Posted by snj1013

Mine can easily be moved but there is a procedure to "park" the wipers.
Turn off the car, move the wiper control arm beyond the 2nd/high speed position for 3 secs. Wipers should go to the most vertical position and stop.

I get that, but almost half the time I can just reach and grab a wiper arm, and they will slide up enough to fold them out while I wash the car. Other times, they are locked in place.

[BMW BRAD]

ANYONE?

[wcr3d]

I would have to say it is a problem with the clutch in the motor. With mine it comes up every time.

[Surly73]

Originally Posted by BMW BRAD

Hey guys, I have a question that may sound stupid, but I can't figure it out! I would never take my car to the car wash because I just don't trust them to care for my car like I do. My question is, is that when I go to wash the windshield, sometimes I can lift the wipers up to move them out of the way. Other times, they won't budge. Why is that? Thanks!

Same - although I'd say they come up more often than not. This is the first vehicle I've ever had when you can move them, though, including experience with several past BMWs and other German cars.

The "park" procedure is 'official' - seen that in the manual.

[BMW BRAD]

Thanks for your thoughts. I will keep investigating.........

[Gilgorm]

While washing my car, I innocently tried pulling the wipers to the vertical position and they moved very easily. I can move them to any position between parked and full vertical so washing the windshield is super easy. I've used the proper method all of one time.

[BMW BRAD]

Originally Posted by Gilgorm

While washing my car, I innocently tried pulling the wipers to the vertical position and they moved very easily. I can move them to any position between parked and full vertical so washing the windshield is super easy. I've used the proper method all of one time.

I have owned 5 BMW's, I have always just grabbed one of the blades, slid it up gently, and folded it outward at the hinge. I never knew there was a "Proper" method.

[Surly73]

Originally Posted by BMW BRAD

Thanks for your thoughts. I will keep investigating.........

My thought at the moment -

You'll notice that sometimes when you shut off the engine the car will twitch the wipers to re-park them, flexing the rubber etc so they don't stick. It almost looks like a glitch, but it isn't.

I'm betting that how the wipers were last used, or whether they were re-parked by this algorithm since last full-sweep determines whether you can just pull them up or not.

As I mentioned before, my E39s never allowed you to move them by hand. The resistance from the motor plus gearing prevented that. I don't recall ever being able to move them on my E90 either.

[wcr3d]

Originally Posted by Surly73

My thought at the moment -

You'll notice that sometimes when you shut off the engine the car will twitch the wipers to re-park them, flexing the rubber etc so they don't stick. It almost looks like a glitch, but it isn't.

I'm betting that how the wipers were last used, or whether they were re-parked by this algorithm since last full-sweep determines whether you can just pull them up or not.

As I mentioned before, my E39s never allowed you to move them by hand. The resistance from the motor plus gearing prevented that. I don't recall ever being able to move them on my E90 either.

I think that they were changed for the F10. I would bet that the E36 and E90 were like my E60 and the wipers were above the hood line where the F10 is below it and not accessible unless they are move. The E60 could be accessed without moving the arms.

[HighlandPete]

What is the problem with always using the proper procedure? No need to wonder if they will move or not. Wipers park where you can then simply lift up to clean.

[mko9]

Originally Posted by BMW BRAD

I get that, but almost half the time I can just reach and grab a wiper arm, and they will slide up enough to fold them out while I wash the car. Other times, they are locked in place.

I am with you on this one. I have a very early build 2011, FWIW. Some times the wipers will move, other times not. And I have been completely unable to ever get the wipers to come up by lifting/holding the wiper stalk per the instructions.

[TTG]

I have been wondering about this too for a while.

Sometimes they will move easily and sometimes they are locked.

I have not used my wipers in months so the stalk remains untouched. But wipers can easily be moved during one wash but not the other. I am glad I am not the only one wondering about this.

[pleeson]

On my 2013, the wipers went to correct position after turning off car, then opening door, then holding the wiper switch up for 2 seconds. I couldn't get any other way to do it, procedure wasn't well outlined in the manual.

[Surly73]

Originally Posted by TTG

I have been wondering about this too for a while.

Sometimes they will move easily and sometimes they are locked.

I have not used my wipers in months so the stalk remains untouched. But wipers can easily be moved during one wash but not the other. I am glad I am not the only one wondering about this.

This is why I think it has something to do with the reparking algorithm. You don't need to use the wipers - it just does it when you turn off the engine whenever the software feels it's necessary.

[mko9]

Originally Posted by pleeson

On my 2013, the wipers went to correct position after turning off car, then opening door, then holding the wiper switch up for 2 seconds. I couldn't get any other way to do it, procedure wasn't well outlined in the manual.

To be clear, pushing the start/stop button just once, to turn off the engine. But the radio and stuff will still be running? Then open door, then lift wiper stalk?

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by mko9

To be clear, pushing the start/stop button just once, to turn off the engine. But the radio and stuff will still be running? Then open door, then lift wiper stalk?

Mine (2011 build), only move to the fold-out position following the instructions in my user manual.

Switch ignition on and back off again, then hold the wiper lever upwards beyond the resistance point and hold for about 3 seconds, until the wipers move to the vertical position.

Not sure what the door has to do with it. I've sat in my car with the door closed and it works fine.